The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting Monday, November 27, at 9 a.m. at the Simply Southern Restaurant in Twin City. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, there were 40 members and guests in attendance, with a fantastic buffet breakfast served by the folks at Simply Southern. The “Emanuel County Veterans at the Library Road Show” had a special speaker, Emma Lai Tyam, a student at Emanuel County Institute. The group heard her speak at the ECI Veterans Day Program this month and Chair Tapley asked her to give her speech on "The U.S. Constitution" to the veterans group. Emma gave a command performance and received a standing ovation. Five new members were present at this week’s Roadshow meeting: Malachi Lockett, James Edward Mack, Hank Wade Whiters, Louis Joseph Phillipps and Julian Francis Durden. Malachi served in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 1995. He served on the Ship, FFG-24 and served during the Cuban Refugee Crisis and in Pascagoula, MS. Malachi’s highest rank received was Petty Officer, 3rd Class. James served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was also stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. James’ highest rank received was Cpl./E-4. Henry served in the U.S. Navy from April 1975 through May 1984. He served aboard the USS Midway and was stationed in Orlando, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL. The highest rank that Henry received was Midshipman, E-3. Louis served in the U.S. Army and the Georgia Air National Guard from 1985 to 1995. He served with the 324th and the 335th Signal Brigade and was stationed at East Point and Athens. The highest rank that Louis received was SGT/SSG. Julian served in the U.S. Army as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd/504th, 1st Battalion. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and the Dominican Republic. The highest rank that Julian received was E-5.
Chair Tapley reminded all veterans about the "Wreaths Across America" project and that it's coming up fast. On December 2, they will be placing small U.S. Flags on all the veteran's graves. On December 16, they will be placing the wreaths on all those graves after our 10 a.m. ceremony at the Swainsboro City Cemetery. Then on January 20, 2024, they will pick up all the wreaths from the veteran's graves. Don't forget that next Monday morning, December 4, the Veterans at the Library Road Show will travel to Adrian and meet at the Farmhouse Cafe.
