Baker resident William “Bill” Everett is now the Military Order of the Purple Heart's National Junior Vice Commander. He was elected for the position during this year’s national convention in Denver, Colo.
Everett served in a distinguished 21-year Army career.
He earned the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for his bravery and wounds received in 1967 while serving in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. After the Viet Cong ambushed a convoy he was leading, despite his wounds, Everett provided covering fire that allowed wounded comrades to evacuate safely.
Everett served four tours in Vietnam, earning two more Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, two more Bronze Star medals for valor, the Soldier’s Medal, and numerous other awards and decorations.
Following his military service, Everett joined the Donald Trump Corporation, where he worked for 19 years as a facilities manager.
He joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization in 1984, and upon his second retirement, moved to Baker, where he has dedicated his free time to the organization.
He has served in numerous positions of responsibility in his local chapters in New Jersey and in Florida, in the Department of Florida, and the Southeast Region.
In 2008, Everett was recognized as the MOPH Patriot of the Year and in 2013 he received the MOPH National Commanders Award in recognition of his dedication to the order.
The organization, now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc., was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker man elected to Military Order of the Purple Heart leadership