Local Businessman, Philip Satre, Presents Medal to Actor Mickey Rooney at World War II Museum
Reno businessman Phil Satre presents the Silver Service Medallion to actor Mickey Rooney at the World War II Museum in New Orleans
Phil Satre, who is well known in Northern Nevada, recently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some very well-known celebrities at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. One of his duties as incoming chairman of the museum’s board was to present the organization’s Silver Service Medallion to actor Mickey Rooney, in celebration of his “tireless work to entertain the troops during the war years in canteens and USO camps.” Rooney is a World War II veteran.
Satre was in New Orleans to celebrate the opening of a new addition to the National World War II Museum. The Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world- why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today.
“I became involved to honor my father’s memory,” said Satre, whose father served in World War II. ”I am the son of a ‘citizen soldier’ who landed with the 977th Army artillery at Omaha Beach shortly after D-Day,” he added. He says his father was one of the lucky ones who came home from the war.
Satre, who was also just named chairman of the board for IGT, shared the stage in New Orleans with Tom Hanks, Tom Brokaw and other celebrities. But it’s apparent when talking to him that the real celebrities are the men and women who served in World War II and on the home front.
Reno businessman Phil Satre joined celebrities at the World War II Museum in New Orleans recently
The November 6th dedication included three days of events and a gathering of 360 World War II veterans at the museum’s parade grounds. Reno has a number of veterans from that era, and Satre says some of their stories have been preserved at the Museum through an oral history program.
As incoming chairman, Satre says he hopes to continue telling the stories of that generation to future generations in Northern Nevada and around the nation.