There are so many ways to commemorate a day like Veterans Day. On Veterans Day 2022, the City of Fishers chose a new venue and the keynote address told the incredible story of one member of the Armed Forces.
The new venue was Knowledge Services, located in what was once the headquarters for the Marsh Grocery Company. With City Hall demolished to make way for a new Arts & City Hall complex, the Knowledge Services facility has a nice auditorium that served well as the place to hold the annual Fishers Veterans Day ceremony.
The main speaker was retired Major General Richard Chegar and he told the story of a man he described as “the best soldier I ever served with.” That was Command Sergeant Major Arno Childs.
As a young man, Childs got into a bit of trouble and was given a choice by an Indiana judge – go to jail or the military. The next day he was in the Army recruiting office.
General Chegar described Childs career, which included more honors and decorations one could count. His heroism in the Vietnam battlefield was described in detail.
Although haunted by PTSD later in life, Cheagar described how finding religious faith helped Childs shake the PTSD demons later in life. Childs has been gone for about 10 years but his two daughters were in attendance for General Chegar’s address.
Mayor Scott Fadness passed out service pins to all veterans at the event choosing to receive one. The mayor also introduced his son Lincoln, who was born on Veterans
Day 8 years ago. The crowd couldn’t resist breaking out into the Happy Birthday song for Lincoln.
El Ahwardt did his usual outstanding job as master of ceremonies. Retired Commander Ahlwardt also chairs the Fishers Armed Forces Commission, which handled most of the planning for this Veterans Day celebration.
When I think about Veterans Day, I think about my dad, uncles, cousins and nephews that have served in the military. There are so many, I would likely leave someone out if trying to list them all. Let’s just say I’m thinking about all of you every Veterans Day.
