Carl Brashear Veteran Center – December 2, 2018
Veterans Center hosts unveiling event
Article courtesy of The News Enterprise, 408 W. Dixie Ave. Elizabethtown, KY
Click here to view article at thenewsenterprise.com
The Carl Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center recently hosted an unveiling ceremony featuring an antique Mark V Diving Helmet similar to those used by the center’s namesake during his 31-year U.S. Navy career as a deep-sea diver.
“My father would be so proud to know this helmet will be displayed so prominently at this center,” said Phillip M. Brashear, founder/president of the Carl Brashear Foundation. “I’m personally grateful to the center, the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) who have made this event possible.”
Master of Ceremonies Allan Francis introduced the officials who unveiled the helmet including:
• Phillip M. Brashear, founder/president of the Carl Brashear Foundation
• Mark Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
• Israel Ray, center administrator
• Daniel London, Hardin County deputy judge-executive
• Tony Palm, PAO/development officer of the Carl Brashear Foundation
Bowman, a U.S Navy veteran, especially was enthusiastic about being part of the day’s event, and extended a greeting from the commissioner, Retired Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams. He closed his brief remarks with a good-natured jibe toward the Army–Navy rivalry that has existed for generations.
“At least now we’ll have something big to balance the Sherman tank that stands sentinel outside the entrance of this facility,’’ he said.
Ray expressed deep gratitude for the continued support of Brashear and reminded the more than 50 people in attendance of Carl Brashear’s status as a “native son” of Hardin County.
