VERONA – Local veterans were invited this week to Oneida Nation’s seventh annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony at the Nation’s Shenendoah Clubhouse. Wolf Clan Representative Keller George, a Korean War veteran who retired from the U.S. Air Force, presented Col. Clark F. Speicher with a Friendship Feather to thank him for his attendance. 

Oneida warriors, the nation’s first allies, fought beside the colonists during the Battle of Oriskany and the Battle of Saratoga in the War for Independence and members of the Oneida Nation have served in the military during war and peace since that time. 

On hand were past American Legion Department of New York 6th District Vice Commander Bradd Vickers, Chenango County American Legion Auxiliary President Judy Baker, Oxford post 376 American Legion Auxiliary member Rainy Collins-Vickers, and American Legion Department of New York Employment Chair Terry Bresina to hear U.S. Air Force Colonel Clark F. Speicher, commander of the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) in Rome, address more than 300 veterans and their guests at the Nation’s Shenendoah Clubhouse.