‘I’m humbled;’ Vietnam veteran who lost belongings in house fire presented flag during ceremony

CENTERVILLE — Veterans all over the country are being celebrated, but this Veterans Day will be one a Centerville veteran will probably never forget.

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The City of Centerville presented Wayne Bassett with a special flag flown over the capitol building in Washington D.C. as a symbol of the city’s gratefulness for his service

Bassett, who served in the United States Air Force, lost almost all of his mementos related to his service in a house fire in 1988.

“All of my records, all of my military memorabilia, the American flag that I was given when I retired,” Bassett told News Center 7.

All these years later, the city and Congressman Mike Turner’s office worked to get him the flag.

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“Our community resource director found out that he lost his flag, so the city presented him with a flag in recognition of his service and remind him of his service, which I know he is very proud of,” Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton said.

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Bassett told News Center 7 he had no idea he was going to be presented the flag today.

“I’m humbled to receive it and just very appreciate people took the time to present me with a nice award like this,” Bassett said.

The program also included color guard presentations from Centerville VFW Post 9550, Centerville Police Department and Washington Township Fire Department Honor Guards, as well as remarks from Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton.

The keynote address was given by Col. Ariel Batungbacal, Commander of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Other features included musical performances by the Centerville Community Band and a wreath laying ceremony.

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