The Flag
July 1999
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The Flag |
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Newsletter for
Wilkes T. Thrasher VFW Post 4848
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AWARDS are presented by Post 4848 Commander Bill Tickle to the outstanding firemen of the year, men who risked their lives to save others at McCallie Spencer homes. They are Avery Hubbard Sr., Lt. Charles McMillian and Robert Alan Case. (Photos by Pete Chaney)
POLICE OFFICER or the year is honored by Commander Tickle. He is Officer Anerew W. Hilton who heads a SWAT team for the Chattanooga Police Department.
SHERIFF'S OFFICER William "Bill" Whiteside was selected by his department for his contributions in promoting gun safety in local schools through the Eddie Eagle program. Commander Tickle makes the presentation.
Post honors officers, firemen Commander presents certificates to heros Commander Bill Tickle presented certificates to honor the heroism of representatives from the local police, sheriff and fire departments at the June membership meeting. As jr. vice, John Scott worked with the department heads to select the winners. They attended with their families and received rounds of applause from members. Three men were honored from the fire department. They were Lt. Charles E. McMillian, Firefighter Robert Alan Case and Firefighter Avery Hubbard Sr. The were credited with saving three girls in Spencer McCallie Homes last Christmas Eve. City police Officer Andrew W. Hilton was selected for his work as squad leader of the SWAT team. And Sheriff’s Officer William "Bill" Whiteside was picked for his contributions to gun safety at local schools through the Eddie Eagle program. |
Free to members
4th of July barbecue
Bring your appetite and your membership card to Post 4848 Sunday, July 4, for the barbecue. It’s free to all those with current membership cards in either the post or Ladies Auxiliary. It will be from 2 PM to 4 PM.
If you haven’t renewed, this is the time to do it.
"Come join us," Commander Bill Tickle said. "We will enjoy a good meal and the VFW comradeship together."
Commander back from VA
meeting with goals to reach
Post Commander Bill Tickle and Quartermaster Mac McGuffey returned from the state VFW Convention in Nashville June 24-27 with goals for 1999-2000.
"Membership is falling off nationally in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and veteran organizations," Bill declared.
"It’s our job to make a renewed effort to increase membership reach 100 percent this year. We need to get former members to renew and most importantly to get in new blood."
He emphasized that younger members from Desert Storm and Bosnia are need to come in and become active in veterans’ work.
"Our members who were there for World War II, Korea and Vietnam aren’t getting any younger," he said.
Board position to be decided
The slot open on the executive board will be filled at the July 1 membership meeting with nominations and election. Oscar Farrow resigned his position at the June meeting.
He was elected to serve as junior vice commander at the general election. Jerry Christian has been mentioned as a candidate
Ladies Auxiliary begins 10th year
Gail Anderson takes the gavel for the Post 4848 Auxiliary as it begins its tenth year of service.
"Let’s all unite to work together, have fun and accomplish our goals as we go into the new millennium. We want to help the VFW with it’s programs and service to the community.
"I look forward to a great year and hope to see all members take part and join us at our meetings."
Along with Gail as president, other officers are Sr. Vice Alice Scott, Jr. Vice Barbara Rickett, Treasurer Anna Kizer, Chaplain Barbara Myers, Conductress Annie Stone, Guard Jean Osborne, Three-Year Trustee Eva Hickey, Patriotic Instructor Joan Farris, Historian Dot Stewart and Secretary Mary Ann Wilson.
President Anderson reminded members there will be a watermelon cutting July 29 at 1:30 PM at Chambliss Childrens Home.
Sunday family dinners will be suspended for the summer, resuming on Sept. 26.
One convention vote
At the June 1 e-board meeting, John Scott made the motion that each member attending have one vote. It was passed unanimously.
Motion was made by Mac McGuffey that funds be allocated for the free barbecue for members July 4. And money was approved for the cabinets being installed by John.
Dance cancelled
Wednesday nights were cancelled at the June e-board meeting. Lack of participation was set as the deciding factor. Friday and Saturday dances will continue on schedule.
Karaoke
A motion by James Tollett at the membership to purchase Karaoke equipment was tabled until the July meeting.
Comment . . . pete chaney
Ralph Wilson served with Harold Russell in Europe in World War II when Harold lost both his hands trying to defuse a bomb. He went on to appear in the movie "Best Years of our Lives." Both men were heroes in my book.
I never knew Audie Murphy, but I served later with a man who did. He said Murphy was like a crazy man who no conception of death or being hurt when he charged the enemy. Years later my friend visited him in Hollywood where Murphy was a hard drinking man with a love of good times.
No question Audie Murphy was a hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
The most famous war hero of Tennessee, of course, was Alvin C. York, a deeply religious man who reluctantly went into battle but fought valiantly for his country.
Locally two of our own distinguished themselves in World War II. Charles Coolidge and Desmond Doss received that same award. Post 4848 is honored that Charlie is a member here.
Tom Stanfield grew up with Charlie and served in the navy while his friend was in the army.
They were all heroes.
And what is that makes a hero. Someone who doesn’t care if he lives or dies, someone who does his duty reluctantly but well, someone who is afraid but faces danger when it’s needed.
There’s no clearcut definition of a hero. Maybe it’s just the person who meets the challenge when called on.
One thing for sure—America is blessed for these men.
We wouldn’t be celebrating Independence Day without them and others like them.
Notes . . .
After a hard days work at the Riverbend, FRED KIZER brought DON SHARP by the post—and signed him up as a new member. He’s a 27-year Air Force veteran. More recently, he’s been managing Riverbend for six years.
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Pictures to bring back memories are being offered by SHAWN TILLEY. His wife ANNA was left them by MARIE REYNOLDS, widow of Post 4848 founder BILL REYNOLDS. We will be posting them on the internet.
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When BOB WARMOUTH talked about his plans to go camping out, BOBBY LOWE gave his definition of camping: a room at the Holiday Inn without HBO.
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To mark the anniversary of the Normandy invasion, Post 4848 was front and center. The Times-Free Press interviewed three of our members: TOM STANFIELD, DAVID D. WILSON Jr. and TED BEDOIT.
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The kitchen at the post is looking better all the time. JOHN SCOTT built and installed some beautiful, functional cabinets.
Post 4848 Calendar July
E-Board meeting Tuesday, June 29, 6:30 PM.
Membership meeting Thursday, July 1, 7 PM, with food and refreshments to follow.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting Thursday, July 1, 7 PM.
MOC meeting Sunday, July 11, 5 PM.
MOCA meeting Sunday, July 11, 5 PM.
KITCHEN
Food is being served at the post each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 5 PM.
DANCE NIGHTS
Friday’s 9 PM to 1 AM; Saturdays, 9 PM to 1 AM.
If you have items of interest to Post 4848 members, please turn them in to the quartermaster or any bartender by the 20th of the month prior to publication of The Flag.
You can FAX items to 698-7803
or 
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