PALM DESERT — Four men, all Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Navy veterans were presented overdue, well-deserved medals for their service to the country on Jan. 26.
Democratic Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., (CA-36), made the special presentation, which included a previously unawarded Purple Heart Medal.
Presentations were made during the 10th annual Pass Veteran Expo at the Beaumont Civic Center. Immediately after the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to learn about VA benefits, housing, job placement, healthcare, and other resources.
The recipients were:
Arthur Ash From Salton City
Congressman Raul Ruiz and Arthur Ash
Michigan Native, moved to Florida when he was young. Enlisted at the age of 18 in the United States Navy. Ash served from 1978-1996 as a Ship Servicemen in the Supply Division. He served on the USS Simon Lake, USS Stein, and the USS Mount Vernon. After leaving active duty he worked in Construction for the past 23 years for Rex Aberrate Inc. in Thousand Palms. He is currently widowed and has two children. For his dedicated and faithful service to this country, Ash was awarded the following medals:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- Southwest Asian Service Medal
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
- Navy Sea Service Ribbon
- Navy E Ribbon
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
John Fairley – From Palm Springs
Congressman Raul Ruiz and John Fairley
Mississippi Native, enlisted at the age of 18 in the United States Marine Corps. Fairley served from 1964-1968 as a 0311 Infantry. He served with the 3rd Marine Division and the 7th Marine Division. He was in Vietnam 1965 and 1966 and had combat operations in Way Phu Bai, Danang, and Chu Lai. After leaving active duty he worked for Boeing for the past 36 years and Retired. He now resides in Palm Springs with his wife and has two children.
For his dedicated and faithful service to this country, John Fairley was awarded the following medals:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Marine Corps Rifle Expert Badge
- Marine Corps Pistol Expert Badge
Ron Heath – From Palm Desert
California Native, Enlisted at the age of 18 in the United States Air Force. Heath served from 1970-1974 Security Policeman. He served in Vietnam from January 1971 – January 1972. He was based out of Tan Sun Nhut Air Force Base. He started out guarding the base and went into Guarding a 4 Star General of the entire 7th Air Force. Upon leaving active duty he went into the trucking business where he eventually retired from UPS and Fed Ex Freight. He is now an Advocate for the DAV and has two children named Juliana and Ryan.
For his dedicated and faithful service to this country, Heath was awarded the following medals:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
- Good Conduct Medal
- Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon
Lupe Calderon – From Desert Hot Springs
Congressman Ruiz and Lupe Calderon
California Native, Drafted at the age of 19 in the U.S Army. Calderon Served from March 1969 to March 1970. He was a 11 Bravo Infantry and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. He served from February 1970 to March 1970 when his unit was ambushed at night and he was hit with Shrapnel to the throat. He was put on a helicopter and went back home to California and never received his purple heart. He has 6 Children with his wife Rosa and now resides in Desert Hot Springs.
For his dedicated and faithful service to this country, Lupe Calderon was awarded:
- Purple Heart Medal, the most prestigious of all medals
The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
