Korean War Veteran Honored at Royals’ Italian Heritage Game

Jody Valet Contributor On September 27, 2026, longtime Northeast resident and Korean War veteran Carmen Vigliaturo was honored during the Kansas City Royals’ Italian American Heritage Game at Kauffman Stadium. Carmen was recognized as the game’s Salute to Service veteran. A lifelong Royals fan and proud Italian American, Vigliaturo was especially excited to receive this honor during a game celebrating Kansas City’s Italian American community. A large group of family and friends came out to the ballpark that day to see him receive this honor and celebrate with him. Vigliaturo enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War. After completing his training at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, he was assigned to the 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing and deployed to Korea, where he served at Kunsan and Taegu air bases. As a ground power specialist, Vigliaturo maintained the diesel generators and electrical systems that powered the bases and supported daily operations.

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