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Vietnam Veteran Receives Bronze Star from Tipton

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Feb 21, 2013 at 12:08 AM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 21, 2013 at 12:15 AM MDT

MONTROSE, Colo. - On Wednesday, Congressman Scott Tipton, R-D3, presented a special honor to a veteran at the Looney Bean Coffee House in Montrose.

Specialist Fourth Class Ronald Arnold was given a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He served in the Army 1968-1969.

"I have to thank my wife. She's kind of the one that pursued the issue. I kind of let it go," explained Arnold.

He received a letter 43 years ago, commending his "meritorious duty against a hostile force," but the Bronze Star never came. Debby Arnold decided to correct that.

"I know this is hard for him because the Vietnam War was not popular and the Vietnam veterans did not get treated very well," Debby said.

"These were people that rose to the call of the nation, to be able to preserve our freedoms," added Tipton.

"Its not every day that a son gets to see his dad be honored as a war hero," said Justin Arnold, Ronald's son.

During the ceremony, the veteran was visibly uncomfortable being doted on. It's thanks to groups like Welcome Home Montrose, who helped coordinate the event, that shy guys like Arnold are able to move from the shadows to the spotlight, even if just for one day.

"It's an incredible honor to be able to thank him for his service," said Tipton.

"I'm very grateful for it," added Arnold.

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