MCBDD luncheon will honor veterans

Staff report

STRUTHERS

The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities is announcing the annual Veterans of the Valley Luncheon, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 24 at St. Nicholas Church hall, 764 Fifth St.

The luncheon is free to all veterans. Those who want to attend should call Fail Froomkin at 330-797-2903 by Tuesday.

The event is part of the board’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month celebrations.

The MCBDD will honor two veterans for their dedication and service to the community, Waymond Grace of the U.S. Army and Salvatore, known as Sam, Traficanti of the U.S. Navy.

Grace enlisted in the Army on July 7, 1977, when he was 17. He was assigned to Germany after being trained as an armor crewman.

In his 20-year Army career, Sgt. 1st Class Grace served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm among other assignments.

He received an Arcom with V Device for his actions in Desert Storm. He enjoys fishing and is active in his church and VFW post.

Traficanti served in the Navy from 1945 to 1948. He was a Petty Officer 3rd Class and earned the victory medal.

Traficanti served as an interpreter in Naples, Italy, when U.S. forces occupied that region and assisted in demobilizing enemy forces.