Blacktie Beat: United Veterans Committee Banquet draws Medal of Honor winners

My Blacktie colleague Pamela Cress last week covered the United Veterans Committee of Colorado Annual Banquet. The coalition is a non-profit coalition of over 55 veterans’ service organizations, affiliates and associates representing more than 465,000 retiree/veterans throughout Colorado. All the party pix are here. — Penny Parker.

Medal of Honor recipients George Sakato (oldest in Colorado) and Sal Giunta (youngest in Colorado).

By Pamela Cress
BLACKTIE-COLORADO
The oldest and the youngest Medal of roshe run Honor recipients in Colorado have quite a bit in common, as was evidenced by the presence of youngster Sal Giunta and WWII veteran George “Joe” Sakato at the 40th annual United Veterans Committee banquet on Sunday.

Both have a deep commitment to our country, our service people, our values and our integrity, and both feel that they carry the Medal of Honor as a representation of all those who can’t carry it, or who never came home.

Giunta gave a heartfelt speech that gave a glimpse into why he had the character to risk his life for his fellow infantrymen, and why he utlimately had what it took to wear that representative Medal of Honor. Mr. Sakato also spoke briefly about his experiences and how he has carried the torch for his fellow servicemen to this day. He was joined by several members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team from WWII, and the salutes, thunderous applause and standing ovation still did not seem like enough.

Past President of UVC Jay Bobick returned as jovial emcee, and Governor John Hickenlooper also made an appearance to declare his support for veterans’ initiatives. UVC President Ralph Bozella gave a rousing testimonial to the efforts of UVC recently to get aid and support for veterans within the legislative and political arena.

The UVC is a non-profit coalition of over 55 veterans’ service organizations, affiliates and associates representing more than 465,000 retiree/veterans throughout Colorado.

Many awards were presented to others who have shown their honor and commitment:

• Lifetime Achievement: Marvin L Meyers;
• Veteran of the Year: Izzy Abbass;
• Distinguished Federal Legislator: Congressman Ed Perlmutter;
• Distinguished Veterans’ Advocates: US Senator Michael Bennet and US Senator Mark Udall;
• Distinguished Legislators: State Senator Linda Newell, State Senator Bob Bacon, State Representative Kathleen Conti, StateRepresentative Su Ryden;
• Distinguished Service: Glenn Kataoka, Steve Rylant, Michael Shapiro;
• Distinguished Achievement: Tom Reigle;
• Meritorious Service: Andy McKean;
• Meritorious Achievement: Cameron Cook;
• Legislative Service: Myron Spanier;
• Outstanding Veteran Service: Jack Levinson;
• Outstanding Veteran Service Officer: Elise Harrison, Ben Mestas; Outstanding Service: Jordan Schupbach;
• Outstanding Veteran Service Organization: 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Employer Support for Guard and Reserve:
• Outstanding Public Organization (serving veterans): 9News Morning Show

A heartfelt thanks to all of these men and women who help us show our appreciation for veterans.