Kentucky's Korean War Hero Ernest West
The U.S. Postal Service honors Korean War Medal of Honor winners, including Ernest West of Wurtland, KY.
Fascinating stories about amazing Kentuckians are everywhere, if you just stop to listen.
Recently, the United States Postal Service commended an extraordinary Kentuckian on his bravery and service in the Korean War.
Kentuckian Ernest West received a Medal of Honor --the nation's highest award for valor -- for his brave service to the United States Army during the Korean War. The citation accompanying his award states:
Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by 3 hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action. but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating 2 comrades, he closed with and killed 3 more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.
Mr. West was one of the 145 members of the American Armed Forces to be awarded the Korean War Medal of Honor. The U.S. Postal Service recently issued commemorative stamps in honor of these brave Americans, including historic photos of the surviving awardees. This past weekend, Mr. West was honored at a ceremony at the Wurtland Middle School in his Greenup County hometown.
West, Ernest from Medal of Honor Foundation on Vimeo.
Recently, I was at a GLOW (Greater Louisville Oustanding Women) meeting where Alisa Zanetti, the USPS Marketing Manager for Kentucky, told me a little about Mr. West's story. As she spoke, it became so much more than a story pitch for HerKentucky; it was the story of so many Kentuckians I might know. Mr. West was raised in the Kentucky United Methodist Children's Home in Versailles; I grew up hearing my grandmother's church speak of special offerings to benefit the Children's Home. Mr. West is from Wurtland; my fiancé grew up in a nearby Greenup County town... This brave gentleman had so many connections to the Eastern and Central Kentucky communities that I know and love. It's a powerful thought: there really are fascinating heroes among us. In Mr. West's case, he's a grandfather and retired electrician in a small Kentucky town as well as a decorated war hero.
The next time you run by the post office for a book of stamps, take a moment to reflect on the fact that there are heroes and fascinating characters all around you. Maybe you just haven't heard their stories yet.
The HerKentucky Guide to the PGA Championship, Part 2: What to Expect
What to expect when you attend the 2014 PGA Championhip at Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club.
If you've been within a hundred mile radius of Louisville this week, then you've heard something about the PGA Championship! Wednesday, we brought you the HerKentucky Guide to Picking the Perfect Outfit. Today, we have a few tips on what to expect.
Parking
Parking for the PGA Championship is a bit tricky. If you drive a Mercedes, you can park in a special lot provided by corporate sponsor Mercedes-Benz. If you aren't buying a new Benz for the event (trust me, I threw the idea out at my house, but it didn't fly...), then there are several options. You can park at Cardinal Stadium or Churchill Downs to catch a shuttle, or you can park at one of the designated lots (passes must be pre-purchased; they are not available the day of the event!) near the course.
Bob and I parked in Lot B, which was, for all intents and purposes, a field in the Distillery Bend area of the Parklands of Floyds Fork.
There were carts to take us to our shuttle bus.
When you arrive at Valhalla, it is decked out like a fabulous, golf-themed Disney World! There are exhibition tents, just in case you need to buy an Omega watch or Samsung phone to get the day started.
Some of Kentucky's larger employers, including Brown-Forman, Lexmark, and the state government, have reserved clubhouses. Wanamaker Club ticketholders are also able to enjoy the comforts of seating and air conditioning!
The course itself is stunning! I took a moment to enjoy this stream between Holes 2 and 3.
If you aren't a golf fan, it's pretty easy to catch on to what's happening. Leaderboards and tee positions are well-marked. And, trust me, there are plenty of fellow spectators who'll want to bloviate about the event!
I'm sure it goes without saying to HerKentucky readers, but please observe the etiquette of golf. Keep your cell phones on silent and in your pocket. Keep your conversation levels to a minimum. And, keep your opinions about golfers' personal lives to yourselves! (We spent two holes hearing how much a fellow spectator "just loves" Adam Scott and, while Mr. Scott is, indeed, quite handsome, that foolishness got old in a hurry!)
Most of all, enjoy your day at the course! It's a great showcase for Louisville, and a fun time!
The HerKentucky Guide to the PGA Championship, Part 1: What to Wear
What to wear when you attend the 2014 PGA Championhip at Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club.
The 2014 PGA Championship is being held at Valhalla Golf Club this week. Here in Louisville, the event is on everyone's minds: the city welcomes golf fans and tourists, while many Kentuckians make plans to attend or help out with the tournament.
Bob and I took in the practice rounds at Valhalla on Monday, and had a blast! We also came up with a few pointers for HerKentucky readers who'll be attending the matches this week, which I'll share with y'all today and tomorrow. First off: what to wear!
I've already had one friend email to ask what I wore to the event. I mean, you aren't only there to watch a major sporting event, you're also likely to run into just about everybody at the PGA Championship.
My advice is to dress comfortably. You're going to walk A LOT. Cute golf attire -- a golf shirt, shorts or a skort, and tennis shoes are really the best alternative. I saw a few ladies wearing maxi skirts and flats or flip-flops, and I have to say that they looked miserable and out of place. I've never been so happy to be dressed down! A sun visor and sunglasses are necessities as well!
Leave your purse at home. Tournament regulations prohibit any bag larger than 10x10, but you'll want something much smaller. A wristlet or crossbody is good if you need to bring a purse, or you can pack a drawstring athletic bag. The less you bring, the better!
Here are a few suggestions for comfortable Tournament Day clothes in fun, preppy colors.
{This post contains affiliate links.}
HerKentucky on Louisville Family Fun Podcast!
HerKentucky was recently featured on Louisville Family Fun's podcast.
A few weeks ago, my friends at Louisville Family Fun invited me to take part in their podcast to talk about HerKentucky. I was so excited, y'all. I spent plenty of time picking out the perfect outfit that said "I'm a hip, media-savvy blogger", and then Bob reminded me that the audience wouldn't, you know, actually see me!
Anyway, it was a whole lot of fun to talk about HerKentucky with Maggie of Louisville Family Fun. Thanks so much to the LFF team for the opportunity to introduce their listeners to HerKentucky! You can listen to the podcast here, or on the embedded widget below!
Happy Farmers Market Week!
This week is National Farmers Market Week, and I wanted to spread some love for my local market (the Franklin County Farmers Market). They aren’t the biggest in the state, nor do they offer the variety of value-added products you might see in Lexington and Louisville, but the farmers are my neighbors, my friends, and I trust them with my food supply. I’m not biased, either! They were voted the #2 favorite farmers market in Kentucky in an American Farmland Trust contest and 46th in the nation!
My farmers market sits on the banks of the Kentucky River. Stalls line both sides of an open-air covered pavilion. The bounty of fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, honey, eggs, soaps and beauty products, jams, jellies and breads astounds me every single week. The savvy consumer gets there early for the best selection. During certain special harvest times (like asparagus season), a farmer might run out of that offering before 9am! Strawberry season might be my favorite because there’s always one stall with a freezer full of fresh strawberry ice cream.
Not only do we buy bags full of fresh produce every week, but the farmers market is a social and entertainment hub as well. Most Saturday mornings feature a local musician entertaining marketgoers. Fresh coffee is offered for patrons, as well. I can honestly say that I’ve never been to the market where I didn’t run into at least 20 people that I know. I love being a part of a community that bonds over local food.
Looking at the big picture, I love that my farmers market is an impactful community endeavor. The three-times-weekly market brings people into our historic downtown business sector. Not only do those people buy produce at the market (putting money directly in the pockets of their friends and neighbors), but they also venture down Broadway for shopping, coffee-drinking and book reading. Economic dollars stay close to home. I’m certain I’ve financed at least one farmer’s vacation with the number of Zucchini Blueberry Muffins I’ve bought from her over the years. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. Our farmers market participates in the EBT program, so families who qualify for SNAP benefits can purchase healthier, more flavorful fresh fruits and vegetables, too. They are also participants in Senior Nutrition and WIC programs.
With over 500 farmers markets within a 200 mile radius of Frankfort, there’s one near you. Check out the National Farmers Market Directory to find one that I know you’ll love. Talk to the farmers. Try a new vegetable (ask for a tried-and-true recipe – you’ll get a great one every time). Enjoy the deals (3 enormous cucumbers for a dollar? Heck yes!). More importantly, enjoy your community, the local flavor, and some fresh eats!
Follow Your Dreams Friday: 10 Questions with Robyn Peterman
Today's Follow Your Dreams Friday interview is with Lexington native and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Robyn Peterman. Robyn is one seriously cool and interesting lady -- a former Broadway actress turned writer of paranormal romance novels. And, it seems that "being fascinating" is her family business: her husband is actor Steve Zahn, who's been in just about every movie you've ever loved, from Reality Bites to You've Got Mail to Dallas Buyers Club, while her father, John Peterman, founded the J. Peterman Company, which produces the greatest catalog of all time. Robyn graciously answered our questions about life, writing, and family.
HK: Tell us about yourself.
RP: Hello my name is Robyn…I’m a wife, mom, taxi driver, dish washer, clothes folder, bed maker and a NYT best selling author of snarky sexy paranormal and contemporary romance. Actually, I never make the bed. Ever.
I write because the people inside my head won’t leave me alone until I give them life on paper. My addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke Zero Cherry with extra ice in a styrofoam cup, bejeweled reading glasses, my kids, my super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals. I am a former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits. I now live in the south with my family and too many animals to count. Writing gives me peace and makes me whole, plus having a job where I can work in my underpants works really well for me.
HK: You trained as an actress; when did you first get interested in writing?
RP: I spent most of my adult as an actress, but I’ve always written. However, I never actually finished a book until two years ago! Now I have seven books published with two more coming out this fall.
HK: Your fiction isn’t for the faint of heart. Tell us a little bit about it.
RP: I write the books I want to read. Yes, they are snarky, profane and people have been known to do the nasty in them, but they are funny and I adore writing them. I had no clue if readers would enjoy them, but I have been delighted with feedback, sales and reviews.
HK: You come up with some absolutely hilarious turns of phrases, a lot of which I can’t really quote here on the blog. Things like this gem on the perks of immortality: “Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe.” My takeaway from your books is that none of us should take ourselves too seriously. Is that a fair read on them?
RP: Yes. Yes. Yes.
HK: You come from a family of big personalities; is storytelling everywhere in the Peterman-Zahn household?
RP: My family is fantastically nutty. We are loaded with actors, screen writers and maverick entrepreneurs. My kids are a riot and we are a very happy bunch!
HK: Like so many folks, I still can’t get over Seinfeld. I had the pleasure of meeting your father when he spoke to my management class in college; he was a fascinating guy, and far less insane than John O’Hurley’s character. What was it like seeing a fictional version of your dad on Seinfeld?
RP: It was great seeing my dad spoofed on Seinfeld. He got a huge kick out of it! Ironically I ended up doing a movie called Sour Grapes (directed and written by Larry David, the creator of Seinfeld) He had no clue I was J. Peterman’s real life daughter until I told him the first day of shooting.
HK: My favorite Steve Zahn character is Davis from Treme. Which of your husband’s characters is your favorite?
RP: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite character for Steve. I am biased and I think he’s amazing in everything. However, I do love to watch him in Happy Texas and Saving Silverman.
HK: Do you have a favorite character you’ve written, or is that like asking a parent to choose a favorite child?
RP: My favorite characters are always the ones I’m writing about at the time. I fall in love easily and adore them all equally.
HK: Do you have any warnings for potential readers of your series?
RP: Not really. Readers can read the description and read a sample of the book. I know when I look for books, I read a sample and often check out the reviews. People love me or hate me…they are very rarely neutral.
HK: What advice do you have for HerKentucky readers who are working on a novel of their own?
RP: My advice to writers is simply to write. You have nothing to lose. I am forty-blahblahblah and I have a new successful career. Write what you love, but be aware of the market to a certain degree. You may have a passion for writing about the magical unicorns that helped win the Civil War, but you might have a hard time finding an audience.
Writing groups are essential for me and honest critique partners and beta readers are heavenly. First drafts can suck the wad—don’t worry. That’s what second, third and fourth drafts are for. AND editors are a must.
It’s a wonderful time for authors right now. There are a variety of ways to be published. I am a hybrid author. I am both indie and published through NY. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and KIW (Kentucky Independent Writers).
Writing rocks and if you want to do it, just do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t…
In addition to the fascinating stories and amazing advice, Robyn has offered four e-books of her title Fashionably Dead Down Under to lucky HerKentucky readers. You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; a small portion of any Amazon purchase will support HerKentucky.com}
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