Local Korean War Veteran to be Honored

A local 93-year-old Korean War Veteran is being honored with a Ceremony of Recognition.

According to a press release from the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks published in the Branson Tri-Lakes News, Marine Corp Staff Sergeant Richard Johnson, currently on hospice care in his home in Branson, is a ‘Hidden Gem’ in Branson. 

Johnson recently began sharing his experiences from his military career with the Library of Congress, and local colleagues. One of these recollections of his experiences about being a part of the ‘Frozen Chosin’  have been recorded by representatives from College of the Ozarks. During the recording of this experience, the hospice chaplain, Chaplain Craig Buck was in attendance. Buck, who is also the Chaplain for the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks (VMCO), shared Johnson’s story with VMCO. 

In response to his story being shared the VMCO put together a Ceremony of Recognition this month. Johnson will be presented with Certificates of Accommodations, honorary flags, and offers of respect for his service as one of the ‘Frozen Chosin’ while in the war in Korea on Saturday, Jan. 15, from Missouri State Senate Mike Moon, and Missouri State Representative Brian Seitz and on Thursday, Jan. 20 by Missouri Congressman Billy Long and US Senator Josh Hawley. Branson Mayor Larry Milton will also be at one of these dates.

More on the story can be read on the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website.

(Story by AJ Meakins, Branson Tri-Lakes News)