County to host lieutenant governor for Korean-era veterans coin presentation; commissioners offer to visit homebound

Lincoln County's Veteran Service Officer Thomas Gann told commissioners on June 22 that the state will provide a challenge coin to eligible Korean-era veterans and the lieutenant governor has been asked to attend a local presentation so elderly veterans would not have to travel to Lincoln.

"The state has put together this coin. It's a challenge coin...for all Korean era veterans," Gann said, explaining the effort to honor veterans who served between June 27, 1950 and Jan. 31, 1955. He said the county identified roughly 50 potentially eligible veterans in its database, with about 10 indicating they expect to attend.

Melissa Sveding of the county veterans office prepared outreach materials and a flyer and organized logistics. The community college donated a theater and a reception space at no charge and offered refreshments; neighboring counties including Dawson, Logan and Keith had confirmed or tentatively agreed to participate to make the event accessible to veterans across the region.

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the outreach and agreed to present coins to veterans who cannot travel to the ceremony. Gann asked commissioners to let the veterans office know at least a week in advance for head counts; Commissioners indicated they would assist in presenting coins at nursing homes and residences when necessary.

The event is planned for late July (Gann indicated a potential date around July 24); the county is coordinating with the state for exact timing and delivery of coin supplies.