Bass Awards Veteran With Three Medals

Congressman Charlie Bass, R-NH, walked into the top floor of Windham Town Hall on Sept. 6 to a crowd of firefighters, police officers and town officials.

Also waiting for him at the back of the room was U.S. Army veteran William Merino, who served from 1958 to 1961.

Merino was on hand to receive three medals – the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and the Marksman Marksmanship Badge with Rifle and Carbine Bars.

Merino has lived in Windham since 1976, and said that one of the reasons he wanted to be in attendance was just to meet Bass.

In a showing of gratitude, Bass explained how awarding medals to those who served is one of the best parts of his job.

"It's so very important for all of us to reflect upon the fact that there are so many servicemen and women doing so much for our country," Bass said.