Aldridge Honored for Military Service at Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

Slide 1: Lisa Blair presents Bob Aldridge with a commemorative quilt. Slide 2: Closeup of Bob Aldridge. Slide 3: Aldridge (lower left) serving in Germany. Slide 4: Aldridge's Certificate of Service from the United States Army.

WENATCHEE - In remembrance of Veterans Day, each year the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center selects a local veteran to honor with a hand-made, commemorative quilt donated by their quilting group. This year they chose Bob Aldridge, a longtime member at the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center. He was presented with the award during a lunchtime ceremony in the senior center's social hall on Friday, November 8.

Not only has Aldridge served his country, but he continues to volunteer at the senior center and at KC Help, an independent nonprofit corporation that loans durable medical equipment to the community free of charge. 

At the age of 19, Aldridge joined the U.S. Army. He served his country for 6 years and received an honorable discharge at the completion of his service. During his service, he was stationed in Germany and acted as an aircraft mechanic in Bootygun. While there, he received the Army of Occupation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After three years in Germany, he returned to the United States to complete his final three years of service.
 
Lisa Blair, executive director at the senior center, presented Aldridge with the quilt in a heartfelt ceremony. "Bob, we are so grateful for your decision to defend our country, and the inherent risks you knew you’d be taking. We are so proud to be able to honor you today!" she said, holding back tears. "We are privileged to be able to honor all the men and women who have previously served in our military. Many have returned home to their families, but many have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we are eternally grateful."