Veterans hold meeting at Library

The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting Monday, October 30, at 9:30 a.m. at the Franklin Memorial Library. With Chair John Tapley presiding, they had 41 in attendance. Their outstanding breakfast was provided by the Calvary Methodist Missions Committee, serving grits, muffins, cut up fruit, breakfast casserole, coffee, orange juice, apple juice and cranberry juice. Chair Johnny asked Dr. James Mason to open with a prayer and bless the food. After eating, Chair Johnny asked Sandra Bailes to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Johnny discussed what an outstanding meeting they had last week on October 23, at the Brown Cafeteria at East Georgia State College and what a great photo that was taken of their group. Johnny also discussed the “Wreaths Across America” project and how on December 2, each “Section Group” will be putting out the small U.S. Flags on Veteran’s graves, on December 16, they will have the WAA ceremony at the Swainsboro City Cemetery at 10 a.m. as they place the Wreaths on Veteran’s graves and on January 20, when they pick up the wreaths off the Veteran’s graves. He reminded everyone that last year, they placed 1,600 wreaths on Veteran’s graves around Emanuel County and this year they are hoping to place 2,000 wreaths on Veteran’s graves. The last date to receive applications for your Veteran, and to pay for a wreath, is November 28. Call Shari Watt at the Library at 478-494-6276. They order wreaths on November 30. They had two new Veterans to attend breakfast at this meeting. Curtis Rakes is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in Vietnam and many places around the world. He served from 1972 through 1992. His highest rank was E6. The second Veteran is Kelly Lee Warren. Kelly is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam 1968 – 1969 and the Gulf War from 1990 – 1991. He also was stationed at Fort Benning, GA, Fort Hood, Texas, Germany, Korea, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland and Fort Stewart, GA. His total service was from July 1967 – September 1991. His highest rank was Master Sergeant (E8). Johnny also gave the dates of Veteran’s programs in our local school this year. Instead of having them all at the same time, they split them up in order for them to attend all four. November 9, at 9:00 a.m. at Twin City Elementary School; November 9, at 1:30 p.m. at Swainsboro Middle School; November 10, at 9 a.m. at Swainsboro Elementary School; November 10, at 1:30 p.m. at Emanuel County Institute. Veterans will be able to attend all four this year.