Council News

Atlanta Metropolitan Council gets White House and Marine Corps recognition for 91-year-old WWII Pacific Theater Vet...

Submitted by Larry Hamilton

Greg Schillo, Atlanta Council Director, Marine Corps Affairs, was instrumental in providing Captain Lewis Werner, USMC, a 91-year-old WWII veteran, with White House and Marine Corps recognition of his service on the Marine Corps Birthday. Early in the war, Werner (above, center) was in the Army and was sent home because the Army thought he and others were not needed. He then joined the Marines and served throughout the Pacific Theater.

During a conversation with Schillo, Captain Werner’s son, Tony, said he would love to honor his dad's service in the Marine Corps. Gregg took up the challenge and asked Chris Roberts, Commandant of the Atlanta Marine Corps League, to provide a certificate for framing. Gregg then was able to contact General Pace's office before he finished his term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the General sent a signed letter. Schillo then contacted the White House and received President Bush's letter of recognition.

Pictured are the Marine duffel he carried, the framed Marine Corps League certificate and letter from the Commander-in-Chief. The letter from General Pace in the envelope in Capt. Werner's hand.

Capt. Werner and his family members in attendance on 10 November were very impressed. Greg Schillo spoke about the Navy League and the twenty-plus attendees celebrated Capt. Werner's service, the birthday of the Marine Corps, and Veterans Day during the noon meal for residents at the assisted living center where Werner now resides.