As you are reading this column, Memorial Day will have passed, but it is never too late to honor and thank the men and women of Emanuel County who have served and continue to serve to keep our beloved country free. My thoughts go to those who have been in harm’s way on our behalf. My uncle, Woodrow Reynolds was from Mount Vernon, but he spent his later years living on highway 221 South. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the Navy. With little training, he was sent to the South Pacific and became part of the island hopping that led to victory over Japan. A handicap from a tropical disease affected the rest of his life. Still having a desire to serve his country, he finished his working life in Civil Service on various military bases. On retirement he returned to Emanuel County. When I asked my father about the gold star that hung in the window of Rosenberg’s Department Store. He explained that Isaac, son of our dear Mrs. Rosenberg, was killed when his plane was shot down over Germany. This would not be the last gold star I would see in windows. The Korean War happened in my high school days. Warfare had changed as explained to us by Coach Schwabe. This was the introduction of jet speed needed to outrun our enemies. Air Force Cadets had to be trained to fly these planes that could go faster than sound. Two sons of Swainsboro, Grayson Powell Jr (better known as Sonny) and Roy Joe Kemp were some of the first cadets trained as jet pilots. They were hometown heroes, and each time we heard the boom of a jet going beyond the speed of sound, we assumed it was Sonny or Roy Joe. Several members of the class of 1950 served in the National guard. They went from their senior trip to active duty for the next few years. They never left Fort Stewart, Georgia, but they were trained and ready if needed in Korea. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a somber experience. but a chance to honor those who repose there. I have stood beside the Tomb of the Unknown, John Kennedy, John Glenn, Medgar Evers and other notables. If you study the directions, search the map and ask for help several times, you will find within the 624 acres of Arlington the grave bearing the name of Wendell Wynn Powell, Captain United States Navy. Resting in this hallowed ground is our very own Wendy from Swainsboro, GA. He attended SHS, US Naval Academy, became a Navy pilot, served in Viet Nam and retired eligible for burial at Arlington with full military honors. To those who have served and those who are serving, may we all say, “Thank you for your service. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@gmail.com.
