ASHLAND — Local Navy veteran, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jack Welling received a Quilt of Valor award on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the Paradise Hills Church in Ashland, Ohio.
Jack was in the Navy from 1972-1975 during the Vietnam War. He was an ABH which stands for Aviation Boatswain Mate Aircraft Handler.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Sailors play a major part in launching and recovering naval aircraft quickly and safely from land or ships. This includes preparing and fueling planes prior to take-off and after landing.
They may specialize in: Launching and recovering aircraft of the flight deck of an aircraft carrier (ABE), Aircraft fueling and fuel systems (ABF), and Aircraft handling, fire fighting, and salvage and rescue operations (ABH), which is Jack’s specialization.
One of Jack’s main duties was to recore airplane arresting gears.
A Quilt of Valor is an expression of gratitude made by civilians to thank a veteran for his/her service and sacrifice in serving our nation.