Cable Program To Feature Gulf War Veterans
Cable Program To Feature
Gulf War Veterans
By Nancy K. Crevier
Decorated Persian Gulf War veteran Jeff Zahanski, specialist D-4; Persian Gulf War veteran Brigadier General Dana Demand of the New York Air National Guard; and Scott Anders, a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves, who served in Desert Storm with the 7th Corps, met with Joanne Rochman, arts editor at The Review and a member of the Persian Gulf Memorial Committee at Charter Community Vision 21 studio on Commerce Road on Wednesday, October 25, to film a program that committee chairperson Mae Schmidle hopes will âmake people aware that we are installing a memorial [in Newtown] to veterans of the Persian Gulf War.â The committee is also in need of help from the community in identifying veterans of the Persian Gulf War. (See sidebar.)
 Mr Zahanski served in Hafar Al Batin from January to May of 1991, where his unit ran a POW camp. As a member of the 105th Airlift Wing, Gen Demand piloted C5 transport planes airlifting supplies into Iran during the conflict. Lt Col Andersâ operation was in charge of rear security in Saudi Arabia, and in Kuwait following the war. All of the men said that they were pleased to support the placement of a monument in Newtown. âItâs nice that the town takes recognition in honoring those who served,â commented Mr Zahanski.
The monument, dedicated to the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, will list nearly two dozen names, said Ms Schmidle. The committee will be at the Veteransâ Day service at the Sailors and Soldiers Monument on South Main Street this year to mark the placement of the new monument.
âWe really want help in verifying the list of names,â said Ms Schmidle, noting that the monument cannot be inscribed and erected until a complete verification is done.
The names of Newtown veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War should be submitted to Mae Schmidle at 53 Echo Valley Road, Newtown CT 06470, or call 426-6264.
The program is scheduled to air Tuesday, November 7, at 9 pm, and Friday, November 10, at 5:30 pm on Channel 21.