Jones County’s first Veterans Appreciation Day was held in 2001 when the nation’s wounds were still raw from the attacks of 9/11, and the tradition of honoring local veterans is continuing.

This year’s Veterans Appreciation Day will be held Nov. 8, and the program features a unique tribute to three Jones Countians who served in World War II and one veteran of the Korean War. The video is a collaborative effort of the Veterans Committee and the video journalism class of Jones County High School.

The eighth annual event will be another opportunity for flag waving and celebrating heroes, sacrifice, and love of country. This year’s theme is ‘Heroes across the Generations’ and veterans of all ages and branches of service are invited and encouraged to attend.

Richard Combs is the new chairman of the committee.

“It has been an honor to work with the Jones County Veterans Committee and to chair this year’s tribute,” Combs said. “Jones County has always stepped up and been counted when our nation has called. I have enjoyed meeting some of the veterans and look forward to meeting many more as we celebrate our heroes across the generations.”

The Nov. 8 program will start at 1 p.m. in the W.E. Knox Civic Center, and American Legion Post 142 will be selling barbecue plates before the event. Advanced tickets may be purchased from any post member or at the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce office.

Exhibits and booths will open at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the W.E. Knox Civic Center (former Jones County High School building) and the surrounding parking area, and veterans will line up at 12:30 for the Veterans Walk of Honor, which will start at 12:45.

The Gray Garden Club will be pinning poppies on the Veterans as they enter the building.

Music for the program will be presented by the Jones County High School Band and will begin at 12:30 in front of the civic center.

This year’s guest speaker is Brig. Gen. Larry E. Dudney Jr., commander of Decatur’s 78th Troop Command of the Georgia Army National Guard and former commander of Macon’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Dudney served as brigade deputy commander under Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver during the unit’s deployment to Iraq from May 2005 to May 2006.

Dudney began his military career as an enlisted soldier and cannon fire direction specialist with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery. He was later commissioned a second lieutenant and served with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 214th and as the battalion’s Battery C commander.



The commander volunteered to join 1st Battalion, 230th Field Artillery in November 1990 when it mobilized along with what was then 48th Infantry Brigade for the first Gulf War. During that mobilization, he served as assistant brigade support officer. After mobilization, he remained with the 48th, serving as fire support officer for the brigade and for the battalion.

Besides his stint as deputy commander and commander, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Dudney has also commanded 1st Battalion of the 214th.

His other assignments have been strategic planner for the director of the Army National Guard in Washington; Headquarters Department of the Army Working Review Office; and as a member of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, for Programs in the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office.



Dudney moved on to serve as senior Army National Guard advisor – United States Forces Korea – and Eight United States Army at Yongsan Garrison. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Dudney also holds four Meritorious Service medals, three Army Commendation medals and the Army Achievement Medal.

Jones County’s first Veterans Appreciation Day was originally the idea of Sandra McKinney who was the Chamber of Commerce executive director in 2001. The event was already scheduled before the events of 9/11 but took on a greater significance in its wake. The day has grown in attendance each year and continues to honor all servicemen and women who have taken the oath to defend America.

The program recognizes each branch of service. All veterans are asked to register in the foyer outside the auditorium prior to the program, and door prizes will be distributed as veterans register.

Among the attractions at the event is a moonwalk sponsored by Security Bank of Jones County available for children of all ages. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 986-1123.