Brown County Veteran 93-year-old Jessie Becktold was honored Friday afternoon for his service in World War II.  Becktold is a resident at Oak Ridge Manor in Brownwood.

Officials at Oak Ridge Manor, Gentiva Hospice and local veterans held an informal ceremony presenting Becktold with a special lapel pin that read “Honored Veteran” and a certificate thanking Becktold for his service to the United States.  The certificate read, “We pay special tribute to you for your military service to America and for advancing the universal hope of freedom and liberty for all.”

Becktold sat in front of an American Flag, telling stories of his two eventful years in the military as a Marine.  One specific time was February 1945, when he witnessed the U.S. flag being raised at the summit of Mt. Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima.  Becktold stated that the flag had actually been set and then a photographer had the flag removed so that a larger flag could be set for a better photo.

“I remember two dates specifically, February 20, 1945 when the Navy dropped me off on the island and the other was March 15, 1945 when they told me, ‘I hope you have your sea bags packed,’ and the Navy had come to pick us up,” said Becktold.  “I’ve been to that place once and I didn’t like it.”

He laughed as he told another story of getting off of the vessel that took him to Iwo Jima and how he was told he had slept through an air raid.

Becktold stated that being in Iwo Jima was one of the worst experiences he had ever had but that God had protected him.  He also said that the men on the island were very happy to see the flag raised, knowing that the battle was over and they would soon leave the island.

Becktold is, according to the nursing home staff and hospice officials, nearing the end of his life and his mind is rapidly deteriorating, so his family and caregivers wanted to have a ceremony while he could enjoy it and know that he was being honored for his service.

“If you think your prayers have to be loud, you’re wrong,” said Becktold.  “I said lots of silent prayers.  The good Lord took care of me.  I know that, and now he is working on something else.”

Hospice Chaplain Bobby Machan agreed as he and Becktold spoke of the promise of Heaven and that God was at this moment working on Becktold’s mansion.

Gentiva Hospice social worker Gay McNabb stated that the ceremony was a part of Hospice’s We Honor Veteran’s Programs.  She explained that many veterans do not talk of their military experience because they do not want to burden their families with the horrors they have faced.  Through the program, Hospice pairs veterans with Hospice volunteers who are also veterans.  Mr. Becktold has been paired with both Chaplain Machan and McNabb, who often listen as he reminisces of the war, giving him someone he is able to more comfortably talk to about the wartime experiences.

Veterans interested in volunteering with this program are encouraged to contact Gentiva Hospice at 325-643-5718.

Pictured above is Becktold (seated) with his son Duane and representatives of Gentiva Hospice and Oak Ridge Manor.

Becktold laughs as he tells stories of his military experiences.

Duane Becktold (right) proudly listens to his father speak during the ceremony.