Alabama
State Council-Vietnam Veterans of America
The Alabama
State Council-Vietnam Veterans of America held its State Council Election and
Awards Luncheon on June 19, 2010 at the Bonnie Crest Country Club in Montgomery,
Alabama. Delegates from VVA chapters across the state of Alabama met with other
Vietnam Veterans and guests in Montgomery. Several local citizens were honored
at this big event.
“We
bring our members and leaders together every two years to elect our state
leaders, decide on our priorities, and honor Vietnam Veterans, Associates of
Vietnam Veterans, and Citizens who have made a significant impact in the state
of Alabama” said Alabama State Council President Wayne Reynolds.
The
following were elected and installed as Alabama State Council Officers and will
serve as:
President Wayne Reynolds (of Athens, AL)
First Vice President Michael Davis (of Athens, AL
Vice President Ken Rollins (of Oxford, AL)
Treasurer James Sasnett (of Daleville, AL)
Secretary
Linda Blankenship (of Rogersville)
(Left
to Right) James Sasnett, Ken
Rollins, Wayne Reynolds, Michael Davis, and Linda Blankenship.
Bob Horton
from the Department of Veterans Affairs assisted with the installation of the
ASC Officers.
(Left to Right) Bob
Horton, James Sasnett, Ken Rollins, Wayne Reynolds, Mike Davis, and Linda
Blankenship.
Veteran of
the year for Chapter 511 - James Watson (of Athens)
“James Watson is a
dedicated member of VVA Chapter 511 in Athens.
Jim works hard behind the scenes and doesn’t ask for recognition. If I
need to get something done James is always willing to help,” said First Vice
President Mike Davis.
(Left to Right)
Michael Davis and James Watson
(Left to Right) Michael
Davis, Wayne Reynolds, James Watson and
Ken Rollins
Chapter 607’s Citizen of the Year; Bob Horton, serves as a
Veteran’s Affairs Officer. He was
instrumental in the “Welcome Home” for the Vietnam Veterans ceremony held
during October 2009 in Montgomery. We
appreciate Mr. Horton helping with the installation of ASC Officers today, and for all of the work he does for Alabama Veterans.
“I accept this award in behalf of all advocates
of veterans in the state of Alabama. The
purpose of me being here today is to not be recognized as an individual, but to
thank you and your families for your service
and dedication. On October 8th
2010; at the
Montgomery Coliseum, we will honor Korean and Woman Veterans” said Bob
Horton.
(Left
to Right) Wayne Reynolds and
Bob Horton
(Left to Right)
Wayne Reynolds, Bob Horton, and Ken Rollins
Chapter 373’s Citizen of the Year; Theron Covin,
serves veterans and their families at the Center for Counseling & Human
Development helping those who suffer with PTSD. We
appreciate all of his hard work! “I thank all of you guys and especially those
from Chapter 373. It is my honor
and privilege to serve you.” said Theron Covin.
(Left
to Right) Johnny Smith, Theron
Covin, and Ken Rollins.
Vietnam Veterans of
America (VVA) is the nation's only congressionally chartered veteran’s service
organization dedicated to the needs of Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
VVA's founding principle is “Never again will one generation of veterans
abandon another.”
(Left
to Right) Wayne Reynolds and Bob Horton
To qualify
for membership you must be
a Vietnam or Vietnam Era Vetreran who served in the U.S. Military (for other
than training purposes) between February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975 (in-country
Vietnam), or between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, for Vietnam-era veterans.
We have Chapter located throughout the state of Alabama.
If you would like to learn more bout our organization log on to www.alabamavva.org
. All Vietnam and Vietnam- Era
Veterans are welcome to visit our chapters.
ASC
President’s Awards
Sharon
Boyer Award was presented to Linda Blankenship
(of Rogersville)
“This
award is named in honor of a combat nurse who served in Vietnam and continued to
serve vetrans in her local community until God called her home.
Like Sharon, Linda demonstrates loyalty and devotion to Vietnam Veterans as she
quietly and kindly serves in her local community and throughout the state of
Alabama” said President Wayne Reynolds.
(Left
to Right) Linda Blankenship &
Wayne Reynold
Verbon
Evans Award was presented to Tom Schwarz (Semmes, AL)
It
is named in memory Verbon Evans was better known as Teddy Bear. Verbon
was a big man with a kind heart. He
traveled all over the state of Alabama helping Veterans at the VA Hospital.
Verbon Evans went above and beyond the call of duty.
Tom has overcome hardships and handicaps. He continues to travel and
serve the Vietnam Veterans of Alabama as Verbon did. “Tom Soars like an
Eagle!” said Wayne Reynolds. The
ASC thanks Mrs. Schwarz for her dedication and support of the Vietnam Veterans.
(Left
to Right) Wayne Reynolds and Tom
Schwarz
Tom and Dale Schwarz
Hooper
Award
The Hooper award is given in rememberance of Sgt. Joe Hooper. Sgt. Hooper was the most decorated soldier during the Vietnam War -Medal of Honor winner. Like Joe, James has demonstrated long term dedication to the Vietnam Veterans and their families. “James goes above and beyond the call of duty. He took over a big job on very short notice. We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to the ASC,” said Wayne Reynolds.
(Left
to Right) James Sasnett and Wayne
Reynolds
Chapter
373’s Husband and Wife Team! James
Sasnett received Veteran of the Year and Betty Sasnett was honored as Associate
of Vietnam Veterans of the Year.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the convention hall
after Larry Ellard explained how much Ann Crane means to the Vietnam Veterans of
America as he honored her with Associate of the Year for Chapter 416.
Ann is a Gold Star Wife. Even
though she lost her husband during the Vietnam War, she still continues to help
and support Vietnam Veterans and their cause!
Ann is a diamond in the rough!
AVVA Member of the Year Ann Crane (in the middle).
Larry
Ellard of Chapter 416 was extremely surprised when Wayne Reynolds presented him
with Veteran of the Year for Chapter 416.
Ronald
Bates Chapter President of 637 presents Veteran of the Year to Bobby Kline!
Chapter
607’s Veteran of the Year is presented to John Mc Dowell.
(Left
to Right) David Payne President of Chapter 607 and John McDowell
We would like to take this
opportunity to thank David Payne and the members of Chapter 607 for hosting this
wonderful and memorable event.
What
a Father’s Day! Rev. Ray Yeatman
and his son Gene Ray Yeatman take time to serve the Vietnam Veterans once again.
Both Rev. Yeatman and his son served during the Vietnam Era.
Alabama
State Council Veteran of the Year is Richard McMillian .
Richard
McMillian is receiving this award postumusly.
Richard served as the ASC Secretary/Treasurer for a number of years.
He passed away the morning of our October meeting.
Peggy his wife, called the ASC president an hour after Richard passed
away. She understood what her
husband did was important to all the Vietnam Veterans in Alabama. Peggy wanted
to get Richard’s minutes and information
to the meeting that was starting in less than two hours after her husband’s
death. Peggy
could not be with us for the convention, but will be recognized in
Birmingham. Peggy is to
receive a plaque from our Govenor. Our hearts and thanks go out to Peggy McMillian and in
loving memory of Richard. (No
picture available at this time)
Pictures
from the convention