If someone has done military service,
They earn the title "veteran," and more;
They earn our deep respect and admiration;
That they are special no one can ignore.
They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy;
The list is long of all the things they gave.
Our veterans are extraordinary people;
They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave.
When terror and invasion were real threats,
They showed us they could handle any storm.
We owe our freedoms and our very lives
To our veterans, who served in uniform.
Our veterans should be celebrities;
They’re exceptional; no other group compares.
We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done;
They’re always in our hearts and in our prayers.
We owe our veterans support and friendship;
Let no one ever question what they’re worth.
These men and women served us and our country,
Our veterans--the very best on earth.
By Joanna Fuchs
This special edition is dedicated to all of our Ambassador
members who served in the armed forces.
Metro East Chapter
Mr. Charles Mitchell-United States Army
• Rank: U.S. Army Captain
• Years of Service: 1942-1964
• Served in both World War II and the Korean
War. Retired from service in 1964 as a
member of the National Guard in Birmingham,
Alabama
• Theater of Service, Campaign, Ship or Units
Served:
• 44th Infantry-World War II
• 31st Infantry-Korean War
• Awards and Decorations
• Purple Heart
• Bronze Star-WW II
• Korean Service Medal
• Bronze Service Star-Korean War
• United Nations Medal-Korean War
• 50th Anniversary Medal of the start of the
Korean War-given to him by the President
of South Korea in 2000
In May of 2015, Mr. Mitchell was selected by the City of
Dacula to serve as the Grand Marshal for their annual
Memorial Day parade. His parade credentials don’t end
there though. This past July 4th, he put on his Grand
Marshal hat again and led all of the children in his
neighborhood in a parade around the subdivision. They
decorated golf carts, bicycles and any other mode of
transportation they could find and followed Mitchell to the
neighborhood pool where a huge celebration was held in
honor of the 4th of July. Thank you Mr. Mitchell for your
service to both your country and to your community.
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. Joel Thomas-United States Army
• Rank: Specialist 5th Class
• Dates in Service: Feb. 1969-Dec. 1971
• Job Description, Occupation, Primary
Specialty, Military Occupational Specialty
(MOS) Army or Marines. Enlisted
Classification or Navy Officer “Designator”
Navy, Air Force Specialty Code:
• 31L20 (Radio Relay/Carrier Repair)
• Theater of Service, Campaign, Ship or
Units Served:
• 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Mechanized
Division
• 75th Support Battalion
• 298th Signal Company Camp Red
Devil Quang Tri, South Vietnam, Khe
Sanh Combat Base, Lang Vei
• Fire Support Base A4 and C2
• Awards and Decorations
• Nation Defense Medal
• Army Commendation Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
Thomas completed his eight weeks Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA. He then
was at Fort Gordon for fifteen months at Radio Operating and Repair School.
Thomas served one tour in South Vietnam where he was stationed at Camp Red
Devil Combat Base. He participated in Operation Lam Son 719 February-March of
1971 in support of ARVN’s campaign into Laos against the North Vietnamese
Regular Army. He also spent six months at Fort Hood, Texas.
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. Frank Smith-Georgia Army National Guard
• Rank: Chief Warrant Officer Four
• Dates in Service January 1970-September 2010 (40
yrs. and nine months)
• Job Description, Occupation, Primary Specialty,
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Army or
Marines. Enlisted Classification or Navy Officer
“Designator” Navy, Air Force Specialty Code:
• 762A Support Supply Technician, 148th Supply
Battalion, Forsyth, GA
• 915A Wheel Veh Maint Technician, 148th
Support Battalion, Forsyth, GA
• 920B Supply Systems Technician, Det 2 HQ
STARC (State Area Readiness Command), Fort
Stewart, GA
• Duty Assignments:
• 176th MP Battalion, Forsyth, GA
• 148th Support Battalion, Forsyth, GA
• Det 2 HQ STARC, Fort Stewart, GA
• Awards and Decorations
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Georgia Commendation Medal
• ARCAM
• NDSM
• GNGSM
“I worked in many different jobs while assigned to the 176th MP Battalion in
Forsyth, GA. My unit was activated during the civil unrest in Augusta, GA and
Athens, GA. Our unit reorganized to become the 148th Support Battalion of the
48th Brigade. Our mission was to support the other battalions with material needs.
I was activated to support Desert Storm/Desert Shield, but did not have to go
overseas.”
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. James (Bill) W. Stovall-United States Navy
•
Rank: Boiler Tender Second Class (E5)
•
Dates in Service: 11/09/1960 to 11/06/1964 on
active duty. Eight years in the Reserves
•
Job Description, Occupation, Primary Specialty,
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Army or
Marines. Enlisted Classification or Navy Officer
“Designator” Navy, Air Force Specialty Code:
• Boiler Tender 2nd Class-operated and
maintained the ships boilers and auxiliary
equipment for the main propulsion plant
•
Duty Assignments:
• Basic Training, USNTC San Diego, CA
• “A” School Great Lakes NTC, Chicago, IL
• USS Herbert J. Thomas DDR 833,
Long Beach, CA
• USS Black DD666, San Diego, CA
•
Theater of Service, Campaign, Ship or Units
Served:
• Home Port: Long Beach, CA
USS Herbert J. Thomas DDR833
• Three trips, cruises to the Western Pacific
“The Navy is one of the highlights of
my life. I am privileged to have met
and known some real life heroes,
ordinary men who accomplished
extraordinary feats during
tumultuous times in World History.”
When asked about a memory he’d like to share, Bill told the following story:
“ I was tried, hauled before the mast. Captain’s Mast. This was similar to a civilian hearing
before a judge in State Court. I was charged and convicted of misappropriation of
government property in the value of $1.68, to wit one number ten can (1 gallon) of frozen
strawberries. I was sentenced to 14 days as a prisoner at large (PAL) because the ship
had no brig. The strawberries were the property of the wardroom mess, officers’ mess.
The Captain asked if I had read Herman Wouk’s “The Caine’s Mutiny.” “No,” I replied. He
suggested that I read it before he passed his sentence. Years later I discovered a copy of
Wouk’s work in a ship’s library and read it.”
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. George King-United States Navy
• Rank: ENT-2
• Dates in Service: December 1971-January
1976
• Job Description, Occupation, Primary
Specialty, Military Occupational Specialty
(MOS) Army or Marines. Enlisted
Classification or Navy Officer “Designator”
Navy, Air Force Specialty Code:
• Reactor Operator Submarine Duty
• Theater of Service, Campaign, Ship or
Units Served:
• USS BN Alexander Hamilton
• USS AD 19 Yosemite
• Awards and Decorations
• Nation Defense
• Good Conduct
• Description of Military Career
• Electronic Technician
• Reactor Operator
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. Tom Wilkes-U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force
• Rank:
• Navy-Machinist Mate 2nd Class
• Air Force- SMSGT
• Dates in Service:
• Navy 1952-1956
• Air Force 1957-1977
• Job Description, Occupation, Primary
Specialty, Military Occupational Specialty
(MOS) Army or Marines. Enlisted
Classification or Navy Officer “Designator”
Navy, Air Force Specialty Code:
• Navy- USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Aircraft
Carrier
• Air Force-Turner Field, Albany, GA
• Air Force-Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal
• Air Force-Hunter AFB, Savannah, GA
• Air Force-Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA
• Directed to cross train to Munitions,
“The Med Tours were very
Lowrey AFB, Denver, CO
interesting (four) for an individual
• Air Force-Ching Kwan Taiwan,
in the Navy. The Air Force was
Hurlbert Field, FL.
more like a civilian job even
• Air Force-Nha Trang Air Base,
though long hours were spent
Vietnam
working to maintain aircraft as
• Air Force-Otis AFB, MA
live aboard aircraft during the
• Air Force-McClellan AFB,
Cuban Missile Crisis and then
Sacramento, CA
launch back to the Azores to
• Air Force-Homestead AFB, FL
refuel bombers enroute to parts
unknown.”
• Awards and Decorations
• Bronze Star
• Numerous others from both branches
Northeast GA Chapter
Mr. John Austin-United States Navy
John Austin joined the Naval Reserve, as a 16 year old high
school student in 1955.
After completing high school, he
served 2 years active and 4 years inactive reserves. He
obtained his training at the Chamblee Naval Station in Atlanta,
now located at the Dobbins Air force base in Marietta. Ga. He
obtained 2 ranks, before active duty and one after. He was
assigned to the USS Valley Forge Aircraft Carrier, Norfolk, VA,
which hunted and located Russian Submarines in the North
Atlantic Sea during the American/Russian Cold War. The
aircraft (air planes) assigned to the USS Valley Forge, was
equipped with special tracking equipment for this purpose.
When at sea, the Aircraft Carrier housed 30 planes and had an
assigned convoy of 8 to 10 destroyers, cruisers, submarines
and flag ships. Austin saw no combat, but was in a North
Atlantic storm, when 60 foot of the Carrier Flight Deck was
rolled up, which took 3 months in the New York Naval Shipyard
to repair. Special highlights of his career, were standing on the
carrier flight deck, passing by the statue of liberty, Ellis Island, in
New York Harbor for ship repair and landing by plane on the
deck of the carrier at night, which looked like a large match box
with lights around it. Austin returned to inactive duty shortly
before the Bay of Pigs conflict with Cuba and the Russian
Missile Crises and the Cuban Blockade. Before retirement,
Austin worked in Data Processing, Computer Evaluation and
Application and finished his career as a Residential Sales Rep.
for Georgia Power’s Athens District.
Northeast GA Chapter
Mr. Marion Atkinson-Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force
After completing basic training at Lackland Air
Force Base in Texas, Marion was ordered to 3359
ATC-Chanute AFB Illinois (six month Tech School).
From there, he was assigned to Warner Robins Air
Force Base with the Strategic Air Command, 19th
Bomb Wing B-52s and KC-135 refueling. They
also manned an underground bunker at Albany,
GA. Naval Air Station which held two B52s and
KC-135 ready to go at all times. Marion was then
ordered to 635th Combat Support Group (PACAF)
307th Field Maintenance at Utapao AFB Thailand.
Marion also served with the 354th Tactical Fighter
Wing Maintenance Sp. Myrtle Beach AFB with the
A-7 Fighter Bombers. He went TDY to Korat AFB
Thailand for six months while stationed at Myrtle
Beach and processed out of the Air Force upon his
return.
Statesboro Chapter
Mr. Louis Harper-United States Army
Louis Harper was drafted into the
United States Army in 1969. From
there he went to Fort Jackson, South
Carolina for Basic Training. After
graduating from Basic Training, he
was assigned to Fort Carson,
Colorado Fifth Army Division as a
mechanic. From there he went to
Vietnam for twelve months and was
assigned to a Field Artillery Unit.
Louis worked as a part specialist in the
motor pool. He ordered parts for the
vehicles
and
military weapons,
including the 8 inch Howitzer Guns.
After serving his tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to work at Georgia
Power as a mechanic. Later, he joined the Georgia National Guard in
Statesboro. Louis worked in several Military Occupied Skills (MOS)
areas. He served as Motor Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and Brigade
COMMO Chief, before retiring from the National Guard in Columbus, GA.
While serving in the United States Army and National Guard, Louis
received several citations and honors, with the highest one being the
Bronze Star Medal.
Louis retired from military service in 2009 as a Master Sergeant with a
combined total of 33 years. However, he remains true to his country by
volunteering with Habitat for Humanity as a United States Flag
coordinator for his community.
Augusta Chapter
Mr. Lum Edwards-United States Navy
Lum Edwards was born in Garfield, Georgia, in the
year 1926. He joined the U.S. Navy in June 1944.
Afterwards, he completed twelve weeks of boot
camp at Camp Perry near Williamsburg, Virginia.
He was assigned to the USS Barnett, an APA5 at
Rhode Island. After the ship was loaded with
portable air strips, it was ordered to Guadalcanal.
On Christmas Day of 1944 the Barnett passed
through the Panama Canal.
Lum had a stopover in San Francisco where 1500
men of the Third Marine Division were brought on
board. After unloading the troops and the portable
air strips on Guadalcanal, the USS Barnett joined
a convoy of 50 to 75 ships with the destination off
Okinawa. Lum arrived in Okinawa on April 1,
1945.
Before the end of WWII, Lum experienced the
Philippines, Sumatra Islands, and San Petrol.
Afterwards, he went to San Francisco, Panama
Canal, and Boston. He mustered out of the Navy in
Jacksonville, Florida, on June 6, 1946.
Mr. Lum Edwards-Center
On June 4, 1947, he joined the Georgia National Guard. Because of the
Korean War, his unit was activated into the regular Army in September, 1949.
Lum was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, for a year. Later, he was
assigned to Fort Custer, which was located near Battle Creek, Virginia. In
1952, he was decommissioned at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
From 1952 to 1984, Lum served in the 48th Armored Division of the Georgia
National Guard located in Augusta. After 39 years of honorary service, Lum
retired from the military with the rank of Sargent Major.
Lum joined Georgia Power in April 1947. After 38 years of service, he retired
in May 1985. He remains very active in the Augusta Chapter of the Georgia
Power Ambassadors.
Columbus Chapter
Mr. Larry Rowan-United States Army
In April 2015 Larry Rowan (pictured below, front row, first from the left), of the
Columbus Ambassadors attended a reunion of his Vietnam unit. This was the fifth
gathering since 2004. This group represents the Hdqtrs Detachment, 1st Division,
21st Group, 73rd Signal Battalion that was based out of Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam at
some point from 1969 to 1971.
The total number able to attend this year was smaller than at past reunions due to
illnesses and deaths of the members. Those able to be there were honored with
Vietnam commemorative hats and the display of the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War
flag. These men served their country proudly and enjoy getting together to renew
friendships and reminisce. The reunion was held in Pigeon Forge, TN and the men
came from eight different states: AL, GA, HI, KY, MA, MI, NC and OR.
Statesboro Chapter
Mr. Danny R. Bennett-United States Army
“In 1970, I joined the United States Army. I was
stationed at Fort Knox, KY for basic and was
transferred to Fort Lee, VA. I was enlisted for
two years and received an honor for Sharp
Shooter. When I ETS, I was a Specialist 4.”
Statesboro Chapter
Mr. Jerry Johnson-United States Navy
Jerry L. Johnson served in the U.S. Navy
from 1965-1969, during the Vietnam War.
He was aboard the destroyer USS William
Rush DD-714 and destroyer escort USS
Voge DE-1047 as a Petty Officer 3rd
Class.
Northeast GA Chapter
Mr. Bobby Doster-United States Marines
Mr. Bobby Doster served in the Marine Corps from
March 1953 thru September 1972. He served two
years at Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. in the
Marine Corps Drill Team (1953-1955) They had
duty at the Arlington National Cemetery Burial and
Honor Guard. He then served as Honor Guard at
the White House. He served in Vietnam in 19661967 and again in 1969-1970 as a helicopter door
gunner. Before Vietnam, he was at Paris Island,
South Carolina training troops.
Rome Chapter
Mr. Johnny Farr-United States Navy
Mr. Johnny Farr of the Rome Ambassadors
was recently recognized by the Fred A.
Morgan Post 106 of the American Legion
with a certificate of appreciation for his
outstanding service and assistance to the
organization.
Sam Freeman, Chapter
President, presented the certificate at the
April chapter meeting. Congratulations Mr.
Farr!
Rome Chapter
Mr. Leon Shiver-United States Navy
“I was in the Navy from 1958 to '64... On the USS
Hancock CVA 19, '59/'60... I was operating the
"Landing Mirrors" on the Hancock, and made lots
of photos and movies of landings and take-offs,
up close and personal. I then went to Nuclear
school in ‘60/’61 and onto the USS Enterprise
CVAN 65 in ‘61 to ‘64. I was a Nuclear Operator
on the Enterprise original commissioning crew
and did initial start-ups on its reactors which had
never been started/operated before. It was lots
of fun. I had “The Power of the Atom” at my
fingertips.”
While serving on board the USS Hancock CVA 19, Shiver and the crew endured a
typhoon in the Pacific in January 1960. Shiver suffered an injury to his ankle when
he was thrown by a wave into the bulkhead. They were trapped for at least three
days with “some chow, a pecan pie, several oranges and a can of hard rock candy
(all liberated from the officer’s pantry).” His entire story can be found published in
“The Hannah News” edition from March 2012. “The Hannah News” is a paper put out
by the USS Hancock CV/CVA 19 Association. What an incredible story!
Dwain Petty
U. S. Air Force, Sergeant
Aircraft Electronics
Kenneth Terry
U. S. Air Force, A1C
Aircraft Ground Support
Rome Chapter
Mr. Mickey Gunter-United States Army
“I was drafted into the US Army in November 1966
and did my basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Was stationed at Fort Knox, KY from January 1967
to my discharge in November 1968 as part of the
US Army Armor and Engineer Board in TECOM
(Test and Evaluation Command). We were
responsible for testing new Army equipment before
it was issued to field personnel and writing final
test reports. I attained an E-5 classification as an
Engineer Division Scientific and Engineering Aide
reporting on the testing of field generators. My
wife, Peggy and I lived off post in a little town
called Vine Grove.”
Rome Chapter
Mr. Ronnie Evans-Sergeant Quartermaster Corp.,
United States Army
“This picture was taken in Qui Nhon Vietnam. I
was there in 1968 (24 years old) as the
detachment
sergeant
for
the
204th
quartermasters. We had 83 refrigerated vans
and we supplied food to provinces in the north.
Sounds like a simple job and it would have if not
for the heat and dust, really hard to keep units
running 24/7, but we all worked our 12 hour
shifts 7 days a week and got the job done.”
Rome Chapter
Mr. H. Gordon Via-Sergeant, United States Air Force
Gordon Via served in the United States Air Force from
1966-1970. He was stationed at San Pablo AB, Spain,
Air Traffic Control Center, and SAC Air to Ground
Communication center; Eastern NORAD Headquarters,
Stewart AFB, NY Crypto Center and Bedford AFS, VA.
Radar site communications center. “The sad thing is all
those air bases are no longer in existence.”
Mr. Sam Freeman-Lieutenant, United States Navy
“I served with the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 58 from September 1967 to November 1969.
During that time we made two deployments to
Vietnam. The first time we were in the DaNang area
and the second time in the Chu Lai area. We were in
the I (pronounced eye) Corps area of operations in
support of the U.S. Marines. As the saying goes, ‘I
wouldn’t take a million dollars for the experience; not
sure I’d want to repeat it.’ “
Mr. Wayne Petty, Sergeant, U.S. Army Military Police
Wayne Petty served in the U.S. Army from 1966
to 1968 with the 3rd Military Police Company, 3rd
Infantry Division. He was stationed in Wurzburg,
German and Schweinfurt, Germany.
Altamaha Chapter
Mr. Myles Webb, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Rank: 1st Lieutenant
• Dates in Service: July 1966-July 1969
• Job Description:
• Construction Officer
• Unit Combat Leader
• Duty Assignments:
• Fort Stewart
• Hunter Army Airfield
• Vietnam
• Theater of Service
• Vietnam, 93rd Engineering
Battalion
• Awards and Decorations
• Bronze Star
• Description of Military Career
• Built gunnery ranges, warehouses,
power plant, heliport and airport
South GA Chapter
Mr. Henry Sparrow, Air National Guard
“I was in the Air National Guard, the 224th Radio
Relay Squadron based at St. Simons Island. I went
through basic at Amarillo Air Force base and then to
tech school at Keesler AFB. I spent 9 months active
duty before returning to Georgia. During summer
camp, we would set up radio links any where from
Mass. to Florida for 2 weeks. After 6 years I took a
discharge as a Tech Sergeant. Mr. Bill Thompson
was also in this squadron.”
Mr. Jack Perry, Georgia Army National Guard
“In May of 1964, I enlisted in the Georgia
Army National Guard in an Armor Hdq
Company in Calhoun, GA. I transferred to
Mechanized Infantry in Swainsboro, GA
where I earned my 2LT commission from
Georgia Military Institute. I was Detachment
Commander in Louisville, GA when unit was
reorganized into Construction Engineers. I
became Company Commander in Jackson,
GA. I retired as S4 at Combat Engineers
Group Hdqs in Marietta, GA. I transferred
to the IR and retired in May 1987 as a LTC
with 23 years of service, but was activated
several times for civil disorder.”
South GA Chapter
Mr. Seabron Craven, United States Navy
Seabron Craven, US Navy IC 2nd class Petty
Officer (E-5) Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid CVA11, Fighting “I”.
“In August, 1960 I decided to join the US Navy . After
my basic training and completion of A school in Great
Lakes, Ill., my home away from home from 1961-1964
was the USS Intrepid, homeport Norfolk, VA. I am
proud to have served aboard this famous warship. It
was launched into service in 1943 in the middle of
WWII. This aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid (dubbed the
Fighting “I”), fought in World War II, surviving five
kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. The ship
later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War.
Three major incidents for our country occurred during my service time aboard the
Intrepid. (1) In May 1962, we served as a NASA recovery vessel. We had the
privilege to welcome America‘s fourth astronaut back from outer space. The
Fighting “I” served as the primary recovery vessel for Scott Carpenter's Mercury
space mission. Landing on May 24, his Aurora 7 capsule was recovered by the
carrier's helicopters. (2) From October 14 - 28, 1962 we had a 13-day
confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic
missiles deployed in Cuba. (3) In 1963 we were once again all put on high alert
due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I later left this aircraft
carrier in July of 1964 with an honorable discharge.
After a long history around the world and many Mediterranean, tours the US Navy
intended to scrap the Intrepid carrier, however, thanks to a campaign led by real
estate developer Zachary Fisher and the Intrepid Museum Foundation saw it
brought to New York City as a museum ship. Opening in 1982 as the Intrepid SeaAir-Space Museum, the ship remains in this role today. A landmark worth making a
trip to New York!”
South GA Chapter
Mr. Troy Hobbs, United States Army
“I was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 7, 1955
and took my basic training under the 101st
Airborne Infantry Division at Fort Jackson, South
Carolina. After basic training, they sent me to a
Guided Missile Training Center at Fort Bliss,
Texas in El Paso for the rest of the two years until
May 17, 1957. I was a Corporal.
Mr. Marvin Hall, United States Army
Marvin Hall, retired from Georgia Power from
Bainbridge Ga. He served in The United States Army
from 1954-56. He was posted in Osaka, Japan and
Seoul, Korea.
R.L. (Bob) Brewster
USMC Korean War
Freddy Ramsey
USMC
Larry Crosby
U.S. Army
Other Stories Shared from our Ambassador Veterans
“I joined the army in June 13, 1963 and served three years in the 82nd Airborne
Division the first 504. During this time I was sent to the Dominican Republic in
1965 for thirteen months in Santo Domingo where the Cubans had invaded the
island and overthrew the government. We were sent there to remove the Cubans
from the island and restore the government.
When we landed on the island, the sergeant major came to my platoon leader and
asked him if he had someone who he would recommend for the colonial’s driver
and bodyguard. Sergeant Spearman recommended me to be selected from
Headquarters Company with the approval from the headquarters staff section.
Also, my job along with others was to transport the Cuban prisoners back to our
compound where they were interrogated.
During this time we patrolled the entire city maintaining order and were successful
in removing all Cubans from the island. Our division lost many soldiers in this
conflict, but we were able to overthrow the Cuban rebels. The city’s government
was reestablished.
After serving three years in the 82nd Airborne Division, I was out of service for six
years. I reenlisted in the Army National Guard Aviation Battalion as a tactical
observer. I flew photo missions and infrared missions for twelve years. Then, I
joined the Air Guard as a civil engineer for eight years. I retired as a master
sergeant with twenty-three years in the military.”
Mr. Harry Lindsey, Athens
“I entered the U.S. Army my sophomore year at Georgia Tech and was sent to
serve in the Philippines. I returned to Tech and finished on the GI bill. I enrolled
in Advanced ROTC my Junior and Senior year and received my Army
Commission upon graduation in June of 1949. While working in Rome during the
1950s, I was a member of the Army Reserve. In 1952, I was asked to organize a
new unit, the 209th Armed Forces Radio Unit. I served as the first Commanding
Officer for nine years. The Unit was later activated for two Gulf Wars, Bosnia and
Afghanistan. The 209th is still active in Rome and is one of the oldest Army
Reserve units in the state. After seventeen years active and reserve service, I
received an honorable discharge as a Major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.”
Mr. Ken Cormany, Rome & Northeast GA
Other Stories Shared from our Ambassador Veterans
“I served in the US Army in 1968 and 1969. I was an infantry soldier and served
14 months in Vietnam. During that time I was wounded twice. I served in I Corp. I
don't know the actual number of soldiers killed in Vietnam during that time frame,
but I think the count was some of the heaviest. I was a sergeant E-5 when I left
the Army.”----Mr. Webb Howard, Rome Chapter
Mr. Terry Moore of the Northeast GA chapter served in the United States Air
Force from 1969 to 1972. He was with the 437 Field Maintenance Squadron
where he was ranked as USAF Aircraft Maintenance Officer, then Aerospace
Systems Branch Officer in Charge and finally 1st Lieutenant. When asked about
his service, he had this to say:
“My last PCS was to Charleston AFB where we maintained C-141’s and C-5’s and
launched them as fast as we could to support the war effort in Vietnam. Before
that, I was at Moody AFB and Chanute AFB.”
Mr. Sybil J. Fields, Statesboro chapter member, is a veteran of the United
States Army. He is a graduate of Medical Technology School at Fort Sam in
Houston, TX. He spent most of his time at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He
fought in the Korean conflict from 1953-1955.
Mr. Larry Allgood, Northeast GA Chapter member is a veteran of the United
States Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era from 1967-1971 and held the
ranking of Sergeant. He graduated with honors from the Technical School at
Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. He had his basic training at Lackland
Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From there he went for technical training in
warehousing and was then assigned to the Supply Unit of the Military Airlift
Command in Goose Bay, Labrador. He was then in California for eighteen
months.
“I served in the USN from 1967 to 1973, attended Machinist Mate School and
then Nuclear Power School. Following that I was assigned to the USS Enterprise
CVAN 65 our nations first and largest Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier. I made
two West PAC Cruises to support the Vietnam War Effort. One lasted 8 months
and the other 9 months. I was a Machinist Mate First Class (E6) when I got out in
1973. I did enjoy Navy life and being at Sea but it was time to stay home with my
wife and 2 boys. This 6 year Navy experience lead to a career in Commercial
Nuclear Power and eventually to Plant Vogtle for 23 years prior to retiring.”
Mr. David Schreiber, Northeast GA Chapter
Thank you to all of our Veterans!
Altamaha Chapter
Augusta Chapter
Metro Central Chapter
Metro East Chapter
Northeast GA Chapter
Southwest GA Chapter
Columbus Chapter
Metro South Chapter
South GA Chapter
Golden Isles Chapter