The American Legion Auxiliary, Greer Post #11 is honoring Vernon Sip as November Veteran of the month.

Sip is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having volunteered for the draft and enlisting in February of 1954. This was Sip's first time away from home and the family farm. Sip went to basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas and then to Fort Bliss in Texas to complete his training as an artillery cannoneer. Sip left for basic training with two other area soliders Francis 'Pancake' Mock and Durwood Crisman. Sip served two years in the Army and then spent thirty-eight years (until 1994) in the National Guard. He was able to be a full-time national guard member and became the Unit Administrator for the 120 member unit in Wagner. Vernon ended his military career with the National Guard as a Sergeant Major. During his military career, Sip received 14 ribbons and 2 campaigns including National Defense and Good Conduct. Sip did a tour in Germany and three tours in Panama.

During his years with the National Guard, Sip worked in many different areas such as water supply, transportation and engineering. One of his favorite highlights of his career was his tour in Germany. He was able to visit the Dachau concentration camp during his stay in Germany. It was a very powerful experience for him. He also enjoyed taking the trains. About the only way to travel around Germany was by trains. Sip said that the trains did not wait for anyone, but luckily if one was missed there was another train that would be along shortly.

Vernon was born and raised in Wagner. After returning from his time in the Army, Sip tried to farm with this dad on the family farm, but soon figured out that he was not meant to be a farmer and instead made a career with the National Guard unit in Wagner. In 1959, Vernon met his wife, Judy Gsylenk and they married. They had four children: Patricia, Lisa, Lori and Steven. Sip enjoyed many hobbies when he was not working. These included fishing for bullheads, carp, catfish, etc on the river; hunting deer and pheasants; building and working on houses; and building gun stocks.

Sip has been a member of the Greer Post #11 American Legion for 50 years. During that time he held the office of State Commander for a year. He was also a very active member of both the Presbyterian and Methodist churches.

Thank you Vernon for your service and for being November's Veteran of the month.