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Veteran Dale Wilson honored with day devoted to him
Chyna Broadnax
Dale Wilson poses with his wife, Linda, on Sunday during a reception at Troutman Baptist Church. Friends and family came out to honor the Vietnam veteran on “Dale Wilson Day.”
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Published: October 19, 2009
Most people who meet Dale Wilson walk away feeling lucky to have shared a few moments in his presence.
Wilson, a Vietnam veteran and triple amputee, has displayed an inspirational courage through his physical triumphs — and a sense of humor and love of joke telling that have listeners coming back for more.
For several hours on Sunday, Wilson was celebrated by more than 200 family members, friends and military colleagues during Troutman Baptist Church's "Dale Wilson Day."
"Dale is a Marine's Marine," said Dick Camery, commandant of local Marine Corp League. "He stands up there with the greatest."
Wilson was a Marine serving in Vietnam when he was injured on Feb 19, 1970. He lost both legs and his right arm.
During the ceremony, family members shared tales of memorable, moving and humorous moments.
All the stories had a common theme: The love and respect felt for the man who sat in the front row.
Wilson's daughter, Stephanie Shaw, said she cherishes her father's unique sense of humor and perspective on what's really important in life.
"My dad did not come back from Vietnam less of a man, but more of a man," she said. "I'm privileged to be his daughter."
Wilson's wife, Linda, whom he met 18 months after returning from Vietnam, said she knew within a few months of meeting him that he was the man she was going to marry.
"I was amazed at how he handled life," she said.
The two have been together for 38 years.
"I believe with all my heart Dale truly is an American hero," she said.
Peter Meletis of the Marine Corp League has been friends with Wilson for more than seven years.
"I cherish all he represents as a person and as a man of faith," Meletis said. "His heart is an inspiration to all of us."
A video was shown of Wilson's former Marine colleague, Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.
Webb served with Wilson and the two have remained friends throughout the years.
Webb shared stories of their friendship and congratulated Wilson on being recognized by the community for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to his country.
For the man of the hour, accepting so much recognition was difficult — but putting into words how he felt about the service held in his honor was even harder.
"I don't know how you can go about explaining such a blessing," he said. "I can't believe the effort people went through for today. I appreciate it so much."
During the service more than a handful of awards and recognitions were bestowed upon Wilson.
He was presented the Long Leaf Pine Award, which is the highest award granted to a civilian in the state; Mayor Elbert Richardson read a proclamation declaring Oct. 18 Dale Wilson Day in the town of Troutman; Marine Corp League Distinguished Service Award; Marine Corp League Certificate of Appreciation; a Certificate of Authenticity; he was given a flag flown in 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and was recognized as 2009 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year.
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