Historical Society to host Veterans Speak

SPARTA — On Nov. 13 a panel of veterans will share their service experiences with the community through a program put on by the Sparta Historical Society.

Rev. Ernie Kosa, Marty Schweighard, Donald Devore and Frank Armario, and Mike Rahill veteran’s of the Korean and Vietnam War will comprise the panel.

Rev. Koza's Korean experience includes front line experience, living in a cave at the front line and having his life saved by a guide who pushed him to the ground and fell on him when a shell fell next to them. Rev. Koza also saw service during the Vietnam War where he followed the troops to the front lines.

The panel is sponsored by the Sparta Historical Society and the meeting will take place at the Sparta Ambulance Building located 14 Sparta Ave. at 7:30 p.m.

Marty Swheighard, a US Navy veteran, served three years on a Navel Cruiser during the Korean war. He will share what it is like to serve on a military vessel.

Frank Armanio served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. Armanio is the Second Vice President of the State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America.

He will relate his experiences in service and as an advocate for all veterans. Armanio will also discuss the post service needs of veterans.

Mike Rahill spent one year stateside for training and two years with the US Army’s 9th Infantry in the Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Rahill said they were called the “Brown Water Navy.”

Donald Devore served with the infantry in Vietnam. He is an active veteran serving as the Chaplin for the 21 of the VFW.