4 Williamson Viet Nam War Vets March in ‘Welcome Home’ Parade

Four Williamson Viet Nam War veterans — Army vet Joe Vaites, drafting/construction technology instructor; Marine vet Dan Massuto, construction technology instructor; Air Force vet Jack Bierling, facilities manager; and Navy vet Ken Nelson, construction technology-carpentry instructor — marched in Brookhaven’s “Welcome Home” parade on Sunday. The parade was held to give the veterans of the Viet Nam and Korean Wars the welcome home they never received. About 150 veterans marched from the Christian Academy to the municipal building accompanied by the Penncrest High School marching band. Speeches were given by Mayor Mike Hess and Mario Civera, Delaware County Council chairman, to frequent applause. The parade was organized by Councilwoman Denise Leslie (daughter of “Cass” Leslie, Williamson’s receptionist), and Rick Fuller, a retired police officer.