New Veterans’ Memorial dedicated

New Veterans’ Memorial dedicated

Story and Photos by JOHN MCCOY

CALLAHAN, FL - Representatives of many veterans' related organizations joined together to celebrate the dedication of the West Nassau Veterans' Monument at the Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., & Affiliates Post #5, in Callahan.

Roger Allen (L), Commander, AMVETS of Nassau County, and Gary Garver, Chaplain, AMVETS, present the Colors.

Just some of them included Allied Veterans, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of Nassau County, Marine Corps League, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Master of Ceremonies Wm. (Roy) Forehand, Commander, Allied Veterans Post #5, introduced the special guests and speakers. Roger Allen, Commander, AMVETS of Nassau County, and Gary Garver, Chaplain, AMVETS, presented the Colors, followed by Robin Kinsey, Callahan, who did an excellent job singing the National Anthem. Rev. Elliot Foss, American Legion National Chaplain, provided the Invocation.

The ceremony paused for a short time while Ted Davis, East Nassau County Military Funeral Honors AP-3 HONOR GUARD, played taps. His group can be contacted at (904) 225-9212.

Ted Davis

Mayor Shirley Graham of Callahan led the speakers. John Martin, Nassau County Veterans Service Officer, explained his job and offered help to all Nassau veterans. John's major point was he is not employed by the Veterans' Administration, but is a County employee.

A 21-year Navy veteran himself, John is an excellent advocate. He described his job as helping veterans get what they want. John promised to keep veterans informed as to questions and problems and not let them sit waiting for an answer. Taking on the job on a part-time basis three years ago but he demonstrated within a very short time the need of the veterans' service officer position being a full-time position. John can be reached by calling (904) 548-4670 for an appointment and his email address is jmartin@nassauclerk.com.

Approximately 185,000 veterans live within 75 miles of Jacksonville. Arlene Vincenty, Director of the new Jacksonville National Cemetery, invited all to the Cemetery's dedication on September 21. The new 525 acre plus cemetery is located at 4083 Lannie Road between Callahan and Jacksonville off I-295 and Lem Turner Road.

Burials should begin sometime in December. There will also be a workshop held at Florida Community College Jacksonville at 10 am, August 27. Call (904) 358-3510 for more information.

Keynote speaker Congressman Ander Crenshaw

Keynote Speaker Ander Crenshaw represents Florida's Fourth Congressional District, an area stretching from Jacksonville to Tallahassee. Currently in his fourth term, he is a member of the House Appropriations Committee serving on the Military Construction and Foreign Operations subcommittees.

Congressman Crenshaw discussed some of the changes to the GI Bill which will become effective August 1, 2009. Increased tuition to public universities and colleges will be included as well as the ability for service members who have either served 10 years on active duty or have served six years with a commitment of an additional four years to transfer benefits to spouses or children. Search "New GI Bill" on the Internet for more information or check with John Martin as listed above.

Jerry Bass, National Secretary Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., and Affiliates, provided closing remarks and invited all to take part in the refreshments and fellowship which followed.

Congressman Crenshaw, Arlene Vincenty, and Jerry Bass stand near the new Nassau County Veterans' Memorial.

The dedication of the new memorial drew a large crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just some of the attendees who came to the Memorial Ceremonies Saturday.

Robin Kinsey, of Callahan, has been singing for only about two years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacksonville National Cemetery Director Arlene Vincenty

 

 

 

Callahan Mayor Shirley Graham

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nassau County Veterans' Service Officer John Martin

 

 

 

 

Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., and Affiliates National Secretary Jerry Bass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The invocation by Rev. Elliot Foss, American Legion National Chaplain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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