George Risbon of Honey Brook, who served with the United States Air Force, was presented with a Blanket of Honor during a ceremony held on Harmony Day, Sept. 21, at The Long Way Home Grill & Pub in Honey Brook.

The presentation, which was a complete surprise to Risbon, was led by Manny Acuna, CEO of Blankets of Honor, which is a nonprofit organization that was formed to honor veterans, first responders and others by presenting them with a blanket as a lasting gift to recognize them for their service or accomplishments.

"We travel around the United States, and we honor veterans, supporters, Gold Stars (families of those killed while serving in the Armed Forces) and fire and police (personnel)," said Acuna. "When we started this, we wanted to say thank you to the veterans first and foremost for their sacrifices and what they have done for this country."

Acuna, a Marine veteran, offered an opening prayer and then provided a brief biography of Risbon, whom he referred to as a "hometown hero."

Risbon was an airman second class stationed at Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Anchorage, Alaska. He also served in Vietnam from February of 1961 to January 1965.

"His mission was to get the fighters in the air, and he achieved that mission," said Acuna, adding that Risbon was once elected to take Miss Alaska to the governor's ball.

Acuna noted that Risbon is active with the Honey Brook Lions Club and is past president, board member and president of rental management. He is currently the club's membership chair.

In June, Risbon was honored with a Lions Club Life Membership "in recognition of his dedication and exceptional service over the years." In September, he was named a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow for "demonstrating commitment to humanitarian service."

"As we serve outside ... the military, we have this yearning to come home and still serve," Acuna said of Risbon's commitment to the Lions Club.

Risbon is also a member of the Honey Brook Township Veterans Honor Roll.

Following Acuna's remarks, Risbon was then wrapped in the blanket by his daughters. The queen-size fleece blanket features the stars and stripes and is inscribed with the words, "Thank you." He was also presented with a challenge coin, a framed certificate and a packet of information about Blankets of Honor.

"As we wrap the blanket around you, let it be known that you are never alone. We will be here to honor you and love you and comfort you," said Acuna. "We are brothers and sisters in arms, and for your service, you will not be forgotten. Just as the threads of the blanket are woven together, we as a community and family are woven together also. We have a bond that no one can break."

Risbon accepted the gifts and expressed his gratitude. "I want to thank everyone for coming out. That was a quite a surprise," he said.

For more information about Blankets of Honor, visit http://www.facebook.com/BlanketsofHonor  or http://www.blanketsofhonor.org. To view the ceremony in Honey Brook, visit www.youtube.com and search for "George Risbon - 122nd Presentation 2024."