FARMINGTON — Donis Clanton has been through a lot since he
came back from Dessert Storm.
When the decorated Green Beret got back from Iraq, he suffered from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder. And then six years ago, he fell from a 14-foot-high
porch and suffered a brain injury.
Clanton, who had spent 12 years in the Army, underwent two brain surgeries and
had to learn how to walk and talk again.
On Thursday, the veteran received a plaque and a certificate of appreciation
from DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 12 in Farmington. Clanton had
been a German linguistics specialist.
Adjutant Chris Miller thanked Clanton for what he did while he was in Iraq.
Post Commander Bob Ridings presented him with a certificate of appreciation
for his outstanding performance in the Army. The VFW Post 5741 in Leadington
presented him with a VFW cap.
For the past few years, Clanton has been living at St. Francois Manor in
Farmington.
He has found peace, happiness and hope with the SGI (Soka Gakkai
International) Ikeda Tip Top Group, where his mother, Carol White, now serves
as group leader. The Buddhist association promotes peace, culture and
education through personal change and social contribution.
His mother and his sister, Luana Ayers, both said Clanton is an inspiration to
all with whom he comes in contact.
His sisters, Bamby Miller, Darla Griffin, and Ayers, felt it was nice for
their brother to be reminded of how important he was in the Army. White said
Clanton was extremely happy to be honored and the DAV presentation meant a lot
to him.
On Thursday, before Clanton received his award, Mayor Jeannie Roberts joined
the group and proclaimed the day “SGI Day.” The theme of the day was “Capture
the Spirit of Humanism. Celebrate Diversity.”
SGI Ikeda Tip Top is based on Eastern philosophy of working for individual
happiness and world peace. The group formed in 2003 and has 32 members from
St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Iron counties. They have restored a roadside
park in Ironton called Ikeda Tip Top Park. For more information, call Claire
Wroblewski at 573-701-0148.
Teresa
Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at
573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at
tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.
