(Chelsea Update would like to thank Chelsea District Library for the information in this story.)
Chelsea District Library recently announced the 2019 Veterans Day observance in partnership with the City of Chelsea, American Legion Post #31, and VFW Post & Auxiliary #4076 on Monday, Nov. 11.
Local veterans and the community are encouraged to attend these free events, starting with a Tribute to the Fallen in Veterans Park at 1 p.m., where City Mayor Melissa Johnson will introduce this year’s speaker, retired U.S Army Chief Warrant Officer Tom Zatkovich.
Zatkovich enlisted into the U.S. Army in January of 1967 at the age of 20. After basic training, he was assigned to helicopter flight school, graduated qualified to fly Huey helicopters, and appointed a medevac pilot.
In January of 1968, Zatkovich was sent to Vietnam where he would fly 390 missions and evacuate about 760 soldiers, civilians, and even children to medical care. After sustaining a gunshot injury while on a mission in October of 1968, he was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1969 having been awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
While on leave during his Army training in 1967, Zatkovich married his high school sweetheart, Diane Cielen, and raised two sons, Dan and Jason. Zatkovich retired from Ford in 2007 after 34 years. He resides in Chelsea, and takes pleasure in handyman activities, boating, and volunteering with the Lions organization and the American Legion.
Following this tribute, our honored veterans, their families, and members of the public are invited to reconvene at the Chelsea Comfort Inn at 2 p.m. for light refreshments and firsthand accounts from members of the 60th Assault Helicopter Company.
Expected to attend are pilot Jim Alford, crew chief John Highfill, pilot C.J. Percle, and Barbara Oliver Bagnall, sister of a fallen Vietnam War veteran.
Learn about the use of helicopters in American wars and listen as each member shares a story about a fateful helicopter rescue mission in 1972.
In addition to the day’s events and as a gesture of appreciation to our local active military and veterans, the library offers a special military library card. “It’s a small way to give back to those who give so much to protect our country’s freedom,” said Lori Coryell, library director in a press release.
This special card allows the holder to borrow materials without incurring overdue fees and provides $10/year towards printing costs. To apply for a CDL military library card, you must live within the Chelsea District Library service area and provide one of the following forms of military identification: VA card, VA designation on driver’s license or state ID, active military ID, or discharge papers – DD-214.
For more information regarding these Veterans Day events, please contact the City of Chelsea, (734) 475-1771 or the Chelsea District Library, (734) 475-8732.
