“I'd like to present to you Joe Kline veteran for 2024."
Chaplin Bill Schaefer says Joe Kline joined the Kent County Honor Guard 14 years ago, and since then he has helped carry the colors and sound taps at hundreds of veteran’s funerals.
“In 2023 he served 200 military funerals and this last year he served another 200 funerals.”
Kline, who grew up on the Kline family farm in Alpine Township enlisted in the Navy in 1968.
“Served in Vietnam with 31 battle stars.”
“Thank you for your service to our country and our community Mr. Kline.”
During an awards ceremony Kent County Board of Commissioners chair Ben Greene read a proclamation praising Joe Kline and added a personal note.
“Any of us who have attended a funeral for one of our friends or family members who served in the military have seen Mr. Kline there helping to honor them. I know I have fore a couple family members so I would like to say thank you for that.”
“Like to thank the Kent County Commissioners and the United Veterans Council for this award.” I’m not a good speaker but I sure appreciate it thank you everybody.”
