The Peru Gazette

Joseph Kelley (Right) and Escort Jeff Pescia

Peggy Eisele escorted by her son Ed Eisele

By John T. Ryan

A Peru resident and the mother of a Peru resident are among the fifteen veterans participating in the North Country Honor Flight today. Joe Kelley and Ed Eisele’s mother Peggy Eisele both served in the U.S. Navy. Joe Kelley (1943-46) served in the Philippine Theater as an Executive Officer on a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI). Peggy Eisele served in administration as a Navy Wave from 1943 to 1945.

The Honor Flight send-off began at 7:15 AM at the U.S. Oval with a Flag Ceremony and remarks by Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon and main speaker WPTZ New Anchor George Mallet. Police and motorcyclists led the motorcade to Plattsburgh International Airport where a large crowd applauded as the veterans entered the terminal. The flight was scheduled to takeoff at 9:30 AM.

This afternoon the veterans will visit the National World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Monument if time allows. At 5:30 PM they will stop at VFW Post #8097 in Jessup, Maryland for dinner. They are scheduled to arrive back in Plattsburgh at 10:45 PM.

Click here to see a slideshow with music for a desktop computer. Click here to see individual ceremony photos.

The veterans being honored today include:

• Rolland O. Barre, Malone, NY, U.S. Army 1943-46, escorted by Kim Drzymala
• Joseph J. Demarco, Jay, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Patrick Perry
• Clarence E. Duquette, Cadyville, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Debra Varin
• Florine “Peggy” Eisele, Saranac Lake, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Ed Eisele
• James J. Fleming, West Chazy, NY, Army of Canada, escorted by Kelly Roberts
• Francis F. Karl, Onchiota, NY, U.S. Air Force 1950-54, escorted by Barbara Ellen Hlat
• Joseph W. Kelly, Peru, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-46, escorted by Donald “Jeff” Pescia
• Victor E. LaFountain, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1945-47, escorted by Terri Mumley
• Arthur L. LeFevre, Morrisonville, NY, U.S. Army 1946-47, escorted by Stephen LeFevre
• Robert S. Mullady, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Mike Mumley
• Stanley A Ranson Jr., Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1946-78, escorted by Cliff Sterling
• Sandy F. Romeo, Massena, NY, U.S. Marine Corps 1942-45, escorted by Sandy Romeo Jr.
• Lorn J. Snow, Ausable Forks, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-47, escorted by Kyle Brister
• Robert E. Stoneberger, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Richard Cutting
• John E. Sweet, Port Henry, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Janice Sweet.