News : Honoring Five Veterans: Stories of service, Sacrifice and Dedication

John Karrick, George Baker, Chris Cantrell, Tyler Karrick and Adam Roster were all recognized by Quilts of Valor for their military service

Throughout our nation's history, countless men and women have selflessly dedicated their lives to serving in the armed forces. On Saturday, five veterans who exemplify the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that define our military heroes were honored in a Quilts of Valor ceremony at Riverside Park in Vinton. Doreen Cook made the presentations of each of the quilts for the men.

Corporal Christopher S. Cantrell: United States Marines

In September 1990, Christopher S. Cantrell embarked on his journey of service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. From the outset, Chris was determined to be in the infantry, refusing to sign his enlistment papers without that guarantee. His training began at the Marine Corps Recruitment Depot in San Diego, California, followed by Marine combat training at Camp Pendleton.

While assigned to Camp LaJune in North Carolina, he was sent on two missions in 1991 and '93 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Units. His assignments took him to Korea, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, France and Tunisia, where he honed his skills. 

The Marines are transported aboard Navy battleships along with the equipment, jets, helicopters, Humvees and trucks. The Navy's responsibility covers battles on water and in the air, while the Marines handled all land challenges.

Chris attended the Assault Climbing School in Camp Dawson, West Virginia. While there, his fellow students ask him to take them to a local Bar (The Golden Lounge) for a night of R and R. There he met his future wife, Cathy.

During his time in the Marines, Chris met his future wife, Cathy, in West Virginia, while attending Assault Climbing School. After four years of service, Chris left the Marines in September 1994, having earned several accolades, including the Southwest Asian Medal for his service during the 1st Gulf War, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Specialist Adam Roster: United States Army

In October 2004, Adam Roster accompanied by his best friend Tyler Karrick to the Army recruiting center, circumstances delayed his enlistment until January 2005. He began his service at Fort Knox, Kentucky, training as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic.

Adam served a year in Korea providing support to American troops before being transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia. Though he requested to be deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan several times, his role in mechanics kept him stateside training more mechanics.

Earning two Army Achievement Awards, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Defense Medal before leaving the Army in 2008 as a Specialist. After his military service, Adam continued using his skills in a civilian role with the Civilian Defense Authority.

Sergeant Tyler A. Karrick: United States Army

Tyler Karrick never intended to enlist in the Army when he drove his friend Adam to the recruiting center. But when Adam couldn't sign up, Tyler surprised himself-and his parents-by enlisting instead. Tyler began his military journey on October 4, 2004, and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Transferred to Ft. Riley, Kansas, he trained in maintenance. Tyler spent his career in maintenance, motor pool, gunner and in the infantry. Tyler served two tours in Iraq. His duties in Iraq were to protect the nation's finest, including Generals, Colonels and Iraq Generals. He was always involved in provided protection to the officers while they were on base.

While in the Army, Tyler served in Germany, Iraq and several bases in the United States. Tyler earned and was awarded The JaCom Award, Joint Service Commendation, Iraq Freedom Medal, Iraq Campaign, Iraq Enduring Freedom Medal and The Golden Spurs-Calvary Award, before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant in December 2012.

Master Sergeant George S. Baker: United States Air Force

George S. Baker began his service with the United States Air Force at the age of 17, in April 1971. When he enlisted, his goal was to stay in the military until he earned the rank of Master Sergeant. 

His career began at Lackland Air Force Base in Illinois, in mechanics, and was later transferred to Chanute Air Force Base where he specialized in cryogenics and specialized in the use and production of liquid oxygen as well as safety protocols for mechanics in the Air Force.

Over the course of his career, George was stationed in Spain where he helped to produced liquid oxygen for use in fighter planes that fly over 30,000 feet. His next assignment sent him to Eggland, FL where he was retrained in Civil  Engineering in maintenance and construction.

George spent 6 years stationed at Andrews Air Force Base overseeing the maintenance and security of 21 acres of the base, ensuring that everything was always in top condition for high-ranking officials, including the President. He provided a great working environment for 13 Generals and 1,600 staff each day while on the base. 

He designed and implemented projects, including bathroom renovations across all the facilities located on Andrews Air Force Base. His next challenge was to design and implement 13 suites for each of the General's Quarters.

He served his final station in Guam for 18 months where he trained and worked with the Air Force computer system.

George retired in New York in 1991 as a Master Sergeant. He is most proud of the three Achievement Awards for his work at Andrews Air Force Base. He also received the Meritorious Service Award and Good Conduct award.

1st Class Petty Officer John W. Karrick, Jr.: United States Navy

John W. Karrick, Jr. began his Navy career on September 28, 1981, attending Boot Camp in San Diego, California before heading to the Great Lakes Navy Base in Illinois for assignment. He was sent next to Nuclear School in Orlando, Florida, where he trained to become a Submarine Machinist Mate for six months.

He was then selected to take ELT Chemical training.in Ballston Spa, NY for three months where he learned about ELT chemicals. He met his future wife, Colleen who cut his hair and John was forever smitten by her lovely smile.

After all this nuclear submarine education, John was going to begin his first tour of underwater duty and training at the North Pole. At the North Pole he "volunteered" to stand watch for polar bears for one hour, which he did in sneakers and almost froze his feet off.

John served for three and a half years on the submarines and three and a half as Staff Instructor after which he was requested to enroll in future courses so he could be promoted to Emergency Watch Supervisor.

While in the Navy, 1st Class John W. Karrick Jr earned the Blue Hope Invitation, Artic Service Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals and the Unit Expeditionary Medal. John retired from the Navy in November 1990.

Each of these veterans has a unique story, yet they share a common bond-an unwavering dedication to their country. Whether serving on the front lines or behind the scenes, their contributions have been vital to the safety and security of our nation. We are proud to honor Corporal Christopher S. Cantrell, Specialist Adam Roster, Sergeant Tyler A. Karrick, Master Sergeant George S. Baker, and 1st Class Petty Officer John W. Karrick, Jr. for their service.