Description

An entertaining and inspiring FREE EVENT featuring music and patriotic presentations!

Join us for an inspiring, entertaining and patriotic event featuring keynote speaker Colonel Gary Keith Spencer, an Air Force veteran who fought in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart; Parade of Service Flags by American Legion Post 72; display of military vehicles on the front lawn and a variety of wonderful musical guests including Rise Up Children’s Choir. A moving event for veterans and families of all ages!

Groups from senior center and assisted living centers are welcome and encouraged to attend – there is plenty of free parking for shuttles, buses and cars. The Orem Heritage Museum will also be open for free tours after the event, and the museum features a whole room filled with incredible military and veterans displays.

Keynote Speaker: COLONEL GARY KEITH SPENCER

In 1955, Colonel Gary Keith Spencer graduated from the United States Air Force Pilot Training Program at Williams Air-Force Base in Arizona. After graduation, he attended the Advanced Fighter School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

He flew the F-86, the F-84, and the F-4 Phantom prior to his assignment in Vietnam. He served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, where he flew over 300 hours of combat time. While in Vietnam, he was wounded and awarded The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, and The Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1972, he graduated from the Air Command and Staff College and served three years at the Pentagon in the Plans and Operations Division. He graduated from the National War College in 1977, then served as the Executive Officer to the Commander of European Command and the Commander of the Military Airlift Command.

Colonel Spencer was the Base Commander at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois from 1981 to 1983, where he was responsible for all of the services that were provided for 45,000 military personnel and their dependents.

He began his last assignment in 1984 at Brigham Young University, where he served as the Commander of the Air Force ROTC. When he retired in 1987, he had flown over 8,000 hours.

Colonel Spencer married Carloyn Pettigrew in 1957 and they have been happily married for 66 years. They have four children, twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.