World War II Veterans Levi "Sarge" Nelson, 98, and Thelma Williams Jr., 97, were honored during a program at the Eagles in Junction City Saturday.
Military Affairs Council Director said it was an opportunity to say thanks for all that they have done and say how much their service for the country was appreciated.
Williams entered the Army in September of 1941.
"So when the war was declared December 7, I had already been trained," he said.
Williams served in the anti-aircraft artillery and spent time in the Philippines and Germany, and after World War II served in the military police. Williams was originally from Junction City and, after his military career ended, served as the Chief Court Services Officer for the 8th Judicial District. On the recognition Saturday, Williams said he was surprised. "They told me they was going to do this. I had no idea what was going on."
Levi "Sarge" Nelson served in Europe during World War II during the war, in the Pacific after the war, and then came to Fort Riley. There were different jobs, but one involved driving trucks.
Today, at the age of 98, "Sarge" works at JC Transportation, and he still works every day. He enjoys it. "I like it and I'm able."
Saturday was the final day of Black History Month. It was noted that Nelson and Williams were "history right here." The two Veterans received a standing ovation.
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