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Veteran Stories Page 5
A. Lyle Wilson
I wish to honor my grand-daddy, A. Lyle Wilson, a World War I, US Army Veteran.
While serving in France as a young man, 18 years old his unit came under heavy artillery fire. His gold Elgin pocket watch stopped running from all the vibrations from shelling. When the war ended, he came home and got his watch repaired.
He passed away at 92 and the watch was still ticking.
What a great program this is! – Maxie Parris
Jerry Ross Seago
Jerry Ross Seago was inducted into the US Army in September 1965 at Fort
Jackson, South Carolina. He received training at Fort Jackson and Fort Leonard wood,
Missouri. After this training he went to Fort Lewis, Washington for combat engineer
training. He was then accepted into flight school at Fort Wolters, Texas and then
graduated in Fort Rucker, Alabama where he received the rank of Warrant Officer. Following
graduation from Fort Rucker, Jerry was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. From Fort
Campbell, Jerry was sent to Pleiku, Vietnam where he flew Huey helicopters with the
189th AHC. He received the Bronze Star, Air Medals, the Vietnam Service medal, and
a Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam.
Jerry was discharged from the Army in 1969 at Fort Bragg. In 1998, he and other helicopter pilots organized the NC Vietnam Helicopter Pilots’ Association (NCVHPA) for which he is co-founder and past president. The NCVHPA current has five helicopters which were used in the Vietnam War, but which are not maintained in flight condition. The NCVHPA transport these aircraft on flatbed trailers for participation on parades, including two Presidential Inaugural parades, and are especially used for instructional programs in schools throughout the entire state of North Carolina. The interest and attention displayed by the students is amazing. It is a thrill for them to sit in the helicopters and learn about the various instruments and controls. Each demonstration includes a reminder of the importance of the education necessary for becoming a helicopter pilot or any other career the students may wish to pursue. For more information, see http://ncvhpa.org/.
Jerry is a native of Jackson County, NC, and has lived in many of the Southeastern states while growing up since his Dad worked for J.A. Jones Construction Company. Jerry is a graduate of St. Andrews High School in Charleston, SC. He is the son of Dorothy Thurman Seago and the late Lester L. Seago. Jerry is married to the former Barbara Mitchell. They now live in Hillsborough, NC and have two daughters, two granddaughters and four grandsons. – Jesse Flake
Robert C. Deidun
I will be honoring my son Robert C. Deidun, who enlisted in the United States Marine
Corps, August of 2001. His departure for Boot Camp, Paris Island, SC, was just a couple
days before September 11, 2001.
I’m proud to be an American, born and raised in Michigan, parents of European descent, and I live in NC since 1989. On September 11, 2001 I was even more proud to be an American. I believe in everything that our Country stands for, but on September 11, 2001 I had someone very close and important to me hundreds of miles away becoming a US Marine, to represent the United States of America and our Freedom, my son.
December 2005, my son decided to take employment in Iraq working for our State Department. I miss him terribly as he’s my only child and we don’t get to see each other but once or twice a year.
I am very proud of my son and the decision that he made to become a US Marine. I am also very proud of the decision he made to leave this country once again and work in Iraq back in December 2005.
I pray for World Peace, for all the Military personnel both Men and women who give of themselves selflessly, the sacrifices they all make daily to represent our country for our freedom. I also pray for their safe and quick return. I pray for all their families while their loved ones are away. I pray for all those who have lost their lives and their families while representing our country and fighting for our Freedom.
Thank you for the opportunity to “Vote in Honor of a Veteran”. I will be representing my son on Election Day, while paying tribute to those that have and are serving this country and protecting our freedom. I will wear my button proudly. – Patricia Deidun “A very proud American Mom”
Julian L. Smith
Julian Smith is my father. He served in the Navy in WWII on the Bon Homme Richard
in the Pacific. He spent some time in Japan on patrol near the end of the war. He’s
87 years old now! - Nan Smith Maples
Gene McCarley
LTC McCarley served his country for 25 years, rising from the rank of PVT up to the
rank of LTC. He spent 20 years in Special Forces, Green Beret, and had three tours
of duty in Vietnam. During that time he earned the Silver Star, 5 Bronze Stars, 3
Purple Hearts as well as numerous awards for outstanding service. – James
M. Morgan
Frank Gordon
Frank served over 20 years in the Coast Guard, both active and reserved.
He served during the Vietnam Era training men for combat deployment. He served on
many different types of water crafts (ships) during his 20 years of service. – Diane
Gordon
Bob Howard
Bob Howard worked for me as an NCO prior to receiving a direct commission
in the RVN to Capt. He received the MOH during an operation in Vietnam. He is probably
the most decorated soldier from the Vietnam era. I am proud to have served with him
and call him my friend. – Gene McCarley
Perry Smith
MG(R) Perry Smith served in the United States Air Force. He flew over 150 missions
as a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam. He is a west Point graduated. His father-in-law
LTC Jimmie Dyers (KIA) is the only American to receive the Medal of Honor and the
Carnegie Medal. – Sherry McCarley
Sherry McCarley
PVT Sherry McCarley served her enlistment during the Korean Conflict. She served stateside
in several Army hospitals and units as a medical specialist. She was discharged at
the end of her enlistment. – Gene McCarley
Grier Martin
I would like to honor Grier Martin on Election Day. Grier is a Major in the United
States Army Reserves and served active duty after 9/11 in war in Afghanistan from
November 2002 – May 2003 with CJTF-180. He continues his service by helping
our active service members and veterans through legislation which assist both the
military and their families.
Thank you very much for giving our North Carolina citizens the opportunity to honor our veterans in such a way. – Sylvia Hammons
Ira Williams
Ira was born in Hyde County in 1929. He joined the Army and served 4 years.
He then joined the Air Force. In his service he served overseas in many conflicts.
He was proud of the people who understood that freedom is not free. – Miriam
Sawyer
Jack Thomas Sink
Jack Thomas Sink was inducted into the US Army at Ft. Jackson, SC on August 7, 1951.
He received his basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He had 8 weeks of infantry and
8 weeks of artillery. Then he was sent to Japan.
In Tokyo he was assigned at the Quarter Masters Depot. In February 1952 he moved several hundred miles north of Tokyo (on his pictures it’s listed as Misawa, Japan). He was with the 753rd Antiaircraft battery, he was in the radar section of the battery and had to be on duty at the Radar to check for any unauthorized aircraft in the area. One day they had a “real battle alert” and had to shoot at two planes that had come across the border. One plane was damaged, but made it back across the border.
While in Japan he loved the church services on Sundays when the chaplain would come to them and have the services, outside if it was pretty, and inside a building if it was bad weather. They didn’t have a church building though. He loved the USO shows they had and the Grand Ole Opry performances.
They had many deep snows, some up to 50+ inches. Sometimes they had to set up tents down on the beach there and to keep warm, they had little Japanese heaters. Sometimes a Typhoon would blow over some of the tents and they would have to set them back up. They also had earthquakes which was scary because one didn’t know whether it was safer inside where the barracks might fall or outside where the earth might open up!
He received an Occupation Medal in Japan. In his papers it is stated that he was Director Operator for 18 months. He was so proud when he made Corporal in April 1953. He received his honorable discharge on July 14, 1953.
Jack was born in Davidson County, NC on October 21, 1930 and lived his whole life there except for his time in service. He was the son of the late Luther Gideon Sink, Sr. and Sallie Cross Sink. He married his pen-pal sweetheart, Betty Jean Flake, on June 12, 1954 and they had two daughters, Jackie and Susan, and twin granddaughters, and a wonderful son-in-law. Jack was loved by all his family and friends. He was also a helper to all his neighbors and lived the Christian faith everyday! He was also a hard worker. He died on February 6, 2007 and is greatly missed, but never forgotten by all his family and friends. – Susan Sink Bryan
Stephen Kennedy
SFC Stephen Kennedy was a member of the 278th Regimental Combat Team, Tennessee National
Guard and served in Diyala Province, Iraq. Stephen was on a search for an Insurgent
weapons cache on April 4th, 2005 when he and his convoy of US and Iraqi soldiers were
ambushed by 20-25 insurgents south of the city of Balad Ruz. Insurgents fired rocket
propelled grenades, machine guns, and mortars at Stephen’s convoy trapping the
soldiers in what was described as a “shooters alley”. Stephen and another soldier
volunteered to rush the heavily defended trenches that the insurgents were using as
fighting positions. Stephen engaged multiple insurgents with his M4 rifle and conducted
close combat using hand grenades to eliminate more enemies until he was fatally wounded
by enemy fire. The battle concluded 16 hours later and resulted in 18 insurgents killed.
SFC Kennedy received a Bronze Star for Valor for his actions that changed the tide
of this battle. SFC Kennedy served in the US Marine Corps during Operation Desert
Storm in 1991 and later joined the National Guard to continue his service to this
great country. Thank you, Steve. Semper Fi. – Greg Dixon
Joseph A. Lauer
Sgt. Joseph A. Lauer was my fraternal grandfather. He was in the Marin reserves and
served for the 4th Marine Division 4th Battalion. He fought in Iwo Jima and was awarded
a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in action. – Sarah A. Bowley
John P. Bowley
Sgt. John P. Bowley is my husband who is a Marine. He currently serves for the 2nd
Combat Engineer Battalion Mobility Assault Company of Camp Lejeune. He has done 5
tours of duty and suffered a T.B.I. on his last deployment. They will be medically
retiring him this coming year in 2009. He will be receiving a Purple Heart for his
injuries he sustained.
The very first (out of 3) IED explosions that my husband was in during his last deployment occurred on the very day that our first child was born. He was deployed 11 days prior to our son’s birth and he did not get to meet him in person until 6 ½ months later on October 23rd when he returned home. – Sarah A. Bowley
Hildra McCoy, Jr.
SSgt Hildra McCoy, Jr. a member of the US Marine Corp was killed in Vietnam on 21
May 1967. He earned three Purple Hearts, Combat Action ribbon, and a Bronze Star.
– Paul M. Williams
Ronald J. Caprio
Please send me a I'm voting in honor of a veteran button. My husband Ronald J. Caprio
retired USAF and currently a DOD Navy Civilian. I am proud to be married (27+ years)
to such a dedicated patriot, (God,Country, Family, Honor). He is an inspiration to
all Americans. - Dee Caprio
Vincent Anthony Caprio
Vince is active duty Air force, Air traffic controller, currently stationed at McConnell
AFB Kansas.
He has served our great country proudly since 28 December, 2004. I am proud to have such a fine, dedicated son. - Ronald Caprio
Larry B. Dennison, Jr.
My husband is retired SGT Larry B. Dennison, Jr.. He has proudly served our wonderful
Country for 21 years, being involved in Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. During
his last tour, he was deployed with the 1st of the 113th Field Artillery Unit from
High Point, NC. He was in command of an M88 A1 Tank Retriever. He took care of her
and she took care of him. He named the M88 after our youngest daughter, Jessie. Her
name was stenciled on the front. Our youngest daughter, in earlier years, had acquired
the nick-name “Tank”. She is a tough, somewhat short child, who now at the age of
10 is a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. You can see that both Jessie the child and Jessie
the tank retriever are two tough girls. SGT Dennison proudly had his picture taken
with “Jessie,” and we are told, Jessie the M88 still proudly carries her name at Fort
Bragg, NC. Proud Spouse of: SGT Larry B. Dennison, Jr. - Pamela Dennison
James O. Nelms
I would like to honor my Dad, James O. Nelms who was an Army Corporal during the Korean
War. Upon returning home and receiving his discharge papers, he had been promoted
to Sgt. He never spoke much about the war, even though he maintained contact with
a few of his very close buddies. He farmed, and together with my Mom, Jean Bailey
Nelms, they raised five children and made a lot of sacrifices for us all. It will
be a great tribute to vote in his honor on Nov. 4th. Thank you. - Wade Nelms
Claude Foy
I would like to honor my late husband, Claude Foy, who served in the military during
World War II. He was discharged as a Corporal, and worked on base at Cherry Point
where he retired. He was a wonderful and honorable man who contributed greatly to
his church and his community through many civic organizations. It would bring me great
pleasure to vote in his honor on Nov. 4th.
Thank you for making this possible. - Dot Foy
Thomas E Reeder
I would like to honor my husband CMC(SCW) Thomas Reeder, United States Navy, Retired.
Tom faithfully served our country as a Navy Seabee for 23 years before retiring in
2006.
I knew I had married a true Patriot 6 months prior to September 11, 2001. Tom was away on training that week and being a new Navy wife at home I did not know what all this meant to our family and our country. He eased my mind and calmed my fears. He said he would gladly give his life for our country and so that our family would always be safe. We hear those words spoken so many times and for the first time in my life I realized there are true heroes in our country, so many that had already given their lives and so many that are willing to do so today without hesitation.
Tom truly loves this country and has lived his life by serving God and Country. I am proud to honor this great man, husband and father on Election Day. I will wear my badge with great pride. - Donna Reeder
Thomas C. Adams
I'd like to request a "Voting to Honor a Veteran" Button. My veteran's name is SrA
Thomas C. Adams. He is my fiance and on his way home this week from serving 12 months
in Baghdad, Iraq. He volunteered to deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am so proud
of him and so thankful he's coming home safe! Bless all those veterans out there!!
- Stephanie Colarossi
Hanes G. Carter, Jr.
I am requesting a button 'I'm voting in honor of a Veteran'. I am honoring my son
who served in Desert Storm and Operation Positive Force 1991-1992. He received a Bronze
Star for his actions of July 11th, 1992 in Kuwait City. He was in the Army's Black
Horse Unit. I think it is wonderful that these amazing men/ women are being honored
this way. My sons name is Hanes G. Carter, Jr. - Bonnie Bryant
Brian Santucci
My brother, Captain Brian Santucci, is a Marine and a three-tour Iraqi War Veteran.
He followed family tradition by joining the military, and although my father was Army,
my brother attended the Naval Academy and was commissioned as an officer in the Marine
Corps. He is a helicopter pilot and his former unit, with whom he was deployed, flew
casualty evacuation missions for three separate tours. They rescued hundreds of injured
American soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and Iraqi civilians. He has flown in and out of
Baghdad, Fallujah and other locations at the height of danger in these areas. When
they get a call to evacuate wounded soldiers, they often fly straight to where the
attack occurred, right into a battle zone. My brother does a job most of us will not
or can not do. He is a true hero and I am proud to honor him in any way I can.
- Angela Santucci
Knute Bemis
My husband is my hero. MSG Knute Bemis is serving with the 101st Airborne Division
in Iraq. He is on his second deployment in as many years. With 22 years in the Army
he is a true hero, he serves because he believes in what he does and always has. He
is an amazing father, friend, mentor and leader. He is everything a soldier should
be and I am proud to call him My husband. - Tabitha Bemis
Thomas Craigg, Jr.
"A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who,
at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of
America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is honor, and there
are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
I would like to honor Thomas Craigg Jr. Retired GySgt USMC. Thomas Craigg served in WWII and in Korea, he was captured in WWII and was POW for 40 months in Japan. He was a POW and survivor of the Bataan Death march where he escaped to the island of Corregador only to be recaptured 28 days later. Tom had three Purple Hearts a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars among other various personal awards. Unfortunately Tom is no longer with us, he died in January at the age of 92. He was a hero to many of us and is sorely missed. - John Cooney, MSgt Retired USMC
Theron A. Davis
I would like to vote to honor my son, Staff Sgt. Theron A. Davis, who is presently
serving in Kuwait, although this is his second tour of duty during this conflict.
He is an army reservist with the 846th Transportation Company (MT) out of Salisbury,
NC. Thank you. - Linda Y. Davis
Keith Miller
My Father served over twenty years in the Second, Marine Corp, Division Band. Even
though he never served in any war. He went to various foreign countries and all fifty
states. He served his country as good as any Marine could! He is one of the most patriotic
men that I know. He taught be to be a better American. And instilled in me disciple
and character that he learned while in the Marine Corp. On November 4, 2008 I will
be voting in honor of veteran whose name is Keith Miller. - Benjamin Miller
William Mitchell Causey
Please send me a button honoring my father: William Mitchell Causey.
My dad served in WWII. My dad seldom spoke of his time in the army which I believe is an indication of sense that he fulfilled his duty to our country and since he survived he was to live his life in service to God, his family and his community. Watching “The War” by Ken Burns helped me realize the horrors that my dad did not share with us.
My dad was a radio operator and was prepared to depart from England on D-Day. He contracted the mumps and thus his whole group was quarantined during the invasion. I am selfishly glad that he could not participate that fateful day.
Thank you for this opportunity to lift up my father’s name and the love he and my mother developed in their correspondence during the war. - Ann C. Mendenhall
Helen M. Marshall
I would like to Honor a Veteran on Election Day. The Veteran I am Honoring is Myself
actually. I was in the US Navy from July 5, 1979 until Nov 24, 1997 when I was Medically
Discharged due to my being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in Sept 26, 1996. I was
a Hospital Corpsmen starting out as a E-1or Hospital Corpsman Recruit in 79 and raised
trhough ranks to be Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (E6) which is what I was when I Graduated
in Sept 30 1994 from Physician Assistant School. It was then I transferred over to
the Officer side of the House and became an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve
Active Duty.
Upon my leaving the U.S. Navy I was a LT Junior Grade. During the time I was an Enlisted Hospital Corpsman not only was I a Hospital Corpsman but I was also an Advanced Laboratory Technician until I went to Phycician Assistant School. During my time in the Service, my Duty Stations included: Naval Training Center Medical Clinic San Diego, Naval Training Center Recruit Medical Clinic San Diego, Naval School of Health Sciences Advanced Laboratory Technician School San Diego, Marine Corps Depot Medical Clinic San Diego, Miramar Naval Air Station Medical Clinic San Diego, Naval Station 32nd Street Medical Clinic San Diego,Naval Hospital Yokosuka Japan Laboratory Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego Laboratory Department, Naval School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant School San Diego, Officer Indoctrination School Rhode Island, Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Great Lakes Illinois. I was then retired from Naval Hospital Great Lakes Illinois in Nov 1997 after over 18 years of Services.
If I had not been retired, although we did try (my superiors and I) to keep me in as long as possible; I would still be in the United States Navy today. I owe alot to my Country, to the Navy, Marines who always were there when We (the Hospital and Corpsman needed them), Air Force I worked with during my tours, Army Members I worked with during my tours, Coast Guard members I worked with during my tours and to the other Service members both Enlisted and Officers a like who are my friends that Served and are still Serving with Integrity, Dignity, and Honor. They do this to keep You and Me FREE!
So the FLAG (Ensign) that FLIES so Proudly over our Country and over our Homes can still FLY! So that WE as Americans can Speak Freely, can Choose Any Religion we Wish and Worship! So that WE can VOTE For WHO EVER WE WISH and dof it FREELY without PERSECUTION! To ENSURE that OUR CONSTITUTION is there for the CHILDREN which are our LEGACY! Yes, this is why I served and why so many others still do! To ensure that what our For Fathers Fought for and those who died in WWI and WWII, Korea, Vietnam; the Wars that are not talked about so much anymore are not forgotten! For THEY too are HEROES for without them we wouldn't be here TODAY! So I served not only for my Country but also for those who went before me. For those who so bravely said YES to keep US Free from someone coming on our LAND and taking us Over! I owed that to those who went before me, for those that died and for those that still lived! Just like the Heros of Today who are still serving to keep our Country Free! And Hopefully Americans will ALWAYS understand that in order to Remain FREE whether we are Fighing Abroad or on our OWN SOIL (Heaven Forbid) that what the Fighting Men and Women and the Support Men and Women do is to Keep US FREE!
Even if it seems like We are fighting something we shouldn't, sometimes the public, actually alot of the time the public isn't told everything due to Naional Security; But you have to believe the Ones Fighting the War when they say it is important as they are the ones that on the Front LInes and the ones in Danger. And Sometimes when you want your loved one Home it is hard to understand and to trust, but you really have to believe the ones who are fighting and trust even though it is the hardest thing to do. Or Someday There May Not Be a United States with a Flag Flying Over it that Is Red White and Blue! So once again I say Trust Our Soliders as they are fighint to keep us Free, I know I help support what they are doing while I was in, and it was even harder when it was my friends that were and are there that I had to Support (meaning send support materials like Blood etc), because you didn't know if it was for one of them!
I am sorry this is so long, but in Honoring a Veteran it is hard to Honor only 1 When all Veterans who served previously since we got our first flag by Betsy Ross until to Today are all Heros! Because each and every one of them have some how helped to keep America Free from Harm, and Free from others dictating what our Beautiful Country and it's Mixture of different Backgrounds of People which Makes this Country So Great can do! It's because of ALL of THEM that WE are America The Beautiful LAND OF THE FREE!! And why our Red, White, and Blue Flag with it 50 Star's Flies so Proudly to show that WE as a Nation are FREE! - LT(jg) Helen M Marshall
David Henry and Robert Gardner
My grandsons, David Henry and Robert Gardner were involved in the Iraq War. Robert
is still there, and is scheduled to come home in December. Robert's story is very
important because it gives hope to those youngsters who suffer with ADD. He grew up
with ADD, overcame all obstacles, and now is married, and his wife gave birth to a
baby girl while he was stationed in Iraq. - Lenore DeLitizia
Merle Tally
On November 4, 2008 I will be voting in honor of Merle Tally.
My father, Merle Tally was born in White City Kansas on October 12, 1920. He served in World War II as a member of the United States Army under the command of General George Patton. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart. My dad died on October 23, 2004. I never had the opportunity to let my dad know that I am so proud of him and his service to our country, but I wanted to take this opportunity to vote in his honor. Thank you. - Diane Tally
William Doyce Durham
I would like to honor my Dad, William Doyce Durham, who served in the US Army during
the Korean War. He is a wonderful patriot and he loves his country. He lost many friends
during the war but he never lost his love for our freedom.
God bless all of our troops. - Rena' Johnson
William Eugene Frye
My Veteran is E5 William Eugene Frye. He is my husband of 27 yrs. I did not know him
during his time of duty, but I know that he served the United States Army 1966-68.
This was during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany. The last one to carry
on the Family name was kept out of battle. He served as a Air Craft Parts specialist
during his term. He was discharged early to return home because of his father death
to take care of the family. He is my special service man and deserves to be honored.
I would proudly to wear a pin with his name when I go to the polls. - Doreen Frye
Jason and Nichole Hunter
I would like to honor two veterans on election day. My son SPC 4 Jason Hunter and
his wife PFC Nichole Hunter are both in the military in Germany. They spent 15 months
in Iraq and are now back in Germany. My husband Wayne and I are very proud of both
of them for giving they lives for our freedom. They are two wonderful and brave young
people. - Katherine Hunter
Waldo Aubrey Geiken, Sr., David Austin, Jack D. Godfrey, and Murry Lloyd
This is hard...I have 4 veterans that I love dearly that I am voting to honor....this
year I would like for my name to read: SSgt. Waldo Aubrey Geiken, Sr.
1.) SSgt Waldo Geiken, deceased ~ my brother who served in Somalia and died after 17 years of service during Active Duty in Germany due to an accident on the Autobahn helping one of his subordinates to move residence. He left us with 3 beautiful children, 2 nephews and one niece and memories that will last the rest of our lives. I see his eyes when I look into the eyes of his children. Waldo loved the Army and loved defending this country and the pride and honor he carried as a member of the United States Army I will never forget. He taught many young men to keep those birds in the air. All who knew Waldo Aubrey Geiken, Sr. have a respect and love for him that just makes me smile. Given the opportunity for a civilian job for an Aerospace Defense Contractor he choose to continue his Career enlistment for the last 4 year tour of duty that sent him to Germany. We lost him in April 2001, three years before his retirement which he was honored with posthumously.
# 2. Would be my father, David Austin who served in the US Air Force for four years out of college.
# 3. Would be my Grandfather, CPO. Jack D. Godfrey, retired. Served with the US Navy for 30 years. Korean & Vietnam war veteran.
# 4. Would be my Uncle, Murry Lloyd, deceased. Served with the US Navy and served in WWII before his retirement.
See why it is hard for me to choose just one.... I would proudly wear 4 badges if you send them to me!!!!! Thank you for this opportunity and I would gladly make a contribution to offset these costs.
God Bless you all - Kim Austin
Meigs L. Richards, Jr.
In honor of : Meigs L. Richards, Jr. Corporal, United States Marine Corp. 1976-1980
I would like to vote in honor of my best friend and daddy, Meigs L. Richards, Jr. I believe he is always with me in spirit. Though he did not serve our country in time of war as his father did, he served with his heart and received his honorable discharge to tend to his ailing wife. We grew up hearing stories of his time in the Marines and he always told us to serve God and country in any way we could. Voting was very important to him as it was a "privilege and duty" we all should do. He and my mom didn't miss an election as far as I know because voting was so important. My dad was one who led by example, doing what he felt was right with all he could do. He died on April 13, 1999 in a timber accident trying to care for his family, his greatest way of serving God. God bless our country and our troops past and present. - Elisabeth Richards
William Phillip Wolf, Frank Stanley Biel, and Aaron Peter Biel
William Phillip Wolf is my 86-year-old dad. He served in the US Army in WWII. Currently
my dad lives at the Piedmont Christian Home in High Point, NC. We have prepared his
Army photos and other memorabilia on the walls of Dad's room in the assisted living
facility where he lives. My sister and I are very proud of Dad's service.
In addition to Dad, my husband Frank Stanley Biel served four years in the Air Force. Currently, our son Aaron Peter Biel is serving in the Army in Okinawa.
I am more than proud of our three generations of servicemen. We are free due to their selflessness and that of so many others. Is it possible to receive a pin with each of our family member's name on them? We would be very honored and proud to wear them on election day. Sincerely - Beverly J. Biel
Phillip M. Woods, Sr.
On November 4, 2008, I will be voting in honor of my father Phillip M. Woods Sr, He
served in the army during the Panama Incident. He was an 82d Airborne Paratrooper.
He was a Specialist, was awarded 6 Army Achievement Medals, 1 Army Commendation Medal,
2 Good Conduct Award. He was also awarded the Expert Rifleman Badge for the M16, M60,
and the Grenade Launcher. He recieved a number of Certificates of Achievement. I am
very proud of my father for serving his country. - AnnMarie Potts
Marissa Coleman
I am requesting a button to honor Sgt. Marissa Coleman, US Army. Marissa is my niece
but has lived with us since she was a teenager and is more like a daughter.Marissa
was honorably discharged after serving with distinction in Kosovo and Iraq. She was
a medic in the Army and accompanied many soldiers out into combat, caring for those
wounded and getting them back to base safely. Marissa is currently a Senior in the
Bachelor of Science - Nursing program at NC A&T University, she will graduate
in May of 2009 with her BSN and she plans to return to Halifax County to work at the
Halifax Regional Medical Center where there is a shortage of RN's like many rural
communities. Thank you - Kathy Whitaker Knight
Bill Elders
I am honoring my Uncle Bill Elders, He was in world war two although I never got to
meet him, His brothers and sisters kept him close to their hearts, you see he was
a bomber in a plane that went down in the himmaylian mountains while he was on his
last run befor coming home, The plane was never found.I would have loved to have known
him and listened to his stories of the war, My Uncle Dallas (Bills brother) and my
Dad (Kenneth Bradley) where also in this war. Dad never talked about it, I was told
he saw some horrible things, Uncle Dallas would sit and watch war pictures on t.v.
thinking he would see Uncle Bill in some of the clips. I am very proud of all of these
veterans. May God Bless Them - Pam Cooper
Louis Emidio Brizzoli
On November 4, 2008 I will be voting in honor of Lou Brizzoli.
LOUIS EMIDIO BRIZZOLI PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service 1st Cav Division (AMBL) Length of service 0 years His tour began on Feb 19, 1967 Casualty was on May 16, 1967 In BINH DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM Hostile, died while missing, GROUND CASUALTY GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE Body was recovered Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Panel 20E - Line 6
I played with Louie on the Moon High Football Team - 1964-1965. I didn't play much on the Moon High Football Team with Lou, but my brother Hughie and Lou were on the line together. I was a year younger than them and quite honestly wasn't that good...definitely not as good as they were. They are both gone now leaving me with only great memories! Thanks, Lou, for the ultimate sacrifice you gave for our freedom. As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders I think of Louie often. I will NEVER forget!!!! Sleep in God's Peace, my friend - Ed Gallagher
Donald R. Rosa
My veteran is my father-in-law Donald R. Rosa. He was in WW2 on an Aircraft Carrier
in the Pacific Ocean. He served as Barber and a Cook for the soldiers on the Carrier.
Born Sept. 7,1927--Dec. 6,2000. He helped me pay for my home that I live in now. He
gave me support and guidence AFTER MY FATHER DIED IN 1991. I cried for Him just as
much as I cried for my Father. My thoughts are still with him as I am helping
his wife go along in life at 81 years old. We are still together today as a family,
3 Sisters and their husbands. Donald Rosa adopted the 3 girls as his own after their
1st Father died 50 years ago. This story is a true story of a real VETERAN, Donald
Ray Rosa. Robert W. Shultz married to Sandra Lee Rosa, (the 1st of the 3 sisters).
May 17,2009 is our 40th Anniversary. - Bob Shultz
Scott Y. Medlin, Jr.
Although, my family has several members that has been called to serve their country,
I would like to vote in honor of my son, Sgt., Scott Y. Medlin, Jr. USMC. After the
9/11/01 attack, my son was a freshman in college. He made the decision to volunteer
in the Marines as soon as he completed his semester at UNC-P. He has been deployed
twice to Iraq. He is stationed at New River, with the VMM-263 Squadron. - Cindy
W. Coble
Stewart E. Shelton
The Veteran we are honoring is Stewart E. Shelton. He served during the Vietnam conflict.
Stewart was a member of the Honor Guard Company. He was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia.
One of his duties was to walk the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He grew up in Marshall
located in Western North Carolina.
When he received his revised orders, he was already on board a plane to go to Vietnam. The MP's boarded the plane, asked for him and removed him from the plane without telling him of the new orders. Boy was he surprised, a little country boy heading to the White House for his tour of duty.
We lost Stewart in November of 2007. Stewart was much honored to have served his country. He was a firm believer of our freedom of speech and the freedom of voting the way we choose. - The Shelton Family
Greg Jenkins
Greg Jenkins is my Brother and was in the Navy. He served in the Vietnam Conflict
in the 60's and was Killed in Action in May of 1967. Six months short of coming home.
He was a medic and had been accepted into Duke University Medical after his tour.
- Sue Herring
Greg Dixon
Greg is my son-in-law and father of my 8 month old twin granddaughters!! He served
four years in the Marines and retired in May 2008 with 20 years in the military. He
served two times in Iraq. - Sue Crabtree