America’s veterans deserve appreciation.

A small gesture can go a long way
A letter, handshake, or formal ceremony, or simply saying thanks can go a long way towards honoring the idea of sacrifice for one’s country.

Duncan Bracey, a student at Columbia Middle School, showed his appreciation for America’s veterans by writing the winning essay in the Tyrrell County Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot Pen Contest.

Bracey won $50.00 cash, a Patriot Pin metal and dog tags for his efforts in the contest.

“Our veterans are a symbol of freedom, integrity, and courage. I try to live up to these standards, but nobody can do it like our veterans. This is a very emotional topic for me, because I come from a military family,” says Bracey in his essay.

Bracey notes in his essay that his family has a strong military background.

“My late Great Grandfather, Willard Luther Cahoon, was a Sergeant during World War II. My other late Great Grandfather, Private First Class, James Stewart Hassell, fought in the Korean War. My late Great Uncle, Lance Corporal Glynn Thomas Cahoon, paid the ultimate sacrifice, when he fought in the Vietnam War and died saving several lives,” says Bracey naming just a few of the connections his family has to the military.

Bracey noted he found even more family connections to the military after writing the essay.

“I found out that my Uncle Travis was in the military and we did not even know that. He was in the Army,” said Bracey.

Bracey mentioned the essay took a lot of work in crafting as he had to check details in the essay like proper format, and the specific military titles of his family members.

Bracey also has donated money to the Wounded Warrior Project,a military/veterans charity organization empowering injured veterans and their families.

Elmo Hassell, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Glynn T. Cahoon Post 10659, said the local Veterans of Foreign War’s Post is named after Bracey’s uncle.

“Glynn was named and raised right here in Tyrrell County. He left school and joined the Army. He was awarded Two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was also credited as saving several lives during his time of service,” said Hasell.

Official records note that Bracey’s uncle Glynn was wounded when he went out on his last mission.

“He only had use of one arm. But he still went out on the last mission. That is the kind of person that he was,” said Hassell.

Bracy noted that he has an interest in joining the military after high school and he plans to donate half of his cash award back to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Hasselll thanked Bracey for  effort he put into the essay.

“We would like for you to participate in the essay contest again. Anytime you would like to attend a Veterans of Foreign Wars we would be glad to have you come,” said Hassell.