05/23/2013 2,764,085 1,983,146 20,803 1,666,240 6,434,274

Veteran Stories

Click here for a list of all Veterans honored for the November 6th, 2012 General Election.

SSG. Todd
This is to honor an amazing and heroic brother, husband and Dad. SSG. Todd is currently serving in the Army and has done so for the past 14 years. He is in Unit 204 BSB. We thank God for blessing us with him and returning him to us unharmed. I would like to thank everone that is fighting to make us a better country. They are all hero's. To our fallen soldiers you will never be forgotten. May God be with the families of our fallen one's. As to SSG. Todd I LOVE YOU, and THANK YOU to everyone else that has served. God Bless You All! - Terri Ford, NC

Sgt. Johnny David Young
Sgt. Young is from Hallsboro NC. He served 6 years during the Vietnam War, in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an Intelligence Reconnaissance Scout and received a Vietnamese Language Certificate. He fought valiantly for freedom on the front line in HDQ S-2 Marine Intelligence where he served as Chief Scout, in the 2nd Battalion in the 7th and 1st Marine Division(s). He was responsible for a unit of 12 men, eight of which died and the remainder were wounded at least twice. For his service he received the following medals: National Defense, Good Conduct, 2 Purple Hearts, Vietnamese Service, Vietnamese Campaign and the Bronze Star. He was a great father and taught his children to be patriotic and proud of the wonderful USA! - Heather Young Johnson, Hamlet NC

Sgt. Meurld Lewis Lain
He served on the front line in the trenches of France during World War I. During the winter there was snow and rain, often with flood conditions. He was frequently subject to gas attacks. He hated wearing a gas mask and would only wear when he actually smelled gas. By the 1920's he started having problems; and by 1934 he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and admitted to a VA Hospital in Hines, IL. After removing two-thirds of his stomach, he was only given 6 months to live. Despite this prognosis, he returned to installing hot water heaters in diesel locomotives until he finally succumbed to the cancer in 1960 at the age of 65. - Thomas Lain, Greensobo NC

David Bennett, U.S. Navy
He enlisted in the Navy after high school and served his entire duty on the USS Diamond Head (AE-19), to which he was first assigned. He technically did not serve during any wars or official conflicts. His ship was anchored just offshore of Cuba in 1959 during the climax of the Cuban Revolution's guerrilla war. His ship was an ammunitions and explosives ship that also carried cargo and supplies needed to restock other ships at sea. There are many honors given to, and special benefits provided for, the Veterans who served during wars and 'official' conflicts. My Dad served during this "gray area" in US Naval history, he is not considered eligible for these honors and benefits. After serving his Country for four years, my Dad served his community for twenty (20) years as a New York City Police Officer. I am so very proud of my Father's service and cannot think of a more deserving person that I can honor in this way with my vote. Thank you so muh for having this program that allows many of us the opportunity to truly let those that have inspired us know how much we truly appreciate them and thank them for their service. - Karen Bennett, Wilmington NC

TSgt. Thomas Eugene Grace, Jr.
Born on July 11, 1975 and died at the age of 36 in Korea on January 14, 2012, while on active duty. He was a husband, son, brother and father of two. He was a strong man, who loved life and having fun. He was a a member of the original Seal Team 6, he guarded the aircraft when that mission went down. He was involved in more operations than any civilian could even imagine. He was two years from retirement with 20 years of service and had saved up all his vacation time for years so he could be able to go on vacation for 6 months prior to taking retirement. He stayed strong in the face of danger and kept all of us safe. He was more than a brother, he was my friend and I am very proud of my amazing brother for his sacrifice to this country. - Jennifer M. Wood Grace, Granite Falls NC

SSG Clyde Alexander Best, Army
Best was born in Whiteville, NC and served during World War II. He would sometimes tell family about the time he was in Europe during the war but would never talk about the war itself or friends he had lost. He kept his dog tags and a map that chronicled his tour of duty, while in Europe. He was actually at Hitler's Eagle's Nest after it was taken by the Allies.

He always made a point to vote in every election and could even tell you who he voted for in each presidential election. He use to boast that he had read an entire set of the World Book Encyclopedia. He was a remarkable man! He use to comment that he would like to go on the "Flight of Freedom" to visit the WWII memorial but was unable to make the trip. Best passed away at the age of 93 years old and still with a clear mind. - Henry and Gayle Lewis and family, Lumberton NC

Corpsman 3C Christopher Alan 'Doc' Anderson
'Doc' Anderson was a native of Longmont, Colorado. He died at the age of 24 by enemy motar fire on December 4, 2006 in Iraq, while serving with the 1st Battalion, II Marine Expenditionary Forces. Days before his death, he saved the life of a fellow Marine sergeant wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was buried at Arlington Nattional Cemetery.

Anderson Hall, is a building dedicated in his honor. This bulding is one of five buildings on the Medical Education & Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, which houses the Navy's only Hospital Corpsman school that trains medical personnel for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. - Corpsman Chief Petty Officer James Napier, Richlands NC

Billy Joe Devine, U.S. Army
Billy Joe served in the Korean War and received a bronze star, which he is very proud. He never talked much about the war, but has lately been sharing story's with the grandchildren. He was nominated 2007 Veteran of the year for Lincoln County, Lincolton, NC. He is a smart person who loved working, history, politics and family. He is currently not in good health. I want to thank you for this gesture to honor the Veterans. - Myrniss Devine of Iron Station NC

SSG Steven Snyder, U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Snyder is a disabled vet that served two (2) terms in Afganistan when he was wounded twice. He received two (2) purple hearts, one of which was for valor. While his unit was pinned down by enemy gunfire, he exposed himself to drag a wounded soldier to safety, and in the process he received a serious wound and carries the projectile in his body to this day. - Dwight Adams CW3 US Army, Ret., Roanoke Rapids NC

SFC Charles Henry Phillips, Sr.
It is with great honor that I continue to be able to vote my convictions due to my fathers service to our country. He retired after serving 33 years in the NC Army National Guard. I will never forget the sacrifice that all members of the armed forces have given to make this country "the land of the free, and the home of the brave." - Charles H. Phillips, Jr., La Grange NC

David L. Phillips, U.S. Navy
He was a Navy Medic in the Korean War who worked tirelessly to help save the lives of those wounded in battle. He earned a Purple Heart as a result of injuries incurred by him in a blast in a bunker. - Cheryl Colby, Zebulon NC

SSG William Lunceford
We are voting in Honor of our son. He is currently on his 3rd deployment in Afganistan. He has also previously served 2 years in Iraq with the 151st Engineering Battalion Army National Guard in Laurinburg NC. We are very proud of our son. - Richard and Valesia Lunceford of Hamlet NC

Richard Lunceford
I'm voting in Honor of my husband. He served during the Vietnam War from 1968-1974. - Valesia Lunceford

Wallace Harold Robinson
The Story of My Veteran: My Father served in the Korean War and was a paratrooper. He loved his family and country. He and my mother had 5 children, all girls. He died at the very young age of 52. Even through his sickness he never gave up his belief in God and his love for life. I miss him terribly and hope see him in heaven one day. - Kathy Robinson

Lester M. Killian Jr.
The Story of My Veteran: Lester M. Killian Jr served in Vietnam. He was in the Marines from 1965 to 1966 as a Military Police Officer. He now suffers from agent orange and has many health issues. - Barbara K. Icard of Connelly Springs NC

Jack Winslow Icard
I will be voting in honor of Him. This is my grand-father and he served 2 tours in Vietnam. His MOS was a Navy SeeBee. Afterwards he joined the NC National Guard. His years of service were from 1967 -1972. He is now retired and 30 years out of the military. I'm very proud of him. - Elizabeth Deese, Connely Springs NC

The Churchbourne's
I will voting in honor of three generations of Churchbourne's: Henry Churchbourne MAJ RET US Army served in WW II 1944-1945 and Korean War 1954-1955 Henry J Churchbourne SPC US Army served in Vietnam 1964-65 Christopher J Churchbourne LTC RET US Army served in (parachuted) Panama Operation Just Cause 1989, Operation Desert Storm 1991, Operation Desert Storm Iraq 2003, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and The war in Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom - Jacqueline Churchbourne

Glenda Darnell Crouch
The name of the veteran I will be voting in honor of is: Glenda Darnell Crouch She was a WAC in the Army. She served from September 1958 until November 1963. Her rank was SSG/E-6. She served in Army Intelligence doing classified work. She was stationed in Fort Jay in New York City, NY, Fort Shafter in Hawaii, the Special Warfare Center in Fort Bragg, NC. After September 11th, she saw many of the little Flags people put on their cars fall off into the road. They were left there. Even though she had just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was walking with a cane, she stopped and picked those Flags up off the road when she saw one, no matter what, rain or shine. Now that she cannot walk at all, I know to do the same; to keep the U.S. Flag off the ground where others leave them when they fly off the cars, because that Flag means something. - Deanna-Renee Kasey Holloway

Franklin Delores Moore
Served in the United States Navy from March 1951 until March 1955. He was born on May 14, 1932 and is currently 80 years young. He did boot camp in San Diego California. He was also stationed aboard the USS Damato DDE 871. The Damato was a destroyer that did plane guard for carriers: CVE 41, 42, 43, The FDR,The coral Sea and the Midway. The Damato spent many years at sea visiting many countries on both the atlantic/pacific oceans. Mr. Moore is truly honored for his service. - FDM

Robert Benjamin Sullivan
Robert Benjamin (RB) Sullivan joined the US Army in 1944 at the age of 21. He and his wife, Mettie Lou, had 2 children at the time. He was sent to Florida for boot camp and spent 10 weeks there. He had 6 brothers, 2 of which also served in the US Army. After boot camp, he was shipped off to Belgium and served in the 112th Infantry. He served both in France and Belgium and traveled along the Rhine River. He received several medals, including the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, Army of Occupation WWII, European African Mid-Eastern Campaign, Victory WWII and Good Conduct for his service. When he returned home, he served at the polls on election days. I consider him very patriotic and he died on July 4th, 2003. He had a total of 5 sons and 2 daughters. Two of his sons, Robert C Sullivan and William D Sullivan served in Vietnam and Korea, respectively. - Angela Williamson

Bobby Bullock
I'd like to submit a request to vote in honor of my daddy.  His name is Bobby Bullock. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam.  One of the main things my daddy stressed to me my whole life was how important it was to vote. He was adamant that everyone take advantage of the opportunity that our military provided and still provides for us as citizens of this United States.  As soon as I was old enough, he took me to my local town hall to register.  Every election thereafter, he was certain to remind me, "Don't forget to go vote today."  He was so excited when I took a job with the Beaufort County Board of Elections.  He knew then that I'd never forget to vote!  My job gives me the wonderful opportunity of assisting many others in registering to vote.

My daddy died in 2004 at the age of 58 with esophageal cancer.  I miss terribly his gentle reminders to go vote.  But one thing is for sure, he made me proud to be a United States citizen and I'll be sure to carry on that legacy with my two boys.

Thanks for this opportunity.   - Anita Branch

Horace L. Hall, Sr.
My name is Lillian Crabill and I would like to honor my father, Horace L. Hall, Sr.  My father served in the army for 30 years.  He served in the African Campaign during WWII.  He also served in the Korean Conflict, and finally he served in Vietnam and was there during the TET offensive.  During WWII he left a wife and son at home.  During Korea he left a wife, son and two daughters at home, and during his tour of duty in Vietnam his oldest son was stationed on a ship off the coast of Vietnam and at home were his wife, two daughters and two young sons.  My father ran the mess halls during his 30 years in the army.  I like to think that for 30 years he fed our troops and they fought valiantly for our freedom.  My father passed away on July 10, 2006 from multiple myeloma caused by Agent Orange, which he was exposed to while flying in helicopters taking meals to the troops on the front lines in Vietnam .  I am very proud of my father and very proud to be the daughter of a man who served so long in our Army.  I would like a pin with his name on it.  I would wear it proudly all of the time, not just Election Day.  I know that my freedom today is in part because of my father.  - Lillian Crabill

Sheldon Koesy
I would love to honor my father, Sheldon Koesy, who served in the Air Force in World War II. He was a fighter pilot stationed in China. Our favorite family story is the day his plane was shot. An enemy bullet entered the window of the plane, grazing my dad's forehead, and went out the other side. It was truly a miracle from God that the bullet missed his head. That event really made an impact on my dad when he realized that God had kept him alive for His purposes. After the war, my dad went to college and got several degrees. He served as a minister for many years and is now retired in Wilmington, NC. He keeps up with some of his World War II buddies and has made new friends with younger World War II buffs. Some of those guys recently made a trip to Washington DC to see the World War II memorial.  My dad also is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Wilmington and can frequently be seen at the airport or tinkering on his plane in his shop. He turned 85 this summer.  - Debby Alston

The veteran I wish to honor is Dr. Sheldon F. Koesy, ret USAF  who is my father.

Sheldon Koesy was an Air Force fighter pilot in WWII serving in China. He had tried to get into the Air Force Academy from his home in Miami Florida. When he thought there was going to be a delay, he took a train to Canadaso he could enlist in another country's air force. He really wanted to be a pilot and fight in the war. He was so excited on the way up that he saw snow for the first time in his life that he tried to take a picture through the train window. Upon arriving, he went to several embassies before going to the Polish Embassy. He was told to come back after lunch because the person who had to authorize his enlistment would be there then. Fortunately, he went back to his hotel during the wait period and got the telegram that my grandfather had sent telling him to come home right away because his acceptance at the Academy had arrived. It was a blessing that there had been a wait time at the Polish Embassy so that he ended up in the USAF.  

He was a fighter pilot and had many exciting adventures which he is more willing to share now than when we were growing up. When I was younger, the only war story I ever heard was how they had to eat scrambled eggs at so many meals that he didn't like them after the war. A retired Presbytherian minister who also taught political science classes at several NC colleges and community colleges, he is writing his memoirs now at age 85 as well as building an airplane in the shop behind my parents' home in Wilmington, NC. Actually, he is trying to put the front half on one place and the back half of another together into a flyable unit. Until very recently, he flew his small plane out of STAG air field in Burgaw.   - Becky K. Crosier

John Hester
Thank you.  I am so proud to vote in honor of my father who served our country in Vietnam.   He went to serve at the young age of 18.   Thank you for this program, may all of our veterans and current service men and women one day get the true blessings they deserve.  - Debby Hester

Samuel Bruce Grant
I would like to request an Honor a Veteran button. This is in honor of my great grandfather. His name is Samuel Bruce Grant. He was born August 30, 1842 and died September 23, 1920. He served in the Confederate States Army and achieved the rank of 1st Corporal. He was a member of the 62nd NC Infantry, Company F. He was captured in Tennessee and transferred as a Prisoner of War to Camp Douglas in Chicago, IL in 1863 and was imprisoned there for 18 months. Camp Douglas became known as "80 Acres of Hell". He was released in 1865 and returned home to the NC mountains where he raised his family. He is buried in Stone Mountain near Old Fort, NC. - David A. Grant

Captain Jeb Seagle
My cousin was a hero, a brave soldier who died for our country.  A painting hangs in the Pentagon to remind us of his bravery in Grenada.  - Kaleigh Layne Seagle

M. Lee Johnson
I want to honor my dad, M. Lee Johnson, who is 89 years old and lives in Smithfield, NC. He was one of four brothers, sons of the late Mr. and Mrs J. M. Johnson of Benson, who served in the Navy during World War II. My dad entered service in October 1943 and was stationed at New Orleans, La. He received his military training in Great Lakes, Illinois and was later stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi. He served as a welder and shipfitter at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia. Two of his brothers, the late, J. Marvin Johnson and late, Robert N. Johnson both served in the Pacific area. His brother, Alsey B. Johnson of Dunn and is 92 years old, who entered in 1942, was with a fleet air wing in England. Fortunately, they all returned home safely after the war was over.

I am proud of my dad and his brothers for their bravery while serving our country.  - Marilee Johnson

Jason E. Causby
I would like a button with the name : Jason E. Causby. Jason and I  grew up together in Morganton, NC.  In 1993 we felt a calling to serve our country, so we decided to enlsit in the US Marine Corps. After we left the Marine Corps in the late 90's, we each began our individual careers, mine as an aircraft mechanic, and Jason's as an automobile technician. Despite having felt satifaction in his career choice, Jason still felt that calling to serve his country. He enlisted in the NC Army National Guard, and is currently scheduled to deploy to  Iraq for a year in November. Jason, a father of 4, has accepeted the risk involved with such a commitment and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for God, family, and country. I have a tremendous respect for my best friend, my brother Jason Causby, and I would be honored to carry his name on the "Honor a Veteran" button.  - Logan "Spence" Morgan Jr

Kenneth Matola
The veteran I would like to honor is Kenneth Matola. Kenneth Matola is my husband and he is currently serving in the NC National Guard.  He has served in the Army National Guard for 20 years.  He was on active duty with the Army for four years, served in the SC National Guard and is now serving in the NC National Guard.  His tour includes a peace keeping mission in over the 1999/2000 millenium with the SC National Guard, and Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2005 with the NC National Guard.  We believe in all that the National Guard and military stands for.  - Monica Matola

Walter C. Malcom
What a wonderful program! Thank you for starting this.

I am honoring my uncle, Pfc. Walter C. Malcolm, who was killed 1 August 1944. This story is less about him than about the meaning of Memorial Day but I hope you will find it interesting. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90824280

Walter Malcolm was born in Mooresville, in Iredell County, NC in 1915. He was in the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and landed  on Omaha Beach 7 June 1944. A wireman, Walter earned the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He is buried in Normandy, France at Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery. Many nieces and nephews survive him. - Jennie Malcolm

Olin Reasoner
I'll be voting this Nov 4th 2008 in the general election and am requesting a button to honor my Uncle who served in WWII and was captured by the Germans and was a P.O.W. the last year of the war.  He is still living and lives in the state of Iowa Olin was captured Dec 19th, 1944 during the big  "Battle of the Bulge" and was lucky to not be in the group of prisoners who were massacred by the Germans at Malmedy only a few miles from where he was being held.  He served in the US Army with the 106th Infantry Division and suffered greatly while in Stalag IV near the Czech border during a severe winter and inhumane treatment where many fellow POW's died.

His valor in fighting pitched battles in Northern France and Belgium plus his escape with 3 others across the Elbe River truly makes him a champion and veteran of distinction. - Dave Reasoner

John Kurth
I would like to vote for my Company Commander in Iraq. His name was Captian John Kurth Commander B Co 1-18IN 2BCT 1ID. CPT Kurth was the epitomy of leadership. I only new him for a short time, and that time I will never forget. CPT Kurth and his driver, SPC Jason Ford were killed in action by a roadside bomb in Tikrit Iraq on 13 March 2004. We were in country for two weeks at that time. America lost two outstanding men that day, may they never be forgotten.  - Franklin Oldham

Joe Simpson
I am a vet myself but I would like to honor my Grandfather. His name was Joe Simpson. He passed away recently. He was an MP in the US Army. He served in Vietnam and retired from the military. I would like a personalized button to represent him in this election because this is an historic election and I wish he was here to see it.  - Michael Murray

Donald R. Rash
In Honor Of:  Rash, Donald R.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. B, 1st Bn., 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: March 30, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Private First Class Donald R. Rash, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1968, while conducting a reconnaissance in force near the Khe Sanh Combat Base, Company B suddenly came under a heavy volume of small-arms fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions. Although the majority of the hostile fire was directed at his squad, pinning down his companions, Private Rash disregarded his own safety as he unhesitatingly left a covered position and launched a determined assault against the enemy emplacements. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly advanced across the fire-swept terrain, boldly throwing hand grenades and delivering a heavy volume of rifle fire upon the enemy force. Although continuously exposed to the intense hostile fire, he resolutely continued his vicious attack until he had destroyed five enemy positions and killed numerous North Vietnamese soldiers. When his company was subsequently ordered to withdraw while under accurate enemy mortar fire, he steadfastly remained behind, and as he delivered suppressive fire to cover the evacuation of casualties he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company accounting for 115 North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty, Private Rash contributed immeasurably to the accomplishments of his unit's mission and sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.  - Richard J. Rash

George Anderson Smith
I would like to honor my grandfather - George Anderson Smith - as part of the Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program in the 2008 General Election. My grandfather served in World War II. He participated in the campaigns of Normandy, Northern France and Germany with the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division of the US Army. He was awarded three bronze stars, one bronze star medal and a Purple Heart. He earned a Combat Infantry Badge and his division is recognized as a liberating unit by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

My grandfather died in 1975 at the age of 58. I was five years old in 1975 and so I never got the chance to ask him questions or hear him tell his story. I do not think that his story would have come easily as my grandfather did not discuss his time overseas and his participation in WWII - not even with my grandmother. He came home from the war, got a job and started a family. He kept his war years to himself and remained exceptionally modest about what he had done.

I took pictures of the medals, ribbons and badges that my grandmother still has, I requested information from the National Personnel Record Center and I searched the internet. I've been able to piece together an account of his time in the Army during WWII and I've read a lot about the "dough boys" of WWII in an attempt to understand his story. My PawPaw Smith played an important part in our nation's history and I want to understand his role, his accomplishments and his sacrifices. And perhaps most importantly I want to be able to share his story with my two boys when they are old enough to understand it. - Dana Altman

Jacob Sones and the 173rd Airborne
My son Jacob is a Paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne, on July 13th, 2008 45 Army Paratroopers were attacked by close to 500 taliban with mortars, rpg's and machine guns. At the start of the battle Jake was in a truck monitoring a radio when the SGT at the OP said they were under heavy attack, then the full auto grenade launcher that was mounted on top of the truck ran out of ammo. Jake jumped out of the truck, climbed up on the hood and reloaded it like it was any other day. His buddy said bullets were hitting the truck every 1/2 sec or so since he started reloading trying to take him out. When he finished he jumped back in and heard the SGT from the OP yelling he was hit. Jake said " THOSE GUYS NEED HELP NOW". Then the SGT said the bad guys were close. Jake and his SGT got out and ran 200 yds across open terrain thru mortar, rpg and heavy machine gun fire to get to the OP, dove over the sand bags to save their buddies. The SGT was badly wounded. Several were dead. They picked up what weapons and ammo they had and fought the enemy like true warriors. His SGT was killed. When they're weapons overheated, they threw them down and pick up the enemies. At times it was hand to hand; some times the enemy was so close air support was impossible, other times the dirt from the bullets the air support were shooting stung their faces. 5 Paratroopers held off 200 Taliban for more than 35 minutes before they were reinforced. 9 Paratroopers lost their lives that day and 15 were wounded, but they fought 500 taliban all day, never gave an inch of ground and kicked the TALIBAN BACK TO PAKISTAN

My son is my Hero, All those boys are my Heros. Every One of Them.  - Phillip Sones

Jerry Wade Seawell

I'd like to submit a request to vote in honor of my HUSBAND, Jerry Wade Seawell.

Jerry is very proud to wear his Pathfinder tattoo, proud of his service to the Army, and proud of his fellow commarades, past and present serving our country. Slowly, since we have been married, he has shared some of his stories with me, opening up some of the mystery of his life, he has kept many of journies of Vietnam very close to the vest. It is hard to see him suffer at times, his eyes tell the stories without speaking. Opening up, being honest about the commands, decisions and heartfelt feelings has not been easy -- he has been known to have a very bad temper and has thought of his opinions as the ones that are right - Army green is his favorite color and bamboo is his favorite wood.... Sometimes we joke about it - but really it is not funny.

Jerry has been strong all the years after he has served as a Commander at the local Veteran's Chapter in Robbins, NC for many years and of course is very thoughtful on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.  News of our men and women oversees is always on his mind and we pray especially for them during Sunday services at our Methodist Church.   Some days - understandably -- you can see the 'look' in his eyes - as I call it, that he is far away in his mind, remembering, thinking and contemplating the paths he took while serving our country.  Currently 58 and trying to move on with anger issues, he is as strong and proud as ever to have served the USA.  Jerry believes the bible and his faith has brought him to where he is at now and leans on them daily as consolation.  He walks tall, strong and folks around here have a high regard for him, that makes me very proud and thankful for him every day. - Catherine Seawell

Helmut John Schwartz Sr.
I would like to honor my Dad from world war II, Helmut John Schwartz SR – electrician on submarine, and who lost one eye when their sub was damage by a hit and glass few up and into his eye.  It took at least 5 days before they could get him medical help.  My Dad lost an eye but never really let be a disability for him, and did what he always did – a master electrician. I also have 7 brothers (1 marine, 2 Navy and 4 army) who served during, Cuban crises and Vietnam war time, including myself who served during Vietnam.  We were lucky we all survived.  - Gloria Schwartz

John E. Taylor, Jr.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to recognize our special veteran. I would like to vote for my daddy, John E. Taylor, Jr.from Pink Hill, North Carolina, who served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Korea, serving as a medic in 1952, the year I was born. My daddy and I did not see each other until I was over a year old.

Daddy enjoyed talking about his army “buddies” and the bond he had with them.  As a little girl and on through my teens, I remember how happy Daddy was each Christmas when he received a Christmas card from one of his “old Army buddies”.  Unfortunately, our family never had the opportunity to meet this special buddy veteran.  When Daddy died in 1998, I found a business card with the buddy's name, but have not been able to locate him.  His name is D. W. Lannan, who went on to become a chiropractor in Navato, California.

I remember seeing a professional photograph of my daddy in uniform with that Army hat placed “just right” on his head.  My grandparents were so proud to display his picture on their mantle.  Most of the pictures I have of my daddy when he was young, are pictures of him in uniform home on leave visiting the family or pictures of him standing beside one of those special Army buddies where he was stationed.  Daddy served in the U.S. Army two years and then went on to civilian life.  I believe those two years were very special to him.  He was proud he had served his country and so am I.

When we buried our daddy there was no question as to whether or not he would have an American flag draped over his casket.  He earned that honor many years before serving America in the U.S. Army. - Gale Taylor Sensenig

Rainey B. Qualls, Sr.
I'd like to vote in honor of my grandfather, Rev. Rainey B. Qualls, Sr.  He served in the United States Navy during WWII and was fiercely patriotic.  He died in July of this year at the age of 85.  My grandmother, Irene Qualls, my mother, Betsy Qualls Tapp, and my aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings all miss him terribly.  We are all honored and thankful that he was a part of our life.  He was a great man, a great husband, father and grandfather, and a great patriot.  - Lynda Amey

Robert Dee Ledford
I am voting in honor of a veteran my grandfather, Robert Dee Ledford, who served in WWII.

He is my hero. I have such memories of him sharing his love for this country, his patriotism, and the stories he shared about the places he served, Greenland, Germany. Stories about how he did not see his daughter, my mother, until she was 2 years old. The generation today takes so much granted, it is sad. In honor and in memory of my grandfather, I vote.

In honor of Robert D Ledford - Karon Mathews

Page 1 2 3 4 5 6