Members of the Jones County Veterans Committee had their first meeting of 2026 in preparation for Veterans Appreciation Day, the annual celebration to honor all the brave men and women who served in the military.
The June 18 meeting was called to order by Committee Chairman Ret.
Col. Richard Combs. After leading the opening prayer, Combs announced the date of the 2026 Veterans Appreciation Day is Nov. 14.
He said the W.E. Knox Center has been reserved. Due to the fact that the building is also used for church services, all the rooms normally used for the event may not be available, but it was agreed the committee would work with the space that will be available.
Capt. Michael McMillian reported about the Col. Alan Carr Spring 5K event that was held as the kickoff to the Main Street Gray Hometown festival. He said the route was safe and clearly marked with 102 entrants. The captain said they are looking at purchasing custom bibs for the next race.
Committee Secretary Bonnie Duke said the shirts for the 2025 5K that did not happen were used for the spring event. She said none of the sponsors had a problem with the delay.
McMillian said the race broke even and they now have a call list for future races. He said the 5K in November would be the Col. Alan Carr Memorial 5K.
The captain said the ROTC Color Guard will be at the November Veterans event.
Duke said the committee requested that she order hats for the veterans for the U.S. 250th Anniversary. She said she ordered plenty and had a sampling of the different varieties.
She also gave and update of the Veterans Memorial located at the courthouse. Duke said the Susan Holmes memorial plaque was finally in place next to the marker with the names of the founding veterans committee members.
She added that the QR code created to easily access the paver applications was also available.
Duke said Veterans Committee Member Anita Dockery continues to work on the list of the veterans’ names on the pavers.
Frank Duke said the flag drop box that was in front of the W.E. Knox Center was being redone. He said the drop box would have the American Legion 142 logo on the side.
“I want to thank Russell Curry and all the legion members. They were very supportive and jumped right on the project,” he added.
Bonnie Duke said the legion also helps with the upkeep of the Veterans Memorial.
Veterans Committee Member Roger Hawke brought examples of the plaques he is working on to give the veterans in November. The carvedwood plaques show the flags blowing in the wind with the branches of service.
Combs talked about the veteran interviews for the program. He said the committee needs to select the veterans to be interviewed.
The committee discussed adding the Middle Georgia Honor Flight to the program and the way to best do that. It was agreed having a veteran speak who had been on one of the flights would be a good way to share the information.
Veterans Committee Member Jerry Foltz asked that a QR code for the Honor Flight website be included on the Veterans Appreciation Day invitations mailed to veterans.
Combs said he will contact Robby Thomas, who has been faithful playing Taps at the conclusion of the program. It was determined it is the City of Gray’s turn to read the annual proclamation, and a minister will be selected for the opening prayer.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled Aug. 27 at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Jones County High School.
