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Enola Gay Mathews -
Dr. Bob Parker, Ret. U.S. Army pharmacist, and Korean War U.S. Army Veteran Charles Darr share memories of their military service days.
It’s been heartwarming to see local veterans gathering for fellowship during the Veterans Day season. Many attended a special Veterans Breakfast at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center on Nov. 9, hosted by Stacy Wetzel and staff from Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab. About 25 were present, some with spouses, and, following the meal, they were invited to stand and tell their service stories. Many did, and some heartwarming memories were shared.
One in particular was from Pamela Johnson, the only female Veteran present, who told of her 20 years in the military, mainly serving in an air cargo job. Pamela continues to be capable and ready to serve, and volunteers in the Senior Citizens Center kitchen on a regular basis.
Some of the others who spoke were Richard Smith, a communications specialist, who traveled to numerous European cities while serving in the Army. Carter Sims, a native of the East Caney community, said that he was deployed for a year to Korea and for two years to Germany, and served five years total before he returned to his farming family in Hopkins County.
According to John Little, he entered the U.S. Air Force through ROTC and served stateside as a captain with Strategic Air Command. Today, John volunteers at the Senior Citizens Center, leading the weekly exercise class, Fit 'n' Strong.
Dr. Bob Parker, Jr., originally from Talco, Texas, served for 10 years as a pharmacist at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado. Dr. Parker later completed dental school and owned a family practice in Sulphur Springs, until his retirement. Today, he serves by driving a delivery route for Meal A Day.
Jimmy LeBeau was serving at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth in November 1963, when-President John F. Kennedy landed there and was whisked away to a Dallas press luncheon and a parade. “He was shot that day and died. We had just seen him not an hour or two before. Fearing an outbreak of war, Carswell AFB stayed on alert for three weeks afterward before security was relaxed,” LeBeau shared from his memories of 60 years ago.
John Desherow, a proud U.S. Marine achieved the rank of master gunnery sergeant during his years in service. John’s commanding voice gives him away as a sergeant!
Joseph Ames of the U.S. Navy shared his military memories, as did Robert Williams, an engineer in the Air Force, and Larry Ames, a Vietnam-era Army combat vet.
One of the men put a fitting end to the moment with his comment, “We will be the land of the free as long as we are the home of the brave!”
Another added, “I am thankful for our Armed Forces of today.”
On the second Thursday of December, another complimentary Veterans Breakfast will be served at the senior center to those who wish to attend.
Please read the special Veterans section in the Nov. 11 issue of the newspaper. You will find some stories inside that stir pride in our legacy of military service in America. The stories may kindle greater appreciation for our Armed Forces, present and past, to be reflected in the prayers around many Thanksgiving tables.
May you enjoy a blessed season of plenty!