Steven Mast Is February’s Veteran Of The Month

When offered an opportunity to say a few words Tuesday after being presented as the Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month for February, Steven Mast could only say “thank you” and reference his buddies he lost in Vietnam before being overcome with emotion.
Mast began his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy Seabees in November 1967, Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell said in reading Mast’s biography at the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting. He completed initial training in San Diego, Calif., followed by advanced instruction in Port Hueneme, Calif., where he qualified as an equipment operator.
His duty assignments included El Centro, Calif.; Gulfport, Miss.; back to Port Hueneme; and Okinawa, Japan, “which was a lead-in to his Vietnam service,” McDowell stated.
After 3-1/2 years of honorable service, Mast was discharged on July 1, 1971, with the rank of construction man third class (E3).
“His dedication earned him several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal,” McDowell stated.
Following Mast’s military career, he settled in Kosciusko County. He worked with the Department of Natural Resources and later served as a ready-mix truck driver for Kuert Concrete until his retirement in 2012.
In October 1982, Mast “married the love of his life,” Elizabeth, and together they raised two children, Lester and Brian.
McDowell said Mast “continues to exemplify service and leadership through his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America and the North Webster Fire Department, contributing time, energy and resources to support his community.”
Before presenting Mast with a framed certificate signed by the Kosciusko County commissioners, McDowell presented him with a copy of the book “A Time to Honor.”
“Normally, at this point, I would do the honors of reading off the certificate. But this morning I want to do one additional thing,” McDowell said in presenting the book. “... Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans organization, they produced a hard copy of Vietnam War 50th Commemoration, ‘A Time to Honor.’ It’s stories of service, duty and sacrifice.”
McDowell presented the book to Mast on behalf of the Indiana governor, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the nonprofit charity Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Inc.
After receiving the book, the certificate and taking some photos, Commissioner Bob Conley asked Mast if he wanted to say a few words.
“Thank you,” Mast said. “This is for all the buddies I lost. Thank you.”