Milligan Ridge Veteran recognized

Veterans Helping Veterans of NEA made another presentation honoring local veteran Billy Wade Barker of the Milligan Ridge Community on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Billy Barker was awarded a bronze statue and a framed certificate to commemorate his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era.

The presentation was made by his brother, Eddie Joe Barker, a Vietnam veteran and a member of Veterans Helping Veterans of NEA.

Eddie Barker felt honored to be able to make the presentation.

Billy Barker served with honors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp as a hangar deck member with Airgroup V3 from May 1970 to March 1972.

The presentation was made in the home of Billy and Annie Barker. Also present for the ceremony were their two sons, Ron Barker and Billy Joe (Julie) Barker; two grandsons, Hudson and Jackson; Billy's sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Robert Hensely, and sister-in-law Cindy Barker.

Billy and Eddie Joe are the sons of the late Lealun and Birdie Barker of Milligan Ridge.

Veterans Helping Veterans of NEA is a non-profit organization with a mission to help veterans in a variety of ways including paperwork for benefits, daily needs and more.