Veterans Day

Local heroes honored despite weather

  • Jones County High School JROTC cadets present the colors at the Nov. 11 event. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    Jones County High School JROTC cadets present the colors at the Nov. 11 event. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
  • Board of Commission Chairman Chris Weidner (r) gives Veteran Committee Chairman Richard Combs a proclamation honoring his 15 years as chairman. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    Board of Commission Chairman Chris Weidner (r) gives Veteran Committee Chairman Richard Combs a proclamation honoring his 15 years as chairman. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
  • JROTC Battalion Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Isaiah Denis speaks at the Veterans Appreciation Day program. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    JROTC Battalion Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Isaiah Denis speaks at the Veterans Appreciation Day program. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
  • Veteran Roger Hawke with the patriotic plaques he created and presented to veterans Saturday. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    Veteran Roger Hawke with the patriotic plaques he created and presented to veterans Saturday. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
  • Veteran George Thornton is handed the microphone to speck at Saturday’s event. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    Veteran George Thornton is handed the microphone to speck at Saturday’s event. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
  • Sixty runners braved the rain and cool weather to participate in the Col. Allen Carr 5K race that started the events of Veterans Appreciation Day. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed
    Sixty runners braved the rain and cool weather to participate in the Col. Allen Carr 5K race that started the events of Veterans Appreciation Day. BRANDY ROUND/Contributed

    The crowd for Jones County’s Veteran’s Appreciation Day Saturday may have been a little smaller due to the cool and rainy weather, but all veterans in attendance were treated like the heroes they are during the annual event.

    The Veterans Committee chaired by Ret. Col. Richard Combs had a bit of scrambling to do when it was realized the rain would be an unwelcomed guest. The event had been held totally outdoors since the 2020 pandemic necessitated the move.

    A Thursday email from committee member Frank Duke alerted vendors and other members that the program would be held inside the W.E. Knox Center.

    Combs began the program by welcoming veterans.

    “We didn’t get rained out; we were rained in,” he said.

    The chairman said weather did not bother participants in the Col. Allen Carr 5K race, which had 60 runners compete.

    In his opening remarks, Combs said veterans come from a lot of different branches, time periods and had different experiences.

    “But all have one thing in common: as veterans, each one of you stepped up to the plate to serve God and your country,” he said.

    The program began with an armed forces medley that includes the anthems of each branch of military service. Veterans stand and are applauded when their anthem is played.

    Cadets with the Jones County JROTC program assisted with the event, including presenting and posting the colors.

    Combs led the Pledge of Allegiance, and JROTC Command Cadet Sgt. Major Carly Mercer sang the National Anthem.

    Rev. Randy Darnell of First Baptist Church led the opening prayer and a moment of silence for fallen veterans.

    Jones County Commission Chairman Chris Weidner presented a joint proclamation from the Commissioners and Gray City Council recognizing Jones County Veterans.

    The keynote speaker for the event was JCHS JROTC Battalion Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Isaiah Denis. He spoke about the significance of the Veterans Day holiday that began as Armistice in WWI and was renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 to include all veterans.

    “The day is set aside to honor the brave men and women who faced unimageable challenges, left their homes and families to make the sacrifice of serving their country,” he said.

    Denis thanked JROTC Instructors Capt. Michael McMillan and Sgt. Michael Kingston for their leadership.

    “They play a significant role in shaping our future leaders,” he said.

    The speaker said the instructors are a testament to the legacy of veterans and teach the importance of teamwork. He also noted the contribution of the American Legion that focuses on the service of veterans.

    “We need to listen to their stories and learn from their experiences. Not just today, but every day,” he said.

    Duke led the special recognition of local veterans. He began by talking about the Honor Flight program and the most recent Jones County Veterans chosen to take the flight to visit Washington DC memorials.

    Both Korean War Veteran Bobby Gay and Vietnam War Veteran Don Rooks were in attendance. Rooks encouraged all eligible veterans sign up to go on the Honor Flight that is free of charge to the veterans.

    The website to sign up for the trip is www.middlegahonorflight. org.

    Duke pointed out the contribution of patriotic plaques created by Roger Hawke.

    “Those plaques are beautiful and truly a labor of love,” he said.

    The speaker recognized WWII Veteran George Thornton, age 95, who was handed a microphone. The veteran said he got out of the military in 1946 and moved to Jones County in 1958.

    “I picked the best county in the state,” he said. “Jones County does more for its veterans than anywhere. Thank you so much.”

    Duke then read a brief biography of another 95-year-old veteran, Henry Phillips, who was also in attendance. He said the veteran served in the Marines from 1945-74. Phillips received numerous service awards and retired as a Sergeant Major.

    Duke ended by recognizing Combs for serving as chairman of the Veterans Committee for 15 years. Combs was presented a plaque in commemoration of his service by the committee.

    “He has been a beacon to make sure all veterans are appreciated,” the speaker said.

    The winner of the American Legion Post 142 raffle for a Henry Rifle donated by Gray Memorial was drawn at the conclusion of the program. The winner of the rifle was Chris Taylor.

    As is tradition, the program ended with the playing of “Taps” by Robbie Thomas.