State FFA honors Cathlamet resident

Cathlamet resident Bob Roche was honored at the Washington State FFA convention at Beasley Coliseum on May 11, when he was awarded a Vietnam Veteran Service pin.

Each of the Washington State FFA officers agreed to select someone from the state who had served in the Vietnam war and was involved in agriculture. Toutle Lake student and FFA State Treasurer Megan Gould chose Roche.

"I was totally surprised," Roche said. "I went over with a friend and we did the ceremony."

Roche, who was raised in Granville, NY, moved to Wahkiakum County in 1968. His wife, Esther, grew up here.

"I had that big farm out in the valley," Roche said. "I raised cattle, had trees, and grew enough vegetables to keep the food bank in business."

"Bob has long been a supporter of FFA," Carrie Backman, the WSU Extension Agent said. "If I remember right, he worked with the FFA meat cutting program, WDFW and local food banks to get much needed protein to our local folks in need. They used meat from deer and elk confiscated by the WDFW. He is inspiring, for sure."

"We were challenged by National FFA to award veterans from the Vietnam War," Megan Gould, who nominated Roche, said. "When it came time to plan the state convention, we wanted to continue this trend. Our theme for the year was 'This Moment' and we decided we wanted to share our moment with people who did not get the recognition they deserved while fighting for our country."

Roche served in the U.S. Army.