Veterans Celebration

Snoqualmie Tribe and Snoqualmie Casino Honor Veterans throughout Western Washington in Special Veterans Day Program

(November 11, 2019) Snoqualmie, WA – Community members and veterans from the Seattle area assembled in the Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom on Veterans Day to pay tribute to service men and women both past and present. The ceremony featured special guest, Major Joe Crecca, the pinning and recognition of Vietnam era veterans, a gift presentation by the Wounded Warriors Family Support Organization and the Snoqualmie Tribe, and the offering of two newly minted Challenge Coins to veterans from the Tribe and the casino.

Former Air Force pilot and North Bend resident, Major Joe Crecca, spoke about his experience as a POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. He recounted various details of his harrowing experience for the enthralled guests, starting from the moment a Russian surface-to-air missile shot down his airplane over North Vietnam, to his capture, the bonds of friendship forged with fellow POWs, and his final release over 6 years later.

Following Major Crecca’s talk, veterans from Issaquah/Mt Si VFW Post #3234 and American Legion Post #79, along with U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier, presented over seventy attending Vietnam Veterans with the Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin, recognizing them for their service during the Vietnam War era.

Snoqualmie Tribal Council Chairman Robert de los Angeles, Treasurer Chris Castleberry and Martin Duarte from the Wounded Warrior Family Support organization presented Snoqualmie Valley veterans with a 2019 Ford Explorer that will serve as a courtesy vehicle for their transportation to basic services. The Snoqualmie Tribe and the Snoqualmie Casino will launch the new veterans’ transportation program at the beginning of 2020.

The event concluded with the Snoqualmie Tribe and Snoqualmie Casino honoring over 125 veterans with newly released Challenge Coins designed in-house by tribal veterans and casino team members.