We asked for you to tell us about veterans in this area. Here are all of those submitted in our region.
Hickory Area Veterans
Floyd Annas
Floyd Annas
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Granite Falls
Highest rank: Lt. Colonel, USAF Reserve
Years in service: Active - July 19, 1943 through June 5, 1947, 4 years; Reserve - June 5, 1947 through June 30, 1968, 21 years
Overseas deployments: Island of Morotai, Halmahera Islands, Dutch East Indes (now Indonesia) and Clark Field, Philippines
Service tribute: Floyd Annas, my father, was a B-17 pilot serving the 13th Air Force in the Second Emergency Rescue Squadron. While at Clark Field in 1946, Floyd qualified as a pilot of one of the Air Force's first helicopters, the Sikorsky R6-a and later was promoted to the chief pilot in the helicopter section. The day he was 21, his flying hours crossed 1,000 hours. As a teenager, Floyd had a desire to fly. His dream came true and, other than time with his family, it is still the most enjoyable time of his life.
Rom Brown
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Lieutenant
Years in service: At least 4
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: He is a true man who gave his time in Vietnam. These guys endured a lot over there, but they served our country without hesitation. A true hero.
Rom Brown
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Lieutenant
Years in service: At least 4
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: He is a true man who gave his time in Vietnam. These guys endured a lot over there, but they served our country without hesitation. A true hero.
Ray Cerda
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Detroit, MI
Highest rank: Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
Years in service: 1978 to 1998 (20 years)
Overseas deployments: Iranian Hostage Crisis (Operation Eagle Claw), March 1980 to December 1980; USS South Carolina (CGN-37); Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY-FOUR, Sigonella, Sicily, August 1987 to February 1988; and Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico, September 1988 to April 1989; First Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, August 1991 to April 1992; USS Yellowstone (AD-41).
Service tribute: Mr. Cerda's overseas deployments covered some of the most important missions in U.S. history. The successful release of over 52 Americans held captive at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the end of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall that ended the U.S.-Russia global competition and, lastly, the First Persian Gulf War, an armed conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 39 nations including the U.S., Britain, Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia (28 nations). His career spanned nine years of arduous and faithful service to the U.S. Navy and the United States of America. Job Well Done!
Ray Cerda
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Detroit, MI
Highest rank: Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
Years in service: 1978 to 1998 (20 years)
Overseas deployments: Iranian Hostage Crisis (Operation Eagle Claw), March 1980 to December 1980; USS South Carolina (CGN-37); Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY-FOUR, Sigonella, Sicily, August 1987 to February 1988; and Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico, September 1988 to April 1989; First Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, August 1991 to April 1992; USS Yellowstone (AD-41).
Service tribute: Mr. Cerda's overseas deployments covered some of the most important missions in U.S. history. The successful release of over 52 Americans held captive at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the end of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall that ended the U.S.-Russia global competition and, lastly, the First Persian Gulf War, an armed conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 39 nations including the U.S., Britain, Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia (28 nations). His career spanned nine years of arduous and faithful service to the U.S. Navy and the United States of America. Job Well Done!
Nicholas Chavis
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: SSG
Years in service: 2005-2015
Overseas deployments: Three, All Afghanistan.
Service tribute: Nick was and is an amazing soldier and now veteran. He always put his country first and is a proud patriot. His service at a young age made him somewhat a cosmopolitan and he always wants to take the family traveling to as many different countries and to meet as many new people as possible. He will always be my No. 1 Hero.
Nicholas Chavis
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: SSG
Years in service: 2005-2015
Overseas deployments: Three, All Afghanistan.
Service tribute: Nick was and is an amazing soldier and now veteran. He always put his country first and is a proud patriot. His service at a young age made him somewhat a cosmopolitan and he always wants to take the family traveling to as many different countries and to meet as many new people as possible. He will always be my No. 1 Hero.
William E. Cline
James Cole
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Riverside, CA
Highest rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Years in service: 24 years; April 19, 1968 - May 31, 1992
Overseas deployments: Germany (69-71), Vietnam (71-72), Germany (77-81), Hawaii (81-83)
Service tribute: James G. Cole Sr. is a man of high respect. He has served for 24 years in infantry, mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, special forces and personal administration. He has earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for valor), two Purple Hearts and two Meritorious Service Medals. His most interesting assignment was Chief of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Affairs in Alexandria, Va. His role as Chief of POW/MIA was highlighted on an episode of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ and a game show with several celebrities. James Cole is one of the best!
James Cole
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Riverside, CA
Highest rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Years in service: 24 years; April 19, 1968 - May 31, 1992
Overseas deployments: Germany (69-71), Vietnam (71-72), Germany (77-81), Hawaii (81-83)
Service tribute: James G. Cole Sr. is a man of high respect. He has served for 24 years in infantry, mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, special forces and personal administration. He has earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for valor), two Purple Hearts and two Meritorious Service Medals. His most interesting assignment was Chief of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Affairs in Alexandria, Va. His role as Chief of POW/MIA was highlighted on an episode of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ and a game show with several celebrities. James Cole is one of the best!
George Collins
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Welch, West Virginia
Highest rank: Chief Petty Officer
Years in service: 1955-1974
Overseas deployments: At least three times off the coast of Vietnam on Yankee Station with multiple U.S. Aircraft Carriers; deployed prior to that for the Lebanon Crisis aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16) in 1958. He also served aboard the following carriers: USS Lexington, USS Kearsarge, USS Shangri-La, USS Hancock and, finally, the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
Service tribute: George Edward Collins has to be, without a doubt, one of the strongest influences in my entire life. He has and continues to teach me a respect for our veterans, and what they have had to give up to protect this country. Any and all my love for history comes from growing up and learning about what he did and what others did for the USA. His many deployments overseas in service to the United States are belied by the fact he is modest about his service, the mark of a true patriot and hero. Truly a loving, wonderful grandfather.
George Collins
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Welch, West Virginia
Highest rank: Chief Petty Officer
Years in service: 1955-1974
Overseas deployments: At least three times off the coast of Vietnam on Yankee Station with multiple U.S. Aircraft Carriers; deployed prior to that for the Lebanon Crisis aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16) in 1958. He also served aboard the following carriers: USS Lexington, USS Kearsarge, USS Shangri-La, USS Hancock and, finally, the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
Service tribute: George Edward Collins has to be, without a doubt, one of the strongest influences in my entire life. He has and continues to teach me a respect for our veterans, and what they have had to give up to protect this country. Any and all my love for history comes from growing up and learning about what he did and what others did for the USA. His many deployments overseas in service to the United States are belied by the fact he is modest about his service, the mark of a true patriot and hero. Truly a loving, wonderful grandfather.
Clifton Coulter
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Newton
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 4 years Marines, 6 years Army
Overseas deployments: Quang Tri Vietnam, Germany, Korea
Service tribute: Respectfully, my dad is worthy of this tribute simply for being a Vietnam Vet. This group of military veterans has continued to display their service proudly after decades of surviving a war that was heavily opposed by our nation and their involvement in it questioned. In my opinion, some of these war veterans in particular are still feeling unappreciated, which is sadly unfortunate.
Clifton Coulter
Military Branch: Marine Corps
Town at Time of Service: Newton
Highest Rank: Sergeant
Years In Service: 4yrs Marines and 6yrs Army
Overseas Deployments: Quang Tri Vietnam, Germany, Korea
Service Tribute: Respectfully, my dad is worthy of this tribute simply for being a Vietnam Vet. This group of military veterans has continued to display their service proudly after decades of surviving a war that was heavily opposed by our nation and their involvement in it questioned. In my opinion, some of these war veterans in particular are still feeling unappreciated, which is sadly unfortunate. It would be a disservice if they are not represented in this tribute.
Tony Drum
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Catawba
Highest rank: E-4
Years in service: 31 months
Overseas deployments: Germany, Vietnam
Service: I went into service at age 17. I could not go to Vietnam at 17, so was sent to Germany. When I turned 18, I felt I was not doing enough so I volunteered to go to Vietnam. I have never regretted my decision.
Tony Drum
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Catawba
Highest rank: E-4
Years in service: 31 months
Overseas deployments: Germany, Vietnam
Service: I went into service at age 17. I could not go to Vietnam at 17, so was sent to Germany. When I turned 18, I felt I was not doing enough so I volunteered to go to Vietnam. I have never regretted my decision.
Jeffrey Gazeley
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Afghanistan
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 14
Overseas deployments: Iraq in 2008-2009; Kuwait, 2015-2016; and he is currently deployed in Afghanistan.
Service tribute: He is the father of an 8-year-old little girl who misses him dearly. He’s currently deployed in Afghanistan. This is his third deployment. He works in Apache helicopters. He surprised our daughter, Autumn Gazeley, at Christmas. He’s such a good man and good father.
Troy 'Gil' Gilleland
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: Active Duty: 1971-2005; Senior Executive Service: 2005-2009
Overseas deployments: Gulf War
Service tribute: After active duty (starting as a private and ultimately achieving the rank of colonel), Gil continued to serve our great nation as a senior executive for the Army for five years. Upon returning to western North Carolina, he founded the St. Michael’s All-Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association- serving paratroopers, veterans and their families in need. He’s continuing to serve!
Troy 'Gil' Gilleland
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: Active Duty: 1971-2005; Senior Executive Service: 2005-2009
Overseas deployments: Gulf War
Service tribute: After active duty (starting as a private and ultimately achieving the rank of colonel), Gil continued to serve our great nation as a senior executive for the Army for five years. Upon returning to western North Carolina, he founded the St. Michael’s All-Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association- serving paratroopers, veterans and their families in need. He’s continuing to serve!
Rector Henson
Hugh D. Huffman
Kenneth Johnson
Virgil Cecil Kiser
Ralph Rader Kiziah
Fred Kyle
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Norfolk, VA
Highest rank: Storekeeper Second Class V6 USNR
Years in service: 1943-1946
Overseas deployments: Asiatic Pacific Area on USS CARLSON (DE-9) and USS LST 860
Service tribute: Fred is worthy of tribute because he survived an enemy attack by the Japanese near Okinawa during World War II when an enemy plane launched a torpedo that passed harmlessly under his ship’s bow. Fred served his country honorably and with courage in the Pacific on the USS Carlson and the USS LST 860 and received two Battle Stars for his WWII service.
Byron Logan
Military branch: Navy
Overseas deployment: South Pacific
Fred Kyle
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Norfolk, VA
Highest rank: Storekeeper Second Class V6 USNR
Years in service: 1943-1946
Overseas deployments: Asiatic Pacific Area on USS CARLSON (DE-9) and USS LST 860
Service tribute: Fred is worthy of tribute because he survived an enemy attack by the Japanese near Okinawa during World War II when an enemy plane launched a torpedo that passed harmlessly under his ship’s bow. Fred served his country honorably and with courage in the Pacific on the USS Carlson and the USS LST 860 and received two Battle Stars for his WWII service.
Roy P. Marsh
Timothy Moore
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Gilbert, AZ
Highest rank: E5/Sergeant
Years in service: 9
Overseas deployments: Iraq (09-10), Afghanistan (11-12)
Service tribute: Tim entered the Army and served on jump status as a paratrooper while stationed at Fort Bragg for six years. He served overseas three times, in Iraq from 2009-10, Afghanistan 11-12 and Korea 2013-14. He was injured in the first year of service, but continued through despite those injuries. He went through selection for Special Operations Command in June, 2012. After getting medically retired due to the injuries sustained in 2008, Tim became a veteran advocate and currently assists veterans facing difficulty finding employment with updating their resumes, getting them connected to employment opportunities and connecting them to resources to assist with other veteran-related issues.
Timothy Moore
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Gilbert, AZ
Highest rank: E5/Sergeant
Years in service: 9
Overseas deployments: Iraq (09-10), Afghanistan (11-12)
Service tribute: Tim entered the Army and served on jump status as a paratrooper while stationed at Fort Bragg for six years. He served overseas three times, in Iraq from 2009-10, Afghanistan 11-12 and Korea 2013-14. He was injured in the first year of service, but continued through despite those injuries. He went through selection for Special Operations Command in June, 2012. After getting medically retired due to the injuries sustained in 2008, Tim became a veteran advocate and currently assists veterans facing difficulty finding employment with updating their resumes, getting them connected to employment opportunities and connecting them to resources to assist with other veteran-related issues.
David Sain
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: E4 - Specialist
Years in service: 1966 – 1968 (2)
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: Dad was drafted and was deployed on Valentine's Day of 1966, three weeks after marrying my mom. Because he was a skilled auto mechanic since age 15, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 to run the motor pool and 30 servicemen and to supply fuel by boat throughout South Vietnam. He lost friends during battle as many did. After returning home, he finished his degree at CVCC and worked in management for Lowe's for 29 years. He has served on the CVCC Foundation Board since its inception and as its chairman for many of those years.
David Sain
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: E4 - Specialist
Years in service: 1966 – 1968 (2)
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: Dad was drafted and was deployed on Valentine's Day of 1966, three weeks after marrying my mom. Because he was a skilled auto mechanic since age 15, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 to run the motor pool and 30 servicemen and to supply fuel by boat throughout South Vietnam. He lost friends during battle as many did. After returning home, he finished his degree at CVCC and worked in management for Lowe's for 29 years. He has served on the CVCC Foundation Board since its inception and as its chairman for many of those years.
Matthew James Scott
Mark Sexton
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Claremont
Highest rank: E3
Years in service: 6
Overseas deployments: Operation Enduring Freedom
Service tribute: My husband is one of the most giving people you will ever meet. He is always committed to helping others, and goes above and beyond to make sure his family has everything we need and want. He loved serving his country, and defending our freedom.
Mark Sexton
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Claremont
Highest rank: E3
Years in service: 6
Overseas deployments: Operation Enduring Freedom
Service tribute: My husband is one of the most giving people you will ever meet. He is always committed to helping others, and goes above and beyond to make sure his family has everything we need and want. He loved serving his country, and defending our freedom.
Noah Sexton
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Claremont
Highest rank: E3
Years in service: 1.5
Service Tribute: We are very proud of our son taking that step to join the Army to follow in his dad’s footsteps in protecting our country.
Noah Sexton
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Claremont
Highest rank: E3
Years in service: 1.5
Service Tribute: We are very proud of our son taking that step to join the Army to follow in his dad’s footsteps in protecting our country.
Bob Shook
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 1951-1953
Overseas deployments: Korea
Service tribute: Mr. Shook served with the Army 7th Division, 32nd Infantry, and fought during the Battle of Triangle Hill in 1952, which became known as the bloodiest 42 days of the Korean War. He was honored with several awards for his service and is proud to have served our country. He is an honorable man that is very honest and giving to others. He enjoys spending time at church and with his family.
Bob Shook
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Hickory
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 1951-1953
Overseas deployments: Korea
Service tribute: Mr. Shook served with the Army 7th Division, 32nd Infantry, and fought during the Battle of Triangle Hill in 1952, which became known as the bloodiest 42 days of the Korean War. He was honored with several awards for his service and is proud to have served our country. He is an honorable man that is very honest and giving to others. He enjoys spending time at church and with his family.
Richard Lee Stine Sr.
Glenn Allen Whitener
David Willis
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Vale
Highest rank: Senior Chief
Years in service: 20
Overseas deployments: Gulf War
Service tribute: David dedicated 20 years to the Navy, and anyone who knows him can tell you that he is the most honest, fair and loyal person that you could meet. He has contributed his way of life and thinking to the Navy. He will always do what he says he will do and will do his very best at anything placed in front of him, every single time. He will tell you that being in the Navy was one of the best decisions he could have ever made.
David Willis
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Vale
Highest rank: Senior Chief
Years in service: 20
Overseas deployments: Gulf War
Service tribute: David dedicated 20 years to the Navy, and anyone who knows him can tell you that he is the most honest, fair and loyal person that you could meet. He has contributed his way of life and thinking to the Navy. He will always do what he says he will do and will do his very best at anything placed in front of him, every single time. He will tell you that being in the Navy was one of the best decisions he could have ever made.
Iredell County Area Veterans
Stock photo
Robert Howard Barron
Robert Jonathan Barron
Charlie Bennett
Steven Biondo
STEVEN BIONDO
Military Branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Troutman
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 9
Steven Biondo
STEVEN BIONDO
Military Branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Troutman
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 9
Overseas deployments: 3 tours in Iraq
Don Blake
DON BLAKE
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: El Dorado
Highest rank: SP 5
Years in service: July 1967 - July 1969
Overseas deployment: Medic in Vietnam
Don Blake
DON BLAKE
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: El Dorado
Highest rank: SP 5
Years in service: July 1967 - July 1969
Overseas deployment: Medic in Vietnam
Davis Reid Brawley
DAVIS REID BRAWLEY
Military Branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Statesville
Years In Service: 2 years
Overseas deployments: Panama Canal, Panama
Service tribute: My dad worked for the US Navy at the Panama Canal during World War II. His job was as a radio specialist, also sending telegraphs back to base while on maneuvers around the canal. His two brothers also served during the war. Dad kept the telegraph key in his pocket and connected it to the radio as needed to relay messages back to base. It was through this experience that he learned skills needed to begin his own radio and TV service in Statesville after returning home. His two brothers, Paul and Hoyle Brawley, also served during the war.
Gerald Brown
GERALD BROWN
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 1965-1969
Overseas deployments: Four consecutive tours to Vietnam (1966,1967, 1968,1969)
Gerald Brown
GERALD BROWN
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 1965-1969
Overseas deployments: Four consecutive tours to Vietnam (1966,1967, 1968,1969)
Tommy K. Burchett
Keith Childers
KEITH CHILDERS
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Kannapolis
Highest rank: Private First Class
Years in service: 2
Keith Childers
KEITH CHILDERS
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Kannapolis
Highest rank: Private First Class
Years in service: 2
Walter Chrastina
Forrest Combs Sr.
FORREST COMBS SR.
Military Branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Private
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Pacific, WWII
Kyle Degenhart
KYLE DEGENHART
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: Specialist
Years in service: October 22, 2013 to December 25, 2017
Kyle Degenhart
KYLE DEGENHART
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Mooresville
Highest rank: Specialist
Years in service: October 22, 2013 to December 25, 2017
John Deters
Scott Emory
SCOTT EMORY
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: Entered Boot Camp in October 1988, Honorably Discharged in August1999
Overseas deployments: Okinawa (1990), Saudi Arabia/ Kuwait (Desert Shield/ Desert Storm- 1990-1991), Medditeranean Sea (mid to late 1992), and Multiple U.S. deployments
Scott Emory
SCOTT EMORY
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: Entered Boot Camp in October 1988, Honorably Discharged in August1999
Overseas deployments: Okinawa (1990), Saudi Arabia/ Kuwait (Desert Shield/ Desert Storm- 1990-1991), Medditeranean Sea (mid to late 1992), and Multiple U.S. deployments
Carl Lewis Forsyth Jr.
Randall Galliher
RANDALL GALLIHER
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 4 years
Overseas deployments: 3 tours in Iraq, 1 Afghanistan
Randall Galliher
RANDALL GALLIHER
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 4 years
Overseas deployments: 3 tours in Iraq, 1 Afghanistan
Paul Gum II
PAUL GUM II
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Fort Riley, Kansas
Highest rank: E4 Specialist
Years in service: 08-10
Overseas deployment: Iraq
Paul Gum II
PAUL GUM II
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Fort Riley, Kansas
Highest rank: E4 Specialist
Years in service: 08-10
Overseas deployment: Iraq
Jack Harder
JACK HARDER
Military Branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Altoona, PA
Highest rank: Seaman 1st Class
Years in service: 1943 - 1946
Overseas deployments: WWII, Battle of the Bulge and Normandy Invasion
Jack Harder
JACK HARDER
Military Branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Altoona, PA
Highest rank: Seaman 1st Class
Years in service: 1943 - 1946
Overseas deployments: WWII, Battle of the Bulge and Normandy Invasion
Robert Hefner
ROBERT HEFNER
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: SP-4
Years in service: 2 years
Overseas deployments: Germany
Robert Hefner
ROBERT HEFNER
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: SP-4
Years in service: 2 years
Overseas deployments: Germany
William J. Hendren
Marshall R. Howard
Ralph Lepley
RALPH LEPLEY
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Millersburg, Ohio
Highest rank: SP5
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Alaska, Greenland, Vietnam and Cambodia
Service tribute: Ralph worked as an intelligence analyst for NSA/ASA and held a Top Secret/Cryptographic Security Clearance. He was shot in an ambush during the invasion of Cambodia ordered by President Nixon. He has served as an American Legion Honor Guard Chaplain, conducting more than 400 veterans' funerals, since 2003. His father's father died in Germany in WWII. His father died in Korea. He could not have children due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. His family has given their all to defend and protect our country. He is an ICF business and professional coach, MSW social worker and local church pastor.
Brian McGuire
BRIAN MCGUIRE
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Easley, SC
Highest rank: E5
Years in service: 2006-2012
Overseas deployments: Veteran served two deployments to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, he stepped on and IED and became catastrophically wounded.
Brian McGuire
BRIAN MCGUIRE
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Easley, SC
Highest rank: E5
Years in service: 2006-2012
Overseas deployments: Veteran served two deployments to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, he stepped on and IED and became catastrophically wounded.
Michael Miedzinski
MICHAEL MIEDZINSKI
Military Branch: Army
Town at time of service: Fort Bragg
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 7.5
Overseas deployment: Afghanistan
Michael Miedzinski
MICHAEL MIEDZINSKI
Military Branch: Army
Town at time of service: Fort Bragg
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 7.5
Overseas deployment: Afghanistan
Charles D. Nantz
Richard Poore
RICHARD POORE
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Havelock
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: 34 Years, 1 Month, 11 Days
Overseas deployments: Central America (1980s), Saudi Arabia (1990s), Europe for Serbia Bombing Campaign (1990s), Iraq (2005), Iraq/Kuwait (2011)
Richard Poore
RICHARD POORE
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Havelock
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: 34 Years, 1 Month, 11 Days
Overseas deployments: Central America (1980s), Saudi Arabia (1990s), Europe for Serbia Bombing Campaign (1990s), Iraq (2005), Iraq/Kuwait (2011)
William Queen
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Stony Point
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: Jan. 2002 - Jan. 2006
Overseas deployments: Two tours of duty in Ira William is worthy of a tribute because he has gone on two tours of duty during active war. He has seen things firsthand that no human should ever see. He has come back changed but has remained the happy, up-beat, hard-working man, even with documented PTSD. He also put together a Marine reunion last year. He is proud of his service to this country.
Harold S. Rimmer
Gary Allen Scott
Milton Bristol Sloan
Christopher Stewart
CHRISTOPHER STEWART
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 5
Overseas deployments: Bahrain
Christopher Stewart
CHRISTOPHER STEWART
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Statesville
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 5
Overseas deployments: Bahrain
William J. Summers
William L. Wease
William T. 'Woody' Woodard
McDowell County Area Veterans
Helen Alverson
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: McDowell
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: 1973-1999
Service tribute: Helen is a wonderful person. She served as a nurse in the Air Force and continued to work as a nurse after retiring from the Air Force. She is someone to be admired. Helen has done so many things for her country, community, friends and family. We are very proud of everything she has accomplished and we love her dearly. Words cannot express how thankful we are for everything you have done, and continue to do. We love you, Helen.
Helen Alverson
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: McDowell
Highest rank: Colonel
Years in service: 1973-1999
Service tribute: Helen is a wonderful person. She served as a nurse in the Airforce and continued to work as a nurse after retiring from the Airforce. She is someone to be admired. Helen has done so many things for her country, community, friends and family. We are very proud of everything she has accomplished and we love her dearly. Words cannot express how thankful we are for everything you have done, and continue to do. We love you, Helen.
Julian Austin
Military branch: Navy
J. L. Banner
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Jacksonville
Highest rank: Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9)
Years in service: 27 years 27 Days
Overseas deployments: Deployed two separate times to Okinawa Japan; deployed two separate times to Vietnam. Also deployed to Europe
Service tribute: MGYSGT J. L. Banner served his country for over 27 years and received many accommodations and awards during his service with the Marine Corps. One very important award was given to him for building and designing a Mobil Command Center to carry all battalion staff officers to their locations. It replaced several vehicles that would have been required. He was deployed overseas several times, serving one year each time he served. He loves his country and he loves the Marine Corps. His family is very proud of him.
J. L. Banner
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Jacksonville
Highest rank: Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9)
Years in service: 27 years 27 Days
Overseas deployments: Deployed two separate times to Okinawa Japan; deployed two separate times to Vietnam. Also deployed to Europe
Service tribute: MGYSGT J. L. Banner served his country for over 27 years and received many accommodations and awards during his service with the Marine Corps. One very important award was given to him for building and designing a Mobil Command Center to carry all battalion staff officers to their locations. It replaced several vehicles that would have been required. He was deployed overseas several times, serving one year each time he served. He loves his country and he loves the Marine Corps. His family is very proud of him.
Mark Becker
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: NY
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 7
Overseas Deployments: Vietnam
Service Tribute: Mark went into service out of high school and was crew chief/door gunner on a helicopter, flying a colonel around spying on the incoming NVA when Saigon fell. He saw lots of action, even with the war over.
Mark Becker
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: NY
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 7
Overseas Deployments: Vietnam
Service Tribute: Mark went into service out of high school and was crew chief/door gunner on a helicopter, flying a colonel around spying on the incoming NVA when Saigon fell. He saw lots of action, even with the war over.
Stephan Buchanan
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Spruce Pine
Highest rank: CW4
Years in service: 1983-2010 (28 yrs)
Overseas deployments: Korea, Germany, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait
Service tribute: The son of Kathleen and Sam Buchanan, of Old Fort, North Carolina. Awards include: 2 Meritorious Service Medals, Bronze Star, 2 Air Medals, Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, 6 Army Commendation Medals, 9 Army Achievement Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars.
Stephan Buchanan
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Spruce Pine
Highest rank: CW4
Years in service: 1983-2010 (28 yrs)
Overseas deployments: Korea, Germany, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait
Service tribute: The son of Kathleen and Sam Buchanan, of Old Fort, North Carolina. Awards include: 2 Meritorious Service Medals, Bronze Star, 2 Air Medals, Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, 6 Army Commendation Medals, 9 Army Achievement Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars.
James Donald Burnette
Theophilus Walton Clapp Jr.
Mack D. Coates
David Denninger
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Boston
Highest rank: Captain
Years in service: 9
Overseas deployment: Afghanistan, 2010-2011
Service tribute: Assistant District Attorney David Denninger has made a career of public service. Upon graduating from college, Denninger was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He attended airborne school at Fort Benning and served at Fort Sam Houston before deploying as an infantry platoon leader in Afghanistan in 2010. He earned numerous awards for his service, including a combat action badge. After his tour, Denninger attended law school at Wake Forest University and passed the bar in 2014. We are fortunate to have him on our team fighting crime!
David Denninger
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Boston
Highest rank: Captain
Years in service: 9
Overseas deployment: Afghanistan, 2010-2011
Service tribute: Assistant District Attorney David Denninger has made a career of public service. Upon graduating from college, Denninger was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He attended airborne school at Fort Benning and served at Fort Sam Houston before deploying as an infantry platoon leader in Afghanistan in 2010. He earned numerous awards for his service, including a combat action badge. After his tour, Denninger attended law school at Wake Forest University and passed the bar in 2014. We are fortunate to have him on our team fighting crime!
Kenneth Doyle
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Miami, FL
Highest rank: E-4
Years in service: 5 years
Overseas deployments: 8 months in Afghanistan
Service tribute: Ken is always looking for ways to help fellow veterans. He started the local nonprofit organization, Warriors at Home, with a goal of helping eliminate veteran suicide. Ken retired as an E-4 after being injured by an IED in 2012. He is now a husband, father of three, and a full-time student acquiring his master's degree in psychology through Montreat College.
Kenneth Doyle
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Miami, FL
Highest rank: E-4
Years in service: 5 years
Overseas deployments: 8 months in Afghanistan
Service tribute: Ken is always looking for ways to help fellow veterans. He started the local nonprofit organization, Warriors at Home, with a goal of helping eliminate veteran suicide. Ken retired as an E-4 after being injured by an IED in 2012. He is now a husband, father of three, and a full-time student acquiring his master's degree in psychology through Montreat College.
Jenna Hemmer
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Camp Lejeune
Highest rank: LCPL
Years in service: 2010-2014
Overseas deployments: South America - Military training and humanitarian work
Service tribute: Jenna is a hard worker and has accomplished many things, both in and out of the military. She is a single mother who owns her own business, works a full-time job and is a full-time student who will be finishing her Bachelor’s degree in less than a year.
Jenna Hemmer
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Camp Lejeune
Highest rank: LCPL
Years in service: 2010-2014
Overseas deployments: South America - Military training and humanitarian work
Service tribute: Jenna is a hard worker and has accomplished many things, both in and out of the military. She is a single mother who owns her own business, works a full-time job and is a full-time student who will be finishing her Bachelor’s degree in less than a year.
Melinda Jackson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Old Fort
Highest rank: Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Years in service: 23
Overseas deployments: Germany, Egypt, South Korea, Iraq
Service tribute: Selfless service to country as a soldier, a medical professional and a voter.
Melinda Jackson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Old Fort
Highest rank: Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Years in service: 23
Overseas deployments: Germany, Egypt, South Korea, Iraq
Service tribute: Selfless service to country as a soldier, a medical professional and a voter.
Robert Jarrett Jr.
ROBERT JARRETT JR.
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: SP-3
Years in service: 7-2-1954 to 6-26-1957
Overseas deployments: Robert spent 31 months in Germany, from December 1954 to June 1957, during the German Occupation at the end of World War II.
Service tribute: Robert received three service medals during his three years of service: the Army Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He served in the standby reserves until July 15, 1962. He attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a B.S. in Business Education in 1962.
Rudolph 'Rudy' Long
Timothy McPeters
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: Staff Sergeant
Years in service: 1993-2004
Overseas deployment: DMZ Korea
Service tribute: My son proudly served his county as a medic in the 82nd Air Borne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was deployed to Korea for one year on the DMZ. That is where his Army life tragically came to an end when he accidentally stepped off the beaten path on a land mine and lost his right foot. After many years of pain and suffering, he has made a miraculous life for himself with no regrets. He has his own photography company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he resides with his wife and daughter.
Timothy McPeters
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: Staff Sergeant
Years in service: 1993-2004
Overseas deployment: DMZ Korea
Service tribute: My son proudly served his county as a medic in the 82nd Air Borne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was deployed to Korea for one year on the DMZ. That is where his Army life tragically came to an end when he accidentally stepped off the beaten path on a land mine and lost his right foot. After many years of pain and suffering, he has made a miraculous life for himself with no regrets. He has his own photography company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he resides with his wife and daughter.
Jack Mills
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: E-5
Years in service: 4 years: March 1968 until March 1972
Overseas deployments: Vietnam Tour of Duty 1969
Service tribute: Jack entered the Army in 1968 when the Vietnam War was very unpopular. A lot of young men ran from the draft. All young men were required to register for service. Jack volunteered with a close friend under the buddy plan. They were supposed to be stationed at the same bases and the Army did what they said. It was nice having a friend with you for moral support. This friendship has lasted from their early years at PG school until now. They even had a heart attack this year within a month of one another.
Jack Mills
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: E-5
Years in service: 4 years: March 1968 until March 1972
Overseas deployments: Vietnam Tour of Duty 1969
Service tribute: Jack entered the Army in 1968 when the Vietnam War was very unpopular. A lot of young men ran from the draft. All young men were required to register for service. Jack volunteered with a close friend under the buddy plan. They were supposed to be stationed at the same bases and the Army did what they said. It was nice having a friend with you for moral support. This friendship has lasted from their early years at PG school until now. They even had a heart attack this year within a month of one another.
Ronald H. Moody
York Payne
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Marshall
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 1944-1946
Overseas deployments: Okinawa
Service tribute: York received a purple heart from duty in Okinawa, as well as other medals, including expert rifleman, before his honorable discharge in 1946.
Karen Jones Adansi Pipim
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: E4
Years in service: December 15 will be 3 years
Service tribute: Karen is a selfless human, considerate and always willing to go the extra mile for anyone. She is loving and loves the Lord. She misses her family, however, her husband was just stationed with her so she’s doing fine. They push each other to be their best and serve this country, of which, I am so proud. I love them very much, Christen Jones
Karen Jones Adansi Pipim
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: E4
Years in service: December 15 will be 3 years
Service tribute: Karen is a selfless human, considerate and always willing to go the extra mile for anyone. She is loving and loves the Lord. She misses her family, however, her husband was just stationed with her so she’s doing fine. They push each other to be their best and serve this country, of which, I am so proud. I love them very much, Christen Jones
Earl Hensley Snypes
Earl Snypes
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Nebo
Highest rank: Private First Class
Years in service: 1944 - 1946
Service tribute: After graduating from Nebo High School in 1943, Earl Hensley Snypes was sworn into the Army on April 10, 1944, and served in CO "K" 26th Regiment 1st Infantry Division. He landed in Normandy, France, in October 1944 and could see the American Cemetery on the high bluff. That December, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he saw some of his army buddies killed in action. When World War II ended, he was a bus driver for the Nuremberg War Trials in 1945-1946. Earl was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations.
Abbey Taylor
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Nebo
Highest rank: Ensign
Years in service: 4
Service tribute: Abbey graduated from McDowell High School in 2014 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018. She is currently in flight school in Pensacola, Florida.
Abbey Taylor
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Nebo
Highest rank: Ensign
Years in service: 4
Service tribute: Abbey graduated from McDowell High School in 2014 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018. She is currently in flight school in Pensacola, Florida.
Kenneth Thompson
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)
Years in service: 27 years
Overseas deployments: Vietnam (9/8/69 - 9/8/70), England (UK) (1973 – 75), South Korea (1977 – 78), Fairbanks, Alaska (1980 – 84),
Europe (Germany) (1986-90)
Service tribute: Served this country with great honors. Mr. Thompson received three Meritorious Service Medals, two Commendation Medals and one Achievement Medal. He also earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star Service Medal.
Kenneth Edward Thompson
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Marion
Highest rank: Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)
Years in service: 27 years
Overseas deployments: Vietnam (9/8/69 - 9/8/70), England (UK) (1973 – 75), South Korea (1977 – 78), Fairbanks, Alaska (1980 – 84),
Europe (Germany) (1986-90)
Service tribute: Served this country with great honors. Mr. Thompson received three Meritorious Service Medals, two Commendation Medals and one Achievement Medal. He also earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star Service Medal.
Ernest Whiteside
David Wholters
Service tribute: My family has four generations that have served their country. From WW2 to now, my dad David Phillip Wholters gave everything he had for this country when it wasn't popular. He raised us kids with the help of my mom to have respect for this country.
David Wholters
Service tribute: My family has four generations that have served their country. From WW2 to now, my dad David Phillip Wholters gave everything he had for this country when it wasn't popular. He raised us kids with the help of my mom to have respect for this country.
Harold Willis
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Served in Austria, Germany
Highest rank: PFC
Years in service: 1944- 1946
Service tribute: Harold Willis is very proud that he is a WWII Veteran and the time that he spent in the US Army. He is a man who loves God and his country and he is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Harold Willis
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Served in Austria, Germany
Highest rank: PFC
Years in service: 1944- 1946
Service tribute: Harold Willis is very proud that he is a WWII Veteran and the time that he spent in the US Army. He is a man who loves God and his country and he is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Morganton Area Veterans
Joseph E. Arseneau, Sr.
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Kansas City, Missouri
Military rank: Captain
Joseph E. Arseneau, Sr.
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Kansas City, Missouri
Military rank: Captain
Garrie Barnes
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: SFC (First Sergeant)
Years in service: September 1972 - October 1992
Overseas deployments: Korea, NATO (Vietnam, Korea and Gulf War I era veteran)
Service tribute: Garrie Barnes is a Vietnam, Korea and Gulf War I era Veteran. A graduate of Oak High School in 1970, he received the first Martin Luther King Scholarship from the local NAACP and attended Western Piedmont Community College. Mr. Barnes just completed 46 years of federal service and was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award for service as the Deputy Director, Policy, Programs and Awards for Eighth Army. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Park University; a B.S. Business in Management from University of Maryland, M.S.A. Studies from Central Michigan University, member Prince Hall Military Lodge No. 141.
Garrie Barnes
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: SFC (First Sergeant)
Years in service: September 1972 - October 1992
Overseas deployments: Korea, NATO (Vietnam, Korea and Gulf War I era veteran)
Service tribute: Garrie Barnes is a Vietnam, Korea and Gulf War I era Veteran. A graduate of Oak High School in 1970, he received the first Martin Luther King Scholarship from the local NAACP and attended Western Piedmont Community College. Mr. Barnes just completed 46 years of federal service and was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award for service as the Deputy Director, Policy, Programs and Awards for Eighth Army. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Park University; a B.S. Business in Management from University of Maryland, M.S.A. Studies from Central Michigan University, member Prince Hall Military Lodge No. 141.
Larry Britt
Military branch: Air Force
Hometown at time of service: Selma, Alabama
Military rank: Major
Larry Britt
Military branch: Air Force
Hometown at time of service: Selma, Alabama
Military rank: Major
Dustin Buzze
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Maiden
Highest rank: E-6 (Staff Sergeant)
Years in service: 9 years 4 months
Overseas deployments: 3: 2 deployments to Iraq, 1 deployment to Afghanistan
Service: Awards and medals received: 1 Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, 1 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, 1 Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, 1 Iraq Campaign Service Medal with 3 campaign stars, 1 Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, 1 NATO Medal, 1 National Defense Service Medal, 1 Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, 2 Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, 3 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, 1 Combat Infantry Badge, 1 Air Assault Badge, 1 Combat Driver Badge. I was a member of the 101st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I did three combat deployments, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Since leaving the service, I have been a firefighter/first responder at Salem Fire and Rescue.
Dustin Buzze
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Maiden
Highest rank: E-6 (Staff Sergeant)
Years in service: 9 years 4 months
Overseas deployments: 3: 2 deployments to Iraq, 1 deployment to Afghanistan
Service: Awards and medals received: 1 Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, 1 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, 1 Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, 1 Iraq Campaign Service Medal with 3 campaign stars, 1 Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, 1 NATO Medal, 1 National Defense Service Medal, 1 Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, 2 Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, 3 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, 1 Combat Infantry Badge, 1 Air Assault Badge, 1 Combat Driver Badge. I was a member of the 101st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I did three combat deployments, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Since leaving the service, I have been a firefighter/first responder at Salem Fire and Rescue.
John D. Campbell
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard
Town from at time of enlistment: Valdese
Highest rank: Master Sergeant (E-8)
Years in service: 22 years, 9 months, retired February 2006
Overseas deployments: Republic of South Korea, March 2003
Service tribute: I wanted to be both a firefighter and a soldier. I was blessed to be able to do both.
Lono Bruce Campbell
Jack Carroll
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: 11/08/1950 retired 12/01/1974
Highest rank: 1st Sergeant
Years In service: 23.6 years
Overseas deployments: Europe, two tours in Vietnam
Service tribute: Your family loves and appreciates the years you served our country. We know you loved the time you served and we also know the 101st Airborne Division was special to you.
Jack Carroll
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: 11/08/1950 retired 12/01/1974
Highest rank: 1st Sergeant
Years In service: 23.6 years
Overseas deployments: Europe, two tours in Vietnam
Service tribute: Your family loves and appreciates the years you served our country. We know you loved the time you served and we also know the 101st Airborne Division was special to you.
Johnnie Carswell
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Valdese
Highest rank: SP4
Years in service: 2
Overseas deployments: USAREUR Hanau, Germany for 1 year, 1 month and 25 days.
Service tribute: Awards and medals received: NDSM, Code of Conduct, Military Justice, CBR TNG; Served with Company C, 709th Military Police Battalion in Hanau, Germany and received honorable discharge on Aug. 24, 1972. I truly enjoyed my tour of duty in Germany, but it was difficult knowing that all of the soldiers in the Armored and Artillery divisions stationed there for training would eventually wind up in Vietnam. Since leaving the service, I worked with the Valdese Police Department. From there, I worked for the Hickory Police Department, Newport News Police Department in Virginia, Burke County Sheriff’s Department and was appointed as Assistant Clerk of Superior Court of Burke County. I then went to work for the N.C. Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction & Juvenile Justice, where I retired in 2014 with 23 years of service with the state.
Johnnie Carswell
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Valdese
Highest rank: SP4
Years in service: 2
Overseas deployments: USAREUR Hanau, Germany for 1 year, 1 month and 25 days.
Service tribute: Awards and medals received: NDSM, Code of Conduct, Military Justice, CBR TNG; Served with Company C, 709th Military Police Battalion in Hanau, Germany and received honorable discharge on Aug. 24, 1972. I truly enjoyed my tour of duty in Germany, but it was difficult knowing that all of the soldiers in the Armored and Artillery divisions stationed there for training would eventually wind up in Vietnam. Since leaving the service, I worked with the Valdese Police Department. From there, I worked for the Hickory Police Department, Newport News Police Department in Virginia, Burke County Sheriff’s Department and was appointed as Assistant Clerk of Superior Court of Burke County. I then went to work for the N.C. Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction & Juvenile Justice, where I retired in 2014 with 23 years of service with the state.
Andrew Clemens
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Fairdale, West Virginia
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Okinawa Japan, Korea, and 2 floats. USS Dubuque and USS St. Louis
Service: Awards and medals received: National Defense Service Medal. I enjoyed the brotherhood, the training, the lifestyle and the meaning of the Corps. You learn what freedom is and understand that a lot of the world isn’t free. When I left the service, I worked at a couple of different jobs but all jobs seemed to be leading toward corrections and law enforcement. I find the closest thing to military/paramilitary brotherhood is with the Sheriff’s Office. I am presently a lieutenant with the BCSO and have been there now for 12 years.
Andrew Clemens
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Fairdale, West Virginia
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Okinawa Japan, Korea, and 2 floats. USS Dubuque and USS St. Louis
Service: Awards and medals received: National Defense Service Medal. I enjoyed the brotherhood, the training, the lifestyle and the meaning of the Corps. You learn what freedom is and understand that a lot of the world isn’t free. When I left the service, I worked at a couple of different jobs but all jobs seemed to be leading toward corrections and law enforcement. I find the closest thing to military/paramilitary brotherhood is with the Sheriff’s Office. I am presently a lieutenant with the BCSO and have been there now for 12 years.
John Cole
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Georgetown, Connecticut
Highest rank: Tech Sergeant
Years in service: November 1952-November 1954
Overseas deployments: Korea
Service tribute: John Cole was born in England in 1932. In October ,1948, his family immigrated to Connecticut. I (Joan Cole) married him in July 1952. In November of 1952 he was drafted into the army. He was not a citizen at this point. He passed the test for OCS but was told he count not attend since he was not a citizen. His mother got "wind" of this and contacted Prescott Bush, who went through the right channels and got things changed and, when John was in Korea, he was told by the general he could go to OCS. John said no thank you.
John Cole
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Georgetown, Connecticut
Highest rank: Tech Sergeant
Years in service: November 1952-November 1954
Overseas deployments: Korea
Service tribute: John Cole was born in England in 1932. In October ,1948, his family immigrated to Connecticut. I (Joan Cole) married him in July 1952. In November of 1952 he was drafted into the army. He was not a citizen at this point. He passed the test for OCS but was told he count not attend since he was not a citizen. His mother got "wind" of this and contacted Prescott Bush, who went through the right channels and got things changed and, when John was in Korea, he was told by the general he could go to OCS. John said no thank you.
Greg Curry
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Wellsville, OH
Highest rank: Specialist E-4
Years in service: 4
Service: Awards and medals received: Airborne, Expert Field Medical Badge, Expert Marksmanship Award, EMT, Paramedic. I was stationed at Fort Bragg for my entire enlistment. I served as combat medic with a field ambulance company. When my military career ended, I worked as a civilian paramedic on Ft. Bragg with the Department of Defense.
Greg Curry
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Wellsville, OH
Highest rank: Specialist E-4
Years in service: 4
Service: Awards and medals received: Airborne, Expert Field Medical Badge, Expert Marksmanship Award, EMT, Paramedic. I was stationed at Fort Bragg for my entire enlistment. I served as combat medic with a field ambulance company. When my military career ended, I worked as a civilian paramedic on Ft. Bragg with the Department of Defense.
Douglas Duckworth
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: SP 5
Years in service: 1970-71
Overseas deployments: Chi Lai Vietnam
Service tribute: Thank you for your service to our country. We love you. - Your family
Michael Fincher
Military branch: North Carolina National Guard
Town at time of service: Lenoir
Highest rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
Years in service: Currently 18 years
Overseas deployments: 2012-2013, Operation Enduring Freedom, Kuwait; 2018, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq and Syria.
Service: Awards and medals received: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device and 10 Year Bronze Hourglass, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, NC National Guard Achievement medal, Excellence in Competition, Bronze Pistol Badge, Wheeled Driver Badge. During my deployments I served as a company Construction Engineer Warrant Officer, overseeing and inspecting construction operations at numerous locations including Camp Arifjan Kuwait, Camp Buehring Kuwait, Camp Patriot Kuwait, Al Asad Iraq and At Tanf Garrison (ATG) Syria. I am currently deployed and will return to my civilian job with the City of Morganton as a building inspector once I have completed my tour.
James Green
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribune: Job well done J.J. I appreciate all your sacrifice and service my friend.
James Green
Military branch: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribune: Job well done J.J. I appreciate all your sacrifice and service my friend.
Angela Kay Hart
Military service: Army National Guard
Town you lived in at time of enlistment: Morganton
Highest rank: E-4
Years active duty: 1997-2003 and 2011-12
Service: I have always wanted to be a solider to defend our country.
David Eugene Hart
Military branch: U.S. Army, National Guard
Highest rank: Staff Sergeant
Years of service: February 1979 to 1985; 1987-2012
Service tribute: I started my military career in Feb 1979 to 1985, took a short break and re-entered military service in 1987 to 1997 on active duty. Transferred to the guard in 1997. ... I always dreamed as a child being a soldier, so I followed my dream.
Harald Hendrichsen
Branch of service: Army
Town at time of service: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Highest rank: Sgt. E-5
Years In service: 1968-1971 & 1976-1979
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: I enlisted in the Army in 1968, knowing I'd likely be sent to Vietnam. I was an Eagle Scout, active in my church and took to heart John Kennedy's "ask what you can do for your country” in his inaugural address in 1961, when I was 12. In Vietnam, I spent 1969 in-country and volunteered for a second tour in 1970. I spent both tours in an Aviation unit near Pleiku, in the Central Highlands. I had some challenges when I came home, but I was proud of my service to my country then and I still am.
Harald Hendrichsen
Branch of service: Army
Town at time of service: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Highest rank: Sgt. E-5
Years In service: 1968-1971 & 1976-1979
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: I enlisted in the Army in 1968, knowing I'd likely be sent to Vietnam. I was an Eagle Scout, active in my church and took to heart John Kennedy's "ask what you can do for your country” in his inaugural address in 1961, when I was 12. In Vietnam, I spent 1969 in-country and volunteered for a second tour in 1970. I spent both tours in an Aviation unit near Pleiku, in the Central Highlands. I had some challenges when I came home, but I was proud of my service to my country then and I still am.
David A. Hottle
Elizabeth Barker Johnson
Elizabeth Barker Johnson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Elkin
Highest rank: Private First Class
Years in service: March 1943 - November 1945
Overseas deployments: Birmingham, England; Rouen, France; Paris, France
Service tribute: PFC Elizabeth Barker (Johnson) joined the Army in 1943 to help with the war effort, a brave move for a young African-American woman at a time when there was widespread resentment toward women in the Army as well as toward African-Americans. As a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (WAC), the Army’s only all-female African-American WAC battalion to serve overseas in World War II, she helped route a 2- to 3-year backlog of mail to soldiers in units moving throughout the war zone. She is one of only a few survivors of the 855-member unit.
Robert Johnson
Military branch: Army, Air Force
Military rank: Army master sergeant, Air Force sergeant
Overseas deployments: Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Iraq
Thomas Johnson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Ft. Knox, KY
Highest rank: Captain
Years in service: 1988-1995
Overseas deployments: Overseas in Germany and Iraq - Operation Desert Storm
Service tribute: Tom is a true patriot who has made many sacrifices in his years of service as an Airborne Ranger and decorated officer. He continues to be courageous in the face of physical adversity after being disabled in service. He makes our family proud and he loves living and serving in this community. Our oldest son follows in his footsteps, also aspiring to serve in Special Forces. God bless our military heroes.
Thomas Johnson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Ft. Knox, KY
Highest rank: Captain
Years in service: 1988-1995
Overseas deployments: Overseas in Germany and Iraq - Operation Desert Storm
Service tribute: Tom is a true patriot who has made many sacrifices in his years of service as an Airborne Ranger and decorated officer. He continues to be courageous in the face of physical adversity after being disabled in service. He makes our family proud and he loves living and serving in this community. Our oldest son follows in his footsteps, also aspiring to serve in Special Forces. God bless our military heroes.
Jimmie Keller
Branch of service: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Major
Years in service: August 1967-February 1994
Overseas deployments: Vietnam (1969-70), Germany (1979-82)
Service tribute: I was an enlisted medic with two infantry battalions in Vietnam, trained as a physician assistant (PA), served President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush from 1984-88, and was the first chief of the PA section of the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps.
Jimmie Keller
Branch of service: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Major
Years in service: August 1967-February 1994
Overseas deployments: Vietnam (1969-70), Germany (1979-82)
Service tribute: I was an enlisted medic with two infantry battalions in Vietnam, trained as a physician assistant (PA), served President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush from 1984-88, and was the first chief of the PA section of the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps.
Chris Kern
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: South Orange, New Jersey
Highest rank: 1st Lieutenant
Years in service: 1965-1968
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: Chris served his country honorably from 1965-1968 in the U.S. Army. He was in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and served with the 6th Bn 32 Arty heavy artillery battalion in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. He was an artillery forward while attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Chris Kern
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: South Orange, New Jersey
Highest rank: 1st Lieutenant
Years in service: 1965-1968
Overseas deployments: Vietnam
Service tribute: Chris served his country honorably from 1965-1968 in the U.S. Army. He was in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and served with the 6th Bn 32 Arty heavy artillery battalion in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. He was an artillery forward while attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Scott Lookadoo
Military branch: Army
Town from at time of enlistment: Morganton
Highest rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Overseas deployments: Company Commander, 1450th Transportation Company, Saudi Arabia/Iraq Desert Storm
Service: Active duty assignments as a transportation officer in the 1097th Transportation Company (Medium Boat) in Panama. Logistics Officer in Antarctica responsible for aircraft load planning, break bulk ship loading, and passenger movement. Instructor for the officer’s courses at the Transportation Center, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Commander of the 1450th Transportation Company during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. North Carolina state transportation officer serving in logistics for Hurricane Fran and Hurricane Floyd in North Carolina and Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.
James Marler
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Years in service: 3
Overseas deployments: Task Force 121 Kuwait, Iraq
Highest rank: Sergeant
Service: Awards and medals received: Numerous Army Achievement Metals, Meritorious Service Awards. I was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Erwin, California, Fort Polk, Louisiana. I was an MIA! Tank Crewman and eventually a Tank Gunner. I have worked as a deputy sheriff, field training officer and currently Burke County code enforcement officer.
John David McGalliard
Barry McRary
Barry McRary
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Granite Falls
Highest rank: Major
Years in service: 34
Overseas deployments: Honduras, Panama, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Somalia and Bosnia
Service: Medals & Ribbons: Air Force Presidential Unit Citation w/1 device, Air Force Commendation Medal w/2 devices, Air Force Achievement Medal w/3 devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/4 devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/1 device, Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Citation, Public Health Service Commendation Medal, Public Health Service Hazardous Duty Award
Air Force Training Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army NCO, Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal w/2 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Competition Achievement Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Saudi Arabian Medal for Liberation of Kuwait, Aerial Achievement Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, North Carolina National Guard Service Ribbon, Delaware National Guard Service Medal. Service tribute: Barry McRary has dedicated his life in service to this country. He served 34 years, including deployments to Honduras, Panama, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Somalia and Bosnia, during active military operations which resulted in numerous commendations. He also was an honor graduate of the primary NCO Academy and attended the Air Command and Staff College. Barry began his service with the U.S. Army in 1973 and served the Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force National Guard, U.S. Public Health Service/JPATS and VA Hospitals in Syracuse and Phoenix until 2015. It is an honor to recognize this fine patriot and veteran.
Gary Meise
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Glen Alpine
Highest rank: EO-1 heavy Equipment Operator
Years in service: 1 year, 10 months
Overseas deployments: DaNang, Vietnam; Phu Bai, Vietnam
Service tribute: Mr. Meise volunteered for service at a time when serving in the military was not popular. He now serves his community as Alderman for the town of Glen Alpine, and he is very active in his church, Glen Alpine United Methodist Church.
Robert Miller
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Morganton
Overseas deployment: Korean War
Gorman Pitts
Military branch: Navy
Town at time of service: Glen Alpine
Highest rank: Fireman 1st Class
Years in service: 1 year, 10 months
Overseas deployments: Served on Navy ships
Service tribute: Gorman is a member of the greatest generation who readily went off to war, returned to raise their families and become pillars of their communities. Gorman is a lifelong member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, where he will be the first person you meet when you walk through the front door on Sunday.
Grady Pitts
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: E-5 Sergeant
Years in service: 1974-1977
Overseas deployments: Korean DMZ
Service tribute: Conducted reconnaissance and ambush patrols inside the DMZ. Awarded distinguished service commendation by commanding Maj. Gen. Henry "Gunfighter" Emerson.
Elijah B. Rasnick
Military branch: Marines
Military rank: Private
Overseas deployments: South Pacific, Guadalcanal
Stanley Rector
Murray Rhodes
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 2 years, 6 months
Overseas deployments: Okinawa
Service tribute: Murray is an outstanding citizen of our community and has been a very active member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church for over 70 years. Like many young men at the time, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps right after high school. He is part of the rapidly vanishing "Greatest Generation."
Murray Rhodes
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Morganton
Highest rank: Sergeant
Years in service: 2 years, 6 months
Overseas deployments: Okinawa
Service tribute: Murray is an outstanding citizen of our community and has been a very active member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church for over 70 years. Like many young men at the time, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps right after high school. He is part of the rapidly vanishing "Greatest Generation."
Jimmy Rhyne
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Morganton
Overseas deployments: France, Germany, Korea, Lebanon, Middle East
Hubert Robinson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Connelly Springs
Highest rank: E-1 Private
Years in service: 2
Overseas deployments: Vietnam War
Service: Although our dad did not receive a purple heart, he did his civic duty by answering the call from Uncle Sam to be inducted into the armed forces. No excuses. No attempts to get out of it. Imagine being a young black man from a small country town, during a time of heightened civil rights unrest; suddenly plucked and transplanted into a world that was so unfamiliar. Only having traveled to neighboring states, now oceans away from home. From Fort Bragg to Fort Dix to Fort Garden to Fort Lewis to Vietnam. For this reason and more, we salute him.
Hubert Robinson
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Connelly Springs
Highest rank: E-1 Private
Years in service: 2
Overseas deployments: Vietnam War
Service: Although our dad did not receive a purple heart, he did his civic duty by answering the call from Uncle Sam to be inducted into the armed forces. No excuses. No attempts to get out of it. Imagine being a young black man from a small country town, during a time of heightened civil rights unrest; suddenly plucked and transplanted into a world that was so unfamiliar. Only having traveled to neighboring states, now oceans away from home. From Fort Bragg to Fort Dix to Fort Garden to Fort Lewis to Vietnam. For this reason and more, we salute him.
David Solomon
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Bethesda, Maryland
Highest rank: Sergeant/E-5
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: 3 years in West Germany
Service: Awards and medals received: 4 Army Achievement Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. My father and grandfather were both in the Army. The Army offered me stability and I was able to carry on the family tradition of service. After basic and advanced training in South Carolina and Georgia, I was sent to Darmstadt, West Germany, just south of Frankfurt, where I spent three years. My job was operating and maintaining a portable telephone system transported by 5-ton vehicles. Following my military service, I was fortunate to get in on the ground floor with Burke County EMS as a telecommunicator in their “new” communications center. While working in the communications center I became an EMT, joined the Search and Rescue Team, East Burke Rescue Squad and Burke County REACT. I am now a nurse manager in the Emergency Department at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
David Solomon
Military branch: Army
Town at time of service: Bethesda, Maryland
Highest rank: Sergeant/E-5
Years in service: 4
Overseas deployments: 3 years in West Germany
Service: Awards and medals received: 4 Army Achievement Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. My father and grandfather were both in the Army. The Army offered me stability and I was able to carry on the family tradition of service. After basic and advanced training in South Carolina and Georgia, I was sent to Darmstadt, West Germany, just south of Frankfurt, where I spent three years. My job was operating and maintaining a portable telephone system transported by 5-ton vehicles. Following my military service, I was fortunate to get in on the ground floor with Burke County EMS as a telecommunicator in their “new” communications center. While working in the communications center I became an EMT, joined the Search and Rescue Team, East Burke Rescue Squad and Burke County REACT. I am now a nurse manager in the Emergency Department at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Bryan Steen
KENNETH B. ‘BRYAN’ STEEN
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Winston-Salem
Highest rank: E-5, Staff Sgt.
Years in service: June 1976 – June 1981 (5 years active duty)
Overseas deployments: Eastern Turkey, Diyarbakir Turkey
Service: Awards and medals received: Airman of the Quarter while stationed in Turkey; NCO of the quarter while stationed at Mather AFB, California; Good Conduct and Marksman medals; Basic training and Law Enforcement training at Lackland AFB, Texas and Airbase Ground Defense training at Camp Bullis, Texas. Since leaving, I was a service member of the N.C. State Highway Patrol from June 1983 through Aug. 1992, when I left to pursue M.P.A. at UNC-CH. I also served as a reserve police officer with the City of Sanford from October 1996 to May 2001, when I left to take my first County Manager job in Hyde County, N.C.
Bryan Steen
KENNETH B. ‘BRYAN’ STEEN
Military branch: Air Force
Town at time of service: Winston-Salem
Highest rank: E-5, Staff Sgt.
Years in service: June 1976 – June 1981 (5 years active duty)
Overseas deployments: Eastern Turkey, Diyarbakir Turkey
Service: Awards and medals received: Airman of the Quarter while stationed in Turkey; NCO of the quarter while stationed at Mather AFB, California; Good Conduct and Marksman medals; Basic training and Law Enforcement training at Lackland AFB, Texas and Airbase Ground Defense training at Camp Bullis, Texas. Since leaving, I was a service member of the N.C. State Highway Patrol from June 1983 through Aug. 1992, when I left to pursue M.P.A. at UNC-CH. I also served as a reserve police officer with the City of Sanford from October 1996 to May 2001, when I left to take my first County Manager job in Hyde County, N.C.
Larry Thurston
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Brevard, N.C.
Larry W. Thurston
Military branch: Army
Hometown at time of service: Brevard, N.C.
Jerry White Jr.
Military branch: Army Reserve and Army National Guard
Town at time of enlistment: Forest City
Highest rank: E-6 Staff Sergeant
Years of service: 21 years and 3 months
Service: I worked a full-time job during the majority of my military career. I was employed at American Greeting Industries and then at BASF corporation. I am now employed with Burke County EMS as an EMT-Paramedic.
Fred Kyle Williams
Christopher Willms
Branch of service: Marine Corps
Town at time of service: Elmont
Highest rank: Corporal
Years in service: 1968-72
Overseas deployments: Vietnam, 1969 (injured and finally went to American hospital in latter part of year)
Service tribute: The 60's. Should have been a time of discovery and fun. Being 19 is the cusp of adulthood and responsibility. Chris was lead truck on a convoy to DaNang to get supplies and ferry troops. He hit a land mine and lost part of his skull, his right eye and his sense of smell.
