ASHLAND NEWS by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Ashland native receives Purple Heart, other medals
Korean War veteran Omer Deabay, a 1948 Ashland High School graduate now living in Bristol, Conn., recently received the service medals he earned during his service in the U.S. Army.
After entering the military in 1951, Deabay served as a sergeant in the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division. He continues to support veterans in his community, participating in a Korean War veterans group that has raised money for Korean War monuments in Bristol and Forestville.
“Mr. Deabay bravely served our nation during the Korean War, sacrificing his safety for out freedom,” said U.S. Rep. John Larson, who joined Bristol Mayor Art Ward in presenting the medals. “I thank him for his bravery during the Korean War and for his continued efforts to support the veterans community in Bristol and across Connecticut.”
“Mr. Deabay served his country with honor and distinction and has earned our utmost respect and extreme gratitude,” added Mayor Ward.
Deabay was presented with a Purple Heart, a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award and a United Nations Service Medal.
Mr. Deabay’s wife Pauline is the former Pauline Saucier, who also grew up in the Ashland area.
Editor’s note: This information was submitted by another Ashland native who lives in Connecticut, Donald G. Tilley, who graduated Ashland HS in 1950 and also served his country during the Korean War. They both are members of the Korean Veterans Association of Bristol, Conn.
Food and Tag sale
Come get a jump on your holiday baking! The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will be having a Food and Tag sale this Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the VFW. Sale items include winter clothing and gear for infants through adults, children’s toys and books, household items and so much more. Or, come support the club by having a hotdog lunch. In addition, 50/50 tickets will also be sold. Tell everyone you know. Call 435-7137 with any questions.
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, contact Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too! For more information, contact Rachel Stevens at 435-6358.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
