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The Mountain Press:
PIGEON FORGE, TN - He is known in local entertainment circles as the voice of Grandpa Duffy, the animatronic character at the Comedy Barn Theater. But Wes Herrick is also known as a patriot with a heart for his country.
Herrick, 62, a veteran of the Air Force who served during the Vietnam war, was honored with a Vietnam Service Medal during a surprise presentation by fellow Air Force veteran Frank Pacjak.
Herrick said while he is appreciative of the honor, it should not take away from what the soldiers are currently doing in the Middle East.
“It was a nice honor, but on the same token, when I received it, I said that was 40 years ago,” said Herrick. “We as a whole need to get our country together, and we should think about our young men and women who are in harm’s way.
“Don’t get me wrong - I received it and I was very pleased, but I’m just another G.I.,” Herrick said. “I was ordered to do what I had to do. I don’t need the attention on myself.”
Herrick said he has seen a lot of servicemen at the Comedy Barn’s shows.
“A lot of young folks said they came to see the show in person. They told me they play a tape of our show at morale tents in Baghdad. Their parents sent videos and DVDs of the show. They said it relieved tension, and they just came by here to see it for themselves. My thoughts and prayers are with the these kids of today,” Herrick said.
Original Story:
J.J. Kindred
The Mountain Press
jkindred@themountainpress.com