YORK – Lt. Colonel Charles Knowlen will be the speaker at this year’s American Legion Mid-Winter Conference on Saturday, Jan. 17. Knowlen’s topic will be “Ease the Hurt: a Vietnam Veteran Speaks Out.”

The presentation is schedule for 11 a.m. and is open to all veterans.

A native of Holden, Knowlen graduated from the University of Maine. He began serving in the Army in June 1958. After several tours in Vietnam, Knowlen served in Germany with the Mechanized Infantry Battalion and later served as the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment.

His bravery earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star, 25 Air Medals, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and other citations.

Ramsdell-Rogers American Legion Post 56 will host the conference.