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| Me, in front of the Security Office |
A little over 45 years ago I would not wear my uniform away from base or my work assignment. Not that I wasn't proud of it, I was, but we were serving our country during a time that a segment of our country was against anything military. We were spit on, called names, and looked down on. I felt it would be easier to just forgo the uniform to keep myself out of trouble. I had already went after some people for calling me a "baby killer" and for cursing me while I was just standing on the street. I knew if I was ever able to get my hands on one of them I'd be the one in jail or the brig. The Navy had given me a purpose in life. It had given me a job that I was proud of, and I believe, was what had given me the discipline to set me on a path to keep me out of jail. I didn't need to cross that line because of some idiot.
I was proud of that uniform. I was proud of those I was serving with. For us to be maligned and desecrated was more than I could take. It was easier to leave base in "civvies."
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| BM2 Michael Collins and HM3 David Royal Our patrol vehicle at Beaufort Naval Hospital |
Yesterday, November 10th, the Edgefield County Veterans Affairs Office, Strom Thurmond High School and their many sponsors held an amazing Veterans Day program to honor all who have served.
The program included a special "Welcome Home" event for all of us Vietnam era veterans at which time we were given a Certificate of Appreciation and Vietnam war veteran commemoration lapel pin. My wife was able to attend with me and my grandson Nathan was there as a member of the US Navy Junior ROTC. I was so proud of him as I watched the next generation of young men and women preparing to take up the fight for the protection of this great nation.
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| Veterans at Strom Thurmond High School awaiting commencement of Veterans Day Ceremonies |
The veterans were escorted in, as a group, to a packed auditorium of men, women and high school students standing and clapping. What an honor!
The ceremonies were opened by Naval ROTC Cadet Commanding Officer LCDR Emily Bird who gave us an excellent welcome. This was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the NJROTC Color Guard. This alone was very moving to see these professional young men and women and to know that with all the negative talk about today's youth, we still have those who believe in morals, values, and doing right by our country.
This was followed by the Strom Thurmond High School band playing, and choir singing, our National Anthem. The only ones sitting during this were the veterans in wheel chairs who could not stand.
The entire auditorium recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by an invocation given by Rev. Frank Nicholson, USANG veteran.
There was the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony by Jane Dolittle, US Air Force veteran and this was followed by a moving "Welcome Home" for Vietnam Era Veterans given by Mary James of the Edgefield County Veteran Affairs Office.
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| Vietnam War Era Veteran Lapel Pin |
There were special remarks by the Strom Thurmond High School principal, Josh Black and an Armed Forces musical tribute where each branch had their song played by the Thurmond Band. The young men and women of both the band and choir should also be recognized for their tremendous talents and the honor they brought to those of us listening to their performances.
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| CDR Stanley Dobbs, USN (Ret) |
The keynote address was delivered by CDR Stanly Dobbs, USN (Ret) CDR Dobbs is a graduate of Strom Thurmond High School. He is the role model our young people need today. From humble beginnings as the grandson of an Edgefield County sharecropper to Strom Thurmond High School student to enlisted sailor to Commander. He believes in education first as shown by his own continuing education.
CDR Dobbs is a distinguished graduate of Harvard School of Education Urban School Leaders Program, Executive Program of Education Leaders at Stanford University. He has a BS in electrical engineering from Memphis University, A MA in business from Florida Institute of Technology, a MS in operation research/management science from the Naval Postgraduate School, Doctor in Law from Concord University, and a PHD in business quantitative methods and administration. He has advised and met with both congress and presidents of the United States. He spoke yesterday about the true meaning of "taking a knee." His speech was brilliant and on the money for the times we are going through today.
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| Receiving Certificate Presented by CDR Stan Dobbs |
The entire program was amazing and much needed by those of us who did what we needed to do during our time of service and yet felt there was something missing.
After the students were released to return to class a special awards ceremony was held where those of us who had served during Vietnam were recognized and given Certificates of Appreciation and Lapel Pins.
We didn't ask for accolades or awards for our service. All we had ever asked for was respect.
Today we got that respect. Thank You!!!
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| Group photo of Vietnam Veterans honored by Edgefield County Veterans Affairs Office Strom Thurmond High School |
VFW Post #6932 Johnston-Edgefield, SC
Dwight Talbert, Post Commander, SC Army National Guard (Ret) 2017 Veterans Day Coordinator
Strom Thurmond High School
Principal Josh Black
US Navy Junior ROTC
CWO4 Fervil, Senior Naval Science Instructor
Petty Officer 1st Class Face, Naval Science Instructor
Strom Thurmond HS Band
Strom Thurmond Choir
McDonald's Restaurant, Edgefield, SC
Angela and Andy Harrelson, Veteran Owners
Augusta Warrior Project
Wanda Dicks, US Army (Ret) Veteran Advocate
SC Transition Assistance Advisors
Anthony D Webb, US Army National Guard (Ret) Transition Advisor
Smart911 Edgefield County Emergency Management
Suzy Spurgeon, Director, US Navy Veteran
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center-Augusta, GA
SC VA Representative, Ronnie Gordon, USMC Veteran
Edgefield County Veterans Affairs Office
Vietnam War Commemorative Partners
Mike Washington, Colonel US Army (Ret) Director
Mary James, SFC US Army (Ret) Administrative Assistant
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