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On July 4, 2023, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter awarded a Quilt of Valor to Ken Willcox, in conjunction with the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Mr. Willcox retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, culminating a remarkable 30-year career in both the active and reserve components. He served with distinction in the Riverine and Coastal gunline force during the Vietnam War and on various ships across the Pacific and Atlantic regions. With his logistics expertise, he undertook assignments in Naval Supply Centers spanning from Hawaii to Japan, including the Philippines, Guam, and Midway. During the final five years of his tenure, he led the Logistics Readiness Center at the U.S. Pacific Command, where his mission involved resolving critical supply challenges faced by combat forces.
Mr. Willcox received numerous commendations for his military service, including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal (with one star), Vietnam Service Medal (with two campaign stars), Naval Reserve Medal (with gold hourglass), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Naval Meritorious Unit Ribbon, and Naval Overseas Service Ribbon (with two stars).
The quilt was presented with deep appreciation for Mr. Willcox, and his service to our country.
Pictured: Regent Michelle White, Christine Stephansen, and Ken Willcox. Photo credit: Ann Olson.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023 the Lake Minnetonka Chapter awarded a DAR Community Service Award to Navy Veteran and former mayor of the City of Wayzata, Ken Willcox. Mr. Willcox’s patriotic service has left an indelible mark on our community. The Lake Minnetonka DAR Chapter has had the privilege of witnessing his dedicated support of DAR and C.A.R. projects that honor our veterans. Year after year, Mr. Willcox graciously served as the master of ceremonies for the C.A.R.’s annual Flying Pancake Breakfast’s veterans recognition program. He also played a crucial role as the featured speaker during the presentation of Quilts of Valor to deserving veterans, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. His commitment to ensuring meaningful ceremonies by hosting them in the Wayzata Council Chambers reflects his deep respect for those who have served our country. Congratulations to Ken Willcox, and thank you for your tireless service to the Wayzata community.
Pictured: Kitty Petit, Chair, Community Service Awards Committee, Ken Willcox, Regent Michelle White. Picture credit: Ann Olson.
By Linda Kline, Chair, Print PR & Media, as the story appeared in the June 13, 2023 electronic version of the Sun Sailor. Link to story below.
Since 2015, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has supported Home Free Shelter, which is operated by Plymouth-based Missions, Incorporated. Serving more than 3,000 people a year, Missions is a nonprofit organization with more than a century of experience supporting people recovering from homelessness, domestic violence and addiction.
In 2023, the chapter responded to Missions’ request for assistance with its Meredith Hart House in St. Paul. Located near the Minnesota State Capitol and founded in 2001, Hart House provides a supportive housing program for women recovering from chemical dependency.
When Missions Inc. informed the chapter about Hart House’s need for towels and bedding, members of the Women’s Issues Committee responded quickly. The chapter funded the purchase of sheet sets and secured generous donations of 60 towel sets from Life Time Fitness, 30 comforters and shams from Byourbed and a $100 gift card from Target.
“(The donation) made a big impact on our clients. It let them know that they are cared for and they can sleep in comfort knowing your group thought of them,” Hart House Program Manager Michelle Presley said.
“The members of Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR applaud Missions Inc.’s vision of a world where every person realizes their worth and lives with dignity free from addiction and abuse,” Chapter Regent Michelle White said. “We are delighted to make a donation that helps their clients feel valued and supported.”