The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting, Monday, June 5, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, there were 50 in attendance, including three new veterans, Mac Kee Brown, Billy "Tater" Tompkins, and Roy Mahan Jones.
Brown served in the United States Army from April 1970 to May 2016. He was stationed at Fort Stewart, Baumholden, Germany, Wiesbaden Air Base, Fort Carson, Grand Junction, CO, Schofield, Hawaii, Joint Base Balad Hir Base, Camp Liberty Iraq, and Fort Gordan. He also served in O.I.F. (Operation Iraq Freedom). His highest rank was SFC.
Tompkins served in the United States Marine Corps from July 1972 to July 1976. He was stationed at bases all over the world. His highest rank was SGT. His MOS was with the Medium Helicopter 26 1.
Jones served in the United States Marine Corps from September 1966 to August 1969. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune and served in Vietnam. His highest rank was Lance Corporal. Jones is from Pennsylvania and is visiting his family, Levi and Arianna Stoltzfus, who are the owners of Swainsboro’s beloved restaurant, Leanna's.
The program for the morning was presented by Sheriff Jeff Brewer who presented a slide presentation of the status, statistics, and operation of the Emanuel County Sheriff's Department. During the meeting Veteran, Bob Lee Alphin, presented 98-year-old Doyle Tatum, the oldest veteran of the group, with two photos. Doyle was honored for his duty of landing at Normandy on the second day of the invasion during World War II. Leanna's Restaurant provided the veterans with a $40 gift certificate drawing. Veteran Doyle Tatum won the drawing. Thanks to Leanna's for supporting the veterans.
