Photo: Coxswain John C. Drake, 99, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served during WW II. His family joined him at Friday's ceremony.
Eleven recipients of the Purple Heart were honored on Aug. 7 at the region’s third annual Purple Heart Community Ceremony.
A ceremony honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of military members wounded or killed in combat, the event was held at the Wenatchee Convention Center. Three honorees attended in person and the others either died during action or later in life. Family members accepted the awards on behalf of those who have passed away.
The names of the Purple Heart recipients will be placed on the Chelan County Hall of Honor, a perpetual plaque displayed at the Chelan County Veterans Service Office, 428 Orondo Ave. in Wenatchee.
A brief biography (PDF) of the honorees is online. The honorees are:
Patrick Beeman, U.S. Army, WW I
Arthur Jarr, U.S. Army, WW II
George Thomas Jones, U.S. Army, WW II
Ernest “Chuck” Welker, U.S. Army, WW II
Irvin Chmelir, U.S. Army, WW II
John Clifford Drake, U.S. Navy, WW II
Lawrence O’Brian, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War
Richard Aliulis, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
Shep Kuester, U.S. Navy, Vietnam War
William “Dan” Cox, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
Nicholas R. Coleman, U.S. Marine Corps, Iraq War
Since 2024, communities throughout the region have demonstrated their commitment to honoring Purple Heart recipients by formally proclaiming themselves Purple Heart Communities. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration still awarded to service members.
Chelan County, Douglas County and the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee were the first to become Purple Heart Communities. Last year, the cities of Chelan and Waterville joined the effort. This year, the American Legion and the Manson Community Council led the effort in Manson.
Last Updated: 08/11/2026 03:24 PM
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