Alva Review-Courier -

Kiowa man Bob Drake, who is a Vietnam veteran, was the featured speaker for the Fourth of July community service in Hardtner, Kansas, at the United Methodist Church.

The sanctuary was filled with people decked out in red, white and blue there to express their thanks to veterans like Drake. Because "All Gave Some, Some Gave All," the people are beyond appreciative.

Drake told of his service, joining the U.S. Army in 1967. He recalled the harrowing time of serving in the infamous TET Offensive. He referred to a "spider monkey" who became "a friend" and was "the best guard," alerting the troops o...