American Legion to honor POWs, MIAs
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – The battalion commander of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 1st/110th based in Connellsville Township will be the keynote speaker as American Legion Post 301 pays tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, but have yet to return home. The Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) program will be held at noon Saturday at the Connellsville National Guard Readiness Center with Lt. Col. Timothy H. Blayney as guest speaker.
An Iraqi War veteran, Blayney joined the National Guard in 1984 and has served in numerous capacities, including tank platoon leader, company executive officer, operations officer, and battalion logistics staff officer before being named as battalion commander in August 2006.
During his military service, Blayney has received the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass and Mobilized Device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Pennsylvania 20-Year Medal, Major Gen. T.R. White Medal and Gen. T.J. Stewart Medal.
Blayney is employed by Eastman Chemical Co. in Kingsport, Tenn., as a global business manager.
American Legion Post 301 Secretary Thomas W. McFadden said that the ceremony would pay tribute to Fayette County veterans who lost their lives during the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq and the Pennsylvania Vietnam War veterans that remain unaccounted for by the military.
Also taking part in the ceremony will be the American Legion Riders; Jim Smith, American Legion Post 301 vice president and service officer; the Molinaro Band and the Rev. Dennis M. Roser.
The National Guard Readiness Center is located at 701 Petersburg Road in Connellsville Township.
The public is welcome to attend.