MORRIS VETERAN NAMED “VETERAN OF THE MONTH” BY SENATOR KEVIN WITKOS

Hartford, CT – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) honors local veteran Captain John R. “Reg” Harrison as November’s “Veteran of the Month.” Harrison, a Morris, Conn. native, served as a pilot in the U.S. Air force in the Vietnam War.

“Captain Harrison is an incredible person who has served our country well,” said Senator Witkos. “His numerous decorations and acts of bravery during his years of service make him a true hero, and he continues to serve today through his work in many community organizations,” he said.

Senator Witkos’ “Veteran of the Month” program features the stories of local veterans each month on his website senatorwitkos.com through text and video. Each story highlights the veterans’ unique experiences and acts of service.

Captain Harrison, November’s featured veteran, served as an instructor pilot and evaluator pilot while he was on active duty between May 1969 and September 1978. Harrison is a 1961 graduate of Wamogo Regional High School in Litchfield, CT and holds a bachelor’s degree from Marietta College. While in college he joined the U.S. Army Reserve and served as a combat engineer from 1965 to 1969, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class. Shortly after, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force. As a B52 pilot Harrison completed 157 missions during four full combat tours in Vietnam.

Recently, Captain Harrison was elected to be the commander of AMVETS Department of Connecticut for the 2012-2013 term and currently serves as the president of the AMVETS Department of Connecticut Service Foundation. He is also the colonel in command of the First Litchfield Artillery and president of the American Artillery Association, a national organization for owners and shooters of antique artillery pieces. In Morris, Harrison serves as the adjutant and finance officer of American Legion Post 173. His full story can be found on senatorwitkos.com.

To nominate a local veteran to be a “Veteran of the Month” please contact Katie Kenneally at [email protected] or (860)240-8862.