November 14, 2025
This year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building began with the posting of the colors. Chaplain Charles “Chuck” Humphrey opened in prayer; then American Legion Post 4 Commander Chip Wangelin led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, several members of the American Legion highlighted the ideal that the virtues born of war (honor, obedience, sacrifice, courage, and discipline) should be carried into peace, but war’s brutality and carnage should be left in history.
Next, Pocatello Police Officer Jordan Johnson was introduced as the guest speaker. Officer Johnson spoke on the meaning of the phrase “Thank you for your service.” He recounted the story of how, as a seventeen-year-old private passing through an airport, an elderly lady had spoken those words to him. “I wanted to shake hands with a hero today,” she added. Her words inspired Officer Johnson to do his best to live up to her words.
Johnson also shared the story of a welcome he and his comrades received at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport upon returning from deployment to Iraq. One member of the welcoming committee was an older gentleman wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat, who shook Officer Johnson’s hand and said, “Thank you for your service.” Officer Johnson said that he saw in the veteran’s eyes that he himself did not receive a welcoming committee when he came home, and he was never going to let another returning soldier have that experience.
Johnson also spoke of his gratitude for being able to serve this country, joining in brotherhood with veterans in his own family and throughout history. “I’m humbled to be able to be here. I’ll close with these words: Thank you for your service,” he said, addressing the veterans present.
After Officer Johnson spoke, Senator Mike Crapo’s Regional Director, Farhana Hibbert, was introduced. Mrs. Hibbert presented three local women with the Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veteran’s Service Award. This award is given annually as a way to honor the contributions of veterans and those who serve them. It includes a Spirit of Freedom certificate, a U.S. flag, and a certificate verifying that the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the recipient. This year, a total of 24 awards were presented across the state.
The first local recipient of the award was Eva Ackerman, a key volunteer at luncheons and dinners served at the Veterans Building. Her citation reads, in part, “Eva has assisted veterans since 2010. She said it makes her heart happy to know she was able to do a little bit for someone. She volunteers with a number of organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 4, Run to Remember with the Field of Heroes, Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association among others…She enjoys it when the various organizations come together to work toward the same mission, and she shared, “I’ve met several veterans who are very good. I love to find the good in people. Unfortunately, Ms. Ackerman was unable to be present to receive her award.
The second award recipient, Cheri Honas, has spent the last six years serving on the American Legion Auxiliary. A mother of three, grandmother, and great-grandmother, this tiny lady has a huge heart for veterans. Her citation reads, in part, “Cheri loves meeting new people and the feeling that God gave her the time to give back. She cannot think of a better way to use her time than dedicating it to serving veterans…Cheri said, “God looks down on all of us and smiles when he sees us making someone happy. He especially loves his veterans.”
The third and final recipient was Lynn Leggat. Her husband, William, was a member of the U.S. Air Force. Her citation reads, in part, “After William passed away, Mrs. Leggat was guided through prayer to serve veterans. She started out helping with steak dinners at the American Legion after hearing about a dinner on the radio and showing up to help. She is now a staple at any luncheon or dinner, has become the chaplain for her organization, and plans to also serve at the Veterans’ Home…The list of projects Lynn assists with is lengthy and also includes assisting with the Field of Heroes Information Booth, 9/11 Commemoration, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Veterans Day Luncheon and Veterans Day Parade. Lynn loves being of service.”
Thanks were then extended to all who attended the ceremony, including Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser. After the conclusion of the ceremony, a delicious lunch was served by Happy to Help of Pocatello.
(Audrey Simmons, contributor)
