On 11-12-09 the Scottish Rite was hosting their Veterans Day dinner along with the Veteran’s Presentation by Major General Carl Black, Retired US Air Force and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, in the auditorium in front of the Scottish Rite Body. This occurred after a wonderful dinner where the members and wives were invited to attend and witness the presentation by General Carl Black.

This event was well attended and at the same time, there was no mention of an award that would follow at the end of General Blacks Veteran’s presentation and slide show of a Patriot Theme. At the closing, Roger Barnett, 33rd Degree and Past Grand Master of Kentucky, announced that the Scottish Rite created a committee to find a Mason that deserved the distinct honor of being recognized for his Service to his Country, Community, and Masonic work that brought credit to him and Honor to the Craft.

The committee that worked on this was comprised of several 33rd Degree members headed up by Major General Carl Black Retired US Air Force. Noble and 32nd Degree Mason, Bro. Walt Oster was in attendance at this dinner and ceremony, and without any prior or advanced warning, Bro. Barnett announced that the recipient of this great award was none other than Noble Walt Oster, was shocked to say the least.

Noble and Brother Walt Oster was nominated by the committee and received a beautiful free standing plaque that read the following; "The Louisville Scottish Rite Honors WALT OSTER for his service in the United States Army, to his community as a City of Louisville Police Officer, to his fellow Veterans in the Wounded Warrior Programs and the Missing in Action programs and to Masonry by his visits to ill and infirmed patients at the Veterans Hospital and the Masonic Home. All of which brings due credit to him and Honor to us."

Kosair Shriners wants to offer their thanks to the Louisville Scottish Rite for such a wonderful surprise and recognition to such a well-deserving Noble as Walt Oster, who goes on foot and out of his way almost daily to let those who have given their devoted and selfless service to our Country, know that their works will never be forgotten by a grateful Nation.

Below are two photos: The first is of the Major General Carl Black, Retired US Air Force and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Noble and Brother Walt Oster holding the Louisville Scottish Rite Recognition Award and Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Louisville Scottish Rite, Noble and Brother John Moyers. The second photo is a close up of the inscription on the award.