November 2019
HONORING ALL WHO SERVED
A Special Supplement to The Daily Advance • Chowan Herald • The Perquimans Weekly
"The Funeral Home of Choice for ALL Veterans in Northeastern North Carolina"
WALL OF HONOR Although Americans celebrate Veterans Day each year on November 11; we, at Twiford Funeral Homes honor veterans and appreciate their sacrifices every day, not just one day each year. We pay homage to our veterans throughout the year in various ways; whether through local veteran programs held at our Sam A. Twiford Veteran's Memorial Park, supporting our local Honor Guard from VFW Post 6060 through fund raisers, supporting the Patriot Guard Riders, or simply honoring the life of a veteran who may choose cremation, by draping an American flag over the casket and cremating it with the veteran through our "Retire Your Flag with Honor" program. Veterans Day, November 11 or every day? We, at Twiford Funeral Homes say, "Every day is Veterans Day"
Thank you, Veterans!!!
Sincerely, Twiford Funeral Homes
Elizabeth City, NC --- Outer Banks, NC 252-355-4395 www.twifordfh.com 252-473-2449
WWII Navy vet recalls ‘hell’ of discourage determined German pilots. Carlin was manning a 20mm gun at the time and he said the “I’ve got credit for three of them,” he said, referring to the number “I stayed in the 20mm gun for about 11 hours” during that attack, he said. Carlin paused for a moment, staring at the wall of his living room and possibly beyond, replaying the moment in his mind once again. “It was exciting as hell, I’ll tell you,” he continued. It was not exciting in the sense of fun, but exciting as in scary. “I’m talking about somebody trying to take something away from me and me trying to stop them,” he said. While in the Mediterranean Carlin lost a good friend, who grew up next door to him in Elizabeth City. The man was an Army Chris Day The Daily Advance - Navy veteran Glen Carlin, 93, discusses his experiences in World War II in the living room of his home on Friday, Oct. 18.
By Chris Day Multimedia Editor Despite the memories that have tormented Glen Carlin since his service in World War II, the Navy veteran says he’d volunteer again for the chance to serve his nation. “I’d lay my life down again and again for this country,” Carlin said. “My life, my god, my country.” Carlin, 93, was born and raised in Elizabeth City and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. His reason for enlisting was simple: the United States was involved in a war. “Nobody will ever know how much this country is worth till you get this close to losing it,” said Carlin, with his hand extended and Carlin attended Navy basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland, and completed additional gunner’s mate training at various Naval aboard the destroyer escort USS Forster, DE 334, he said. Aboard the Forster, Carlin took part in convoy escorts across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean Sea. Much of his time was spent off the coast of North Africa, particularly Bizerte, at the northern tip of Tunisia. “Rommel had a whole lot to do with what was going on in Africa then,” Carlin said, referring to German Gen. Erwin Rommel, who led Adolf Hitler’s German Africa Corps. While underway, Carlin’s ship would lay smoke screens to prevent German U-boats from targeting the convoy vessels. While in parts of the Mediterranean, where the convoy faced the threat of German aircraft, the Navy would use cables to tether barrage balloons high above the ships. “That was a hell of a sight to see,” Carlin said. The barrage balloons and heavy cables suspended below were the convoy. Carlin recalled one incident when the balloons did not
“They cut him in two before he hit the ground,” Carlin said. “I grew up with him and his brother and sister next to me.” Carlin was next assigned to a 144-foot wooden-hull minesweeper “I spent many a day with my arm wrapped around a stanchion eating soup,” he said, of trying to hold on while eating. It was during this leg of his tour that perhaps Carlin witnessed his most haunting experience. Once while operating in a bay off Okinawa his vessel got caught in a typhoon that was packing 160 mph winds, he said. Two of his shipmates had climbed onto a large anchor buoy and were trying to tie it off to the ship to secure it from the storm. Before they could a heavy gust blew them overboard and into the wild seas. Carlin watched helplessly as the men were swept away, and their lifeless bodies were later found on shore, he said. right off and drowned them both,” he said. “There wasn’t nothing nobody could do about it.” He remembers the incident as if it happened yesterday. in the world,” he said. “It’s a hell of a feeling watching something like that and not be able to do something about it.” Carlin got out of the Navy in 1946 and eventually returned to Elizabeth City, where he served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves and spent a career as an electrical worker. Navy. While being interviewed for this story, Carlin sat comfortably in a plush recliner in the living room of his home. His wife, Cora, and their caretaker respectfully remained in another room while he recalled his experiences at war. Some of his stories they’ve heard before, others maybe not. Many years have passed since World War II and yet time has not helped Carlin to fully understand the loss and tragedy he endured. “I really can’t get all my wool together on it,” he said. “It doesn’t make much sense to me.”
Veterans Day November 2019
3
Marine vet’s Iraq experiences still follow him By Paul Nielsen The Daily Advance
Marine unit that saw heavy combat in such places as Mosul and Fallujah during those two deployments.
Two weeks after graduating from high school in 2003, Elizabeth City resident William Carlisle found himself at U.S. Marine
in Iraq people were legitimately trying to kill me,” Carlisle said. “Each deployment was much worse than the previous
It was just where Carlisle wanted to be, too. “As far back as I can remember, when I was 5 or 6, I knew I wanted to be in the military,” Carlisle said. “It was more or less like a calling and it was something I needed to do.’’ Over the next six years, Carlisle, a corporal, would be deployed to restore order after President George W. Bush pressured Jean Aristide to resign as president. Then came two combat tours in Iraq that included deployment in such hot spots as Mosul, Ramadi and Fallujah in 2005 and 2006. Those experiences still live with Carlisle, who was discharged at the end of 2009, to this day. After Aristide was forced into exile, civil unrest gripped the
(in Iraqi). We would go out and observe what is going on. If a
and the threat of being targeted by an improvised explosive attacks, especially from IEDs, became more sophisticated over time. Carlisle was knocked unconscious twice during combat operations. “I could tell these people were learning,” Carlisle said. “They were not savages, they were smart.” there was nothing they could do to stop it. The vehicle blew up. “The next thing I know I am looking up in the air and seeing the
“Those who were against Aristide and those who were for time I saw people getting hurt. It was a little bit of a shock.” But nothing would have prepared Carlisle for his next two deployments in 2005 and 2006 in Iraq. Carlisle was assigned to a
Another challenge the troops faced was working with Iraqi military units. One task for the U.S. military was training the
VIRGINIA DARE HOUSE -APARTMENTS-
“Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens” SECTION 8
108 S. McMorrine St. Elizabeth City, NC 27909
MOBILE HOME PARK
Office: (252) 338-3881
CALL 453-3151
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
“Steamed Oysters Our Specialty” COSTA SUNGLASSES DEALER
SHOP, INC. CALL FOR DETAILS PAIR 50 & BUDGET PACKAGE AVAILABLE
GEORGE A. OVERMAN OPTICIAN
4
(252) 331-7922
ASK ABOUT OUR SECOND PAIR FREE LENSES
1125 NORTH ROAD STREET ELIZABETH CITY, NC 27909
C & H Oyster Bar, Inc.
—All Types seAfood— Phone: 338-3300 choysterbar@embarqmail.com
Veterans Day November 2019
insurgents opposed to the government. Carlisle said some of the Iraqi troops were unreliable, often falling asleep while on post. “They were not that good to work with,” Carlisle said. “They basically had a Boy Scouts level of experience. We tried our best to weed out the corruption, but there was still corruption. We couldn’t trust them, and not just for the corruption. They had so little training and they didn’t know what to do. We tried to help them, teach them to shoot.’’ Carlisle’s experiences from Iraq follow him today. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to receiving medical care for his condition, Carlisle has a service dog named Luna that helps him with his condition. “The PTSD is pretty bad and I have a lot of anxiety,” Carlisle said. “(Luna) has been a big help. She lets me know when people are around me, particularly behind me. Having her, I don’t have to keep my head on a swivel all the time. When she is not with me, I am always back where my head is on a swivel.” Carlisle has recently been attending activities at the local Veterans of Foreign War post. He said he has enjoyed the experience of interacting with veterans, especially fellow
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Marines. “They are pretty nice and there are a lot of people going through the same things I am going through,” Carlisle said. “Once you because you have gone through the same pains.’’ As Veterans Day approaches Carlisle said the government needs to do more to help veterans. He suggested that people working in the system need to have a better understanding why veterans need the help that they do. “The system is already overwhelmed,” Carlisle said. One thing he’d like to see is the VA paperwork process get faster. “I had this one phone lady call me and tell me they are going to take my meds away if I didn’t follow up with a doctor’s appointment. I told her, ‘you can’t take my meds.’ I wasn’t going to have that,” Carlisle recalled. Carlisle believes VA employees need to be more sensitive to veterans’ individual “She was just a phone lady, and she doesn’t have the right to talk to a veteran like that and making me think I was going to lose my meds. That would cause me harm,” he said. “They tell you that you have to do this and
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
No Loose Ends 252-333-6023
Theresa Harris 1805 Weeksville Rd Suite A Elizabeth City
Open 7 days a week! Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5, Sunday 11-4
$49.99 full synthetic oil change and $34.95 basic oil changeas well as complimentary rotations for life with purchase of 4 tires.
Thank You for Your Service
Attorney At Law 1223 HIGHWAY 17S, ELIZABETH CITY, NC
(252) 335-9800
AUTO GROUP
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! WILLIAM H. MORGAN, JR.
Showroom & Service Center Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Closed Sunday
wmmorgan@embarqmail.com (252) 331-2277 (252) 331-2962 fax 410 E. Main Street - P.O. Box 160 Elizabeth City, NC 27907
Veterans Day November 2019
5
Mitchener: Stand up for what’s right, even in wartime learned later that the Army at pharmacist — I had earned my high school dropouts through a nine-month crash course to
remains and identifying dog limb resembling only a burnt
fered itching infections caused about Mitchener’s apparent insubordination. Mitchener said he gave the doctor directions
Delta. Submitted photo - John Mitchener served 19 months in the U.S. Army — from September 1967 to May 1969 — including a 15-month tour near Saigon, what was then the capital of South Vietnam.
By Miles Layton Chowan Herald
minutes later, Mitchener said he said. “Everyone hurt and about the incident. and meds to reduce the urge to scratch. Steroids — oral and pensed for parasitic infections.
door to the drug room and a bottles. ... The major listened, enough medicines. “They came to us because this utaries — a lot of parasitic in-
and scratch, but they could nev-
prescriptions for the military
didn’t have the medication they
also helped foreign nationals
One time, a Navy doctor, a captain, ordered Mitchener to give him medication. Mitchener said he refused, telling the doctor
called seeing a steady stream of
in for medicines that “Vietnam remembers that sentiment as particularly revealing about the “The country itself is pretty, but some bad stuff can happen in a heartbeat that you could Mitchener said he in fact had
recalled. “The doctor pointed to to the captain’s bars on his
Memories of his trip to the air base’s morgue linger to this day. “I escorted the corpse to the morgue at the air base for
about to give him those pills.
6
Submitted photo - While stationed as the Vietnam War, John Mitchener said he refused a Navy doctor's order to hand over medication, telling the doctor that the troops he was attending needed the pills more.
needed them more.
medicine to help relieve the tests, X-rays, medications and more. -
Mitchener said the major never brought the subject up again.
Mitchener recalls soldiers tell-
capital of South Vietnam. Mitchener said he settled into his tour of duty at the 218th
on U.S. Agency for International Development contracts,
gone through. “I returned to Edenton in late been out of this basic medica-
EDENTON — A moment from John Mitchener’s tour of duty in Vietnam half-a-century ago
he believes is right all his life. Mitchener served 19 months in the U.S. Army — from September 1967 to May 1969 — including a 15-month tour as
see. Remains all stiff and so
Veterans Day November 2019
country overseas and this is the
operate his family’s pharmacy and serve on both the Eden-
With Veterans Day just around on how his time in uniform and travel experiences have shaped his world view. Prior to being drafted at 26, Mitchener had toured Europe and the Middle East, where he studied at various think tanks sponsored at leading academic institutions. Mitchener said the lesson he came away with was that everyone, no matter what their differences, could get along.
However, it was misguided governments and backward thinking that was hampering human relations and even the ongoing pursuit of peace. “I learned that with poise and courage, competence and compassion we can handle the unexpected at home and abroad,” he said. “Misguided government and backward thinking must ever be critiqued. Then our service will be more
1331 Ocean Hwy., S. Hertford, NC 27944
252-426-7727 SPA CHEMICALS SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS
Computerized Water Testing Sue Stokely, Owner Mike Stokely, Co-Owner
We would like to thank all the Veterans who have served our country. Past, Present, and Future arpet onnection The Tile Shop
ELIZABETH CITY BRICK CO., INC.
335-2965
C C&
WALLS ¤ SAND ¤ PAVERS GRAVEL ¤ FIREPITS ¤ EDGING COME SEE US FOR YOUR HARDSCAPE NEEDS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Abbey Simmons
Groomer/Owner
Thank You for Your Service More Than Just Pizza! Check out our page for our menu and entertainment!
For your convenience try our pickup window for to-go orders. 103 Capital Trace Elizabeth City, NC
252-335-WAGS(9247) Like us on Facebook
1249 US HWY 17S, Unit 6 Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-338-5599 1009 Badham Rd. Lawn & Garden, LLC
482-2525
Hours: MON-FRI: 8-5, SAT: 8-4, SUN: 1-4 20% off In store only. Only one discount
Suite 175
Veterans Day November 2019
Potted Plants Decorative Planters Planting Tools Outdoor Decor and more! 7
Harty continues service with honor guard role By Kesha Williams Correspondent Even though Monica Harty retired from active duty in 2010 after a 23-year career in the U.S. Army, she still serves her country and its veterans through her work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6060 Honor Guard. At least 80 times a year, Harty dons her uniform to help render military rites during funeral services for deceased area veterans. Harty said participating in the honor guard — about 20 local veterans participate — is a way for her to give back to the veterans who showed up for her family after her father, a military veteran, died. “My major reason for participating in the honor guard is based on the memory of what was done in my hometown years ago,” she at my father’s funeral. I wanted to give back to other families what was given to us. I’ve been participating in services for years.” on behalf of their family left her spellbound. Today, Harty is often the honor guard member who presents the stoic while others are overcome with emotion when she places country is what she and other honor guard participants try to do, she said. “People are honored that we participate in the service for their deceased loved ones. We are honored they asked,” Harty said. Most of the calls the VFW receives requesting an honor guard for a veteran's funeral come from local funeral homes. Others come from family members of the veteran. Each honor guard consists of between one and three veterans and each 10-minute presentation includes the folding of an American
said. longer, “ Harty said. “Some families might wonder if an honor guard is possible since their loved one only spent two years in the military. It’s all service. There’s no discrimination between the amount of time. As long as they completed their term and had no dishonorable discharge.” Kenneth Harty, Monica’s dad, was a veteran of the Korean War. Drafted at age 21, he entered the Army in 1952, just as the war was winding down and most U.S. soldiers were returning home. After a two-year stint in the military, Kenneth Harty returned to cille. Despite the short time he spent in the military, his experiences had an effect on his children. Not only did Monica end up enlisting in the Army after high school; her older brother, Matthew, also enlisted in the Navy. Harty said when she left her hometown to enlist in 1987, she only intended to serve two years. Her plan was to use her military bene“The December before my high school graduation I went down to military, serve a few years and move on. I was athletic and patriotic
8
Kesha Williams/Correspondent - Monica Harty, who retired from the U.S. Army after a 23-year career, is a participant in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6060 Honor Guard. At least 80 times a year, Harty dons her uniform to help render military rites during funeral services for deceased area veterans.
didn’t have that kind of money to pay for four or more years.” Her military service allowed her to earn money for a college education that includes both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. At one point she took college classes at night while working full time in the military. Hardy recalls keeping busy during the early years of her career. Her job was completing the paperwork for enlisted men and women to exit the military. Her work also included completion of wills and powers of attorney for service people deployed overseas. She also handled paperwork for soldier court marshals and injuries from with line-of-duty accidents. 13 months in Afghanistan working as a combat engineer during South Carolina, Alaska, Georgia, Missouri, Colorado, New York
retired. Harty recalls feeling good being able to discuss with recruits, particularly female recruits, the advances the Army has made helping its soldiers prepare for lives outside the military. “I learned you can be a woman; you don’t have to be a tomboy. You can be feminine, a woman who chooses your job in any line of work,” she said. “The Army allows you to either work in the good work. I was a criminal justice major but got a taste of doing some legal work and combat engineering late in my career.” As she pondered her options after retirement, Harty decided to remain in North Carolina. Staying active in VFW Post 6060 allows her to maintain her military ties and serve others, she said.
Veterans Day November 2019
BODY SHOP 012
s Ink 2
Flower
“Quality is our main concern� Camden, NC
2 Miles North of Belcross On Hwy 34, 8 Miles North of Elizabeth City.
t www.buddygregorybodyshop.com
EARNING YOUR TRUST SINCE 1967
Car-O-Liner Frame System Spray Bake Paint Booth & Oven ALL MAKES AND MODELS t 5PXJOH t *OTVSBODF $MBJNT t (MBTT *OTUBMMBUJPO t $FSUJmFE 5FDIOJDJBOT t #PEZ 'FOEFS t 'SBNF 6OJCPEZ t &YQFSU 1BJOU NBUDIJOH Veterans Day November 2019
9
Korean War era vet recalls US ‘police action’
Peter Williams/The Perquimans Weekly - Pete Perry of Hertford joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He says he would join again today if he could and believes all young men should spend some time in military service.
By Peter Williams The Perquimans Weekly HERTFORD — When Pete Perry got his draft notice, he was already a step ahead of Uncle Sam. He’d already enlisted in the
U.S. Marine Corps. “When I got my draft notice, I was already at Camp Pendleton for basic training,� Perry said. “I returned it unopened and wrote on the envelope in big letters, ‘CHANGE OF ADDRESS, USMC.’�
Perry, now 83, was born in the Okisko area of Pasquotank County and attended the Perquimans County Schools through eighth grade. When his mother married a man who lived in Delaware, they moved ished high school. He described Greenwood as “a hair bigger than Winfall.� Perry said there was never any question in his mind that he was going to join the military. “Those days you either got drafted or you joined,� he said. “It was expected of you. I came up during World War II and the Marines were always out in I decided that is where I wanted to be.� He joined on June 30, 1954 and, following his training, 81-mm mortar crew. “I shipped out for Japan on Jan.
1, 1955 from San Diego. They didn’t start pulling the Marines out of Korea until July 1955,� he said. Perry isn’t sure he ever stepped foot in Korea, but his service was enough qualify him for “I just did qualify under what they called ‘a police action,’� he said. “President Truman
Submitted photo - Pete Perry is shown in his U.S. Marine Corps uniform after graduating from boot camp. Perry received his draft notice after he had already enlisted.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
GEORGE & COMPANY HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & ELECTRICAL
“EXCELLENT SERVICE IS OUR GOAL� SYSTEMS NOW AVAILABLE WITH 12 YEAR PARTS & LABOR
WATERMAX WATER SOFTENING SYSTEM FOR HOME/OFFICE
KEVIN HARRELL
105 BEAU PARKWAY &-*;"#&5) $*5: /$ r
10
Lead Free Sodium Free Chlorine Free Chemical Free Bacteria Free Virus Free Microorganism Free Inorganic Mineral Free
Veterans Day November 2019
Submitted photo - Pete Perry (kneeling) poses with other members of his 81-mm mortar crew while they were stationed say about Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. commander there following the Japanese surrender after World War II.
didn’t want a war, it was called a police action.� Perry thinks he might have been “’They loaded us up from Kobe, Japan and sent us somewhere and unloaded us and we had to set up a perimeter, and then they pulled us out,� he said. He said he enjoyed his time in Japan, calling the people there friendly. “They were submissive to the
emperor,� he recalled. Perry still doesn’t have a lot of nice things to say about Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the U.S.’ military administrator in Japan after World War II, except that “he was a good administrator.� When Perry returned to the United States, he was stationed in New Jersey until he received his discharge notice. In his three years, he never advanced in rank. “I was what they call a profes-
sional private,� he said. After the Marines, Perry took a job with what was then the Virginia Electric Power Company — now known as Dominion Virginia Power. He work for the energy provider for 29 years and six months. Perry said he enjoyed his time in uniform. “Every bit of it,� he said. “I personally think every young man should serve in the military services for at least two years.
I think it would do everybody good.� Perry’s son, Scott, followed in his footsteps, joining the Marines and serving for four years. “He wasn’t a professional private, he got out as a corporal,� Perry said. His daughter Gwendolyn also married a Marine. Perry decries the U.S.’ current entanglement in what he described as “wars that never end.� “You can start with Congress,� he said. ‘They have the responsibility to declare war and the Congress has never done it. They have ceded their power to the presidents, both Republican and Democrat.� Perry also believes something has changed in how the U.S. government now approaches warfare. “The Marines taught me to ride to the sound of guns. If you are said. “There is only one rule of engagement, one rule: win. Win, don’t lose.�
Thank you to all our Veterans!
4FSWJOH &MJ[BCFUI $JUZ 'PS :FBST
#SFBLGBTU t -VODI t %JOOFS
r XXX DJSDMFJJ DPN
4 )VHIFT #MWE &MJ[BCFUI $JUZ /$
Veterans Day November 2019
11
Military service prepared Schranz for leadership in emergency room By Reggie Ponder Staff Writer
Submitted photo - Dr. Craig Schranz, medical director of emergency medicine at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, served in and emergency medicine physician, helping care for U.S. soldiers wounded during the Iraq War.
Dr. Craig Schranz, medical director of emergency medicine at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, sees a lot of challenging situations in the emergency room. But having helped care for people wounded in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and supervised emergency medical care in the midst of insurgent mortar attacks in the Iraq War, he’s prepared to meet those challenges head-on. Schranz joined the military when he was just 17 years old. He served in the U.S. Navy as cy medicine physician before
transitioning into his civilian role, where he applies the things he learned in the military to ongoing challenge of managing emergency medical care. Schranz learned about ROTC while growing up in a suburb of New York City and attended Cornell University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. After his graduation from Cornell the Navy also provided a scholarship to study medicine at Georgetown University. Since completing 13 years active duty Schranz has spent six years in the Naval reserve. He remains a reservist as he pursues his civilian career in medicine. Schranz was at Bethesda Naval
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Thank you for your service to our community and our country. We’d love to have you as part of our YMCA, and welcome all military families with $0 joining fee. Learn more at ymcashr.org/military
ALBEMARLE FAMILY YMCA (252) 334-9622
CURRITUCK FAMILY YMCA (252) 453-9632
YMCA AT THE PINES (252) 335-0278
12
Veterans Day November 2019
Hospital as a medical student when terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. “No one was allowed to leave that day,” Schranz recalled. He completed an internship in surgery at Bethesda from 20022003, taking care of people wounded in the Iraq War. Later in 2003 he went to Pensacotraining. In 2004 he was deployed as a surgeon at a major air base in Central Iraq. Upon his return from Iraq Schranz did a residency at Navy Medical Center in San Diego, California, and then another residency at Navy Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va.
“The experience in Iraq was Schranz said. experience.
he said.
said. said.
he said. said.
MAACO OF CHESAPEAKE, VA REALLY APPRECIATES OUR VETS
FREE ESTIMATES CHESAPEAKE t 2207 SMITH AVE. t 757-424-2003 Valid at this location only. Vans, trucks, SUV’s & commercial vehicles by estimate. Body work, rust repair & stripping of old paint extra. Not valid with any other offer. Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting dealers are independent franchises of MAACO Enterprises, Inc. and are locally owned & operated. Prices, hours and services may vary. 2013 MAACO Franchising, Inc. Veterans Day November 2019
13
Navy vet Simons continued service at shipyard, through Legion By Chris Day Multimedia Editor Bruce Simons was stationed in a remote outpost in Alaska during the Vietnam War. That didn’t mean he never saw service in Southeast Asia. Simons, who is American Legion Post 84 adjutant, enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of school. “In 1968 when I graduated high school, Vietnam was at its height,” he said, adding his father had served in the Navy. After successfully completing a series of recruiting tests the Navy offered him a job as a communications technician. He attended basic training at the Navy’s Great Lakes training facility north of Chicago and attended CT school in Pensacola, Florida. Adak is a small island about 1,200 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. It is part of the Andreanof Islands group of the Aleutian Islands chain. While in Adak, Simons spent temporary duty assignments to Vietnam as part of his job as a Navy CT. Before exiting the Navy a few years later, Simons served a spell at the Naval Security Group Activity Northwest in Chesapeake, Virginia. That is how he found his way to northeastern North Carolina, where he settled down and started a family. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Simons worked several jobs while attending College of The Albemarle. “I graduated from COA with a double degree,” he said, one in technical business and the other in liberal arts. He went to work for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he began as a shipboard mechanic and worked his way up to project supervisor. He retired from the shipyard after 32 years. Although he left active duty in the early 1970s, Simons says because of his decades-long civilian career he feels like he never left the Navy. “Well, I’ve never been away from it,” he said. “I was actually more connected to the Navy when I worked for the Navy than when I was in the Navy.” “I have some really good friends in the Navy that I keep in touch
with,” he said, of Navy members he met at his former civilian job. Today, Simons is active in the American Legion and also is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, another veterans support organization. It was years after he left the Navy that he joined the American Legion. While visiting the Downtown Waterfront Market in May 2007 Simons met members of Post 84, who were hosting an information booth. He enjoyed meeting other veterans and liked what he heard about the group's work. “I signed up and I’ve been there ever since,” he said. What’s most important to Simons about his involvement with the American Legion is the “work that we’ve done to help our veterans in the area,” he said. Simons said he’s part of a group of other local veterans who when tered they’ll replace it with a new one. “Of course we ask permission,” he said. Simons said he would like to see the American Legion and other veterans organizations do more to promote the work they do for veterans. “I don’t think we advertise enough what we do as service organizations,” he said. In the last year about six new veterans joined Post 84, and a couple of them are fairly young, he said.
Statewide Coverage. Local Statewide Statewide Service. Coverage. Coverage. Local 252 338-0173 Local Service. Service. 252 338-0173
pasquotank county farm bureau 911 halstead blvd elizabeth city, NC 27909
Pasquotank County Farmcounty Bureau pasquotank farm bureau 911 Halstead Blvd 911 halstead blvd elizabeth city, NC 27909 Elizabeth City, NC 27909 252-338-0173
252 338-0173
pasquotank county farm bureau 911 halstead blvd elizabeth city, NC 27909
Chris Day/The Daily Advance - Bruce Simons, a Vietnam veteran and adjutant for American Legion Post 84, poses for a photo at Veterans Park in downtown Elizabeth City, Tuesday, Oct. 29.
14
NCSVNP44168 NCSVNP44168 ® ® Insurance Co. *Farm Insurance *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual *North Carolina Farm Bureau MutualBureau Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance ® *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS North Carolina, of North Carolina, Inc. *Southernof Farm BureauInc. Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
Veterans Day November 2019
NCSVNP44168 *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance ®
Thank You for Your Service Aubrey H. Mitchell Funeral Director/Embalmer Licensed in NC & VA
609 Hull Drive, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Fax Cell (252) 581-0117 w w w . m i t c h e l l c a r e s . c o m
COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
252-335-4118
1040 N. Road St. Elizabeth City, NC
Spruill’s Business Machines, Inc.
Tony’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria New York Style Pizza
252-338-5757 100 ALEXANDER COURT | ELIZABETH CITY NC 27909 Veterans Day November 2019
15
IN REMEMBRANCE OF
FRED TANNER Army - USCG Master Chief 1960-1964 - 1964-1994
STERLING S. GRIFFIN US Army - 1966-1969
MICHELL JUSTINA LONG US Air Force - 1987 - 2007 Served 20 years
Michell is the niece of Donald, Joyce and Justina Long
JACKSON HOFFLER 64 /BWZ t 4
08/1943 - 05/1945
Youngest Combat Sailor D-Day June 6, 1944 Bow Hookman on LEVP Age 15 16
An honorable man who dearly loved his Family, Friends and Country. Always giving back in every possible way to Elizabeth City and the great state of North Carolina.
Love You Always, Wanda
Husband. Father. Patriot. Although you are no longer with us in the physical, your spirit is present each day. In Loving Memory. Wife, Shirley Perry-Griffin
MR. ROBERT LEE GLASPER SR.
Finley Eugene Lloyd 64 "3.: t $1- 2 YEARS - WWII Drove Truck (Red Bull Express) 3 Bronze Star Medals, Good Conduct, Victory
Veterans Day November 2019
Our loving, caring and giving Father served in the United States Army, World War II. He received several medals, ribbons and awards. We truly miss you so much, always. We love you Daddy Tommy & Juanita
Portable toilet rentals Ben McPherson Owner 252-339-2142
Dennis Elliott Route Manager 252-340-5659
sPecial events wedding units construction holding tanks agriculture
E Nixon W
elding & Hardware, Inc.
"Your one stop hardware shop and more!"
3036 Rocky Hock Road | Edenton, NC 27932
252.221.4348 | 252.221.8343
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8:30-4:45 Saturday 8:30-12 Noon Wed & Sun Closed
albemarle Rent-a-Jon 209 Charles Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Flush-able units now available
508 E. Colonial Ave Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Veterans Day November 2019
252-335-7075 17
THANK YOU
to the men and women who have served this country!
BANKS Chazz U.S. Army
BANKS Curtis L., Sr. U.S. Air Force
BANKS Floyd U.S. Air Force
Navy 1956-1988
6 years
21 years
2 years
18 years
BANKS Mark, Jr. U.S. Air Force Sgt. 2/65-9/69
BANKS Nona U.S. Air Force
BANKS Walter James U.S. Marines CPL E-4
10/66-10/72
BOGUES Desean L. U.S. Navy E4 2 years
BOGUES Douglas J. U.S. Navy E5 7 years
BOGUES Linwood E., Jr. U.S. Navy E6 20 years
BOGUES Luther, Jr. U.S. Army Sgt. 4 years
BOYD Gail H. U.S. Army WAC E4 1977-1980
BRADWELL Dora M. Berry U.S. Army E4 4 years
BUSH Raymond J. U.S. Marines E-4 2009-2013
BUSH J.W., Jr. U.S. Navy E-7 1954-1974
BUSH Laura Rae U.S. Navy E-6 1983 – 2008
BUTLER Danial C. U.S. Marine Corps Private 1st Class
BYRUM Wayne U.S. Army Sergeant 3 years
BYRUM R.W. U.S. Army Sergeant Served 3 years
CALLAWAY Holt F., Jr. USAF A 1/C 1953 – 1957
CAFFREY David S. U.S. Army Vietnam
CAFFREY David S., Jr. U.S. Navy Commander 27 years
CAPLINGER Mark U.S. Navy E6 1980-1986
BAILEY Derrick W. U.S. Army E4 6 years
BAILEY Edmond A. U.S. Navy E3 2 years
BAILEY Gerald A. U.S. Army E7 20 years
BANKS Kelvin U.S. Army
BANKS Lester U.S. Army
7/78-7/82
18
BALF David R.
Veterans Day November 2019
DAVIS Larry U.S. Navy E4 4 years
DUQUETTE ETHERIDGE Philip D. William E. U.S. Navy U.S. Army Lieutenant Commander Sergeant 1975 – 2002 4 years
ETHERIDGE Sierra U.S .Army SPC 9 years
FURGERSON William U.S. Army SCF 27 Active & Reserves
FEREBEE Theoris R., Jr. U.S. Army SSGT 1992-2001
GIBSON Greg U.S. Marines E4 4 years
GIBSON Lee Otis U.S. Marines E3 2 years
GILBERT Everett U.S. Navy E6 20 years
GREEN Warren U.S. Navy E3 1956-1960
GREGORY Teddie A. U.S. Marines CWO5 30 years
GRILLS George W., Jr. U.S. Army E5 1965-1968
GRILLS George W., U.S. Army TEC5, 1945-1947
HARRIS Kris A. U.S. Army/Marines E7 21 years
HASSELL Ernest U.S. Army E5 9 years
HORTON Jack O. U.S. Army 1950-1952
HORTON J. Don USCG 1950-1953 USMM 1955-1959
HORTON William L., Jr. U.S. Merchant Marine 1941-1942
HORTON Doris Jean U.S. Merchant Marine 1942
HORTON Sadie O. U.S. Merchant Marine 1941-1949
HORTON William Lee WW1 U.S. Army 1917-1918
IRWIN Nestler Infantry – WW II CPL 3 years
JENNINGS George R. U.S. Army - CPL 1951-1953 Pusan, South Korea
JOHNSON Clinton U.S. Army E7 27 years
JONES Jeffrey M. U.S. Navy E8 27 years
JONES Oliver, Sr. U.S. Navy STM
JONES Warren R. U.S. Navy E6 20 years
MCCULLOUGH Cheri E. Tolson U.S. Navy Reserve 20 years
MITCHELL Charles L. U.S. Army E7 28 years
MOODY Danial C. U.S. Army Vietnam 1964-1970
MOODY William J. U.S. Navy Vietnam 1963-1966
MORGAN Irvin Thomas U.S. Army PFC 1943-1946
MORGAN William U.S. Navy E4-HT3 US 4 years
Veterans Day November 2019
O'NEAL OVERTON Richard C., Sr. Dennis U.S. Army,USCoastGuard U.S. Army PFC, SR Airborne Infantry 6 years 1973-1976
19
PARKER Melvin U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. 3 years
PARKS Arlon U.S. Navy
SAVAGE Shelton U.S. Army E6 13 years
SAWYER Thomas M., Sr. U.S. Army 2 years
SIMPSON Eugene
THARPS Angela B.
THARPS John T.
E7 20 years
20 years
THARPS Morris (Morrie) U.S. Navy LTCR 1965-1988
PILES Andree W. U.S. Navy E5 15 years
20 years
WARD Jack K. U.S. Navy CPO 1963 - 1983
U.S. Army
WATSON George J. U.S. Coast Guard AECM 26 years
ROBERSON Percy Master Sgt. 22 years
ROBERTS Robert J. “Bob” US. Navy Seaman 1st Class 3 years
ROBINSON Winnie J. A/2C 1951-52
SNIDER TANNER SMITHSON Denton E. Fred Ulyss “Smitty” U.S. Navy U.S. Army, E9 U.S. Army Command Master Chief U.S. Coast Guard, Corporal 23 years 1960-64, 1964-94 1944-1953
THOMAS Willie L. MSgt. 20 years
VOGEL Lucille U.S. Navy E-5 1973 – 1976
TODD Roy C. U.S. Army
TOLSON Robert M. U.S. Navy E6 30 years
1958-1960
WHITE Ernest Bertise U.S. Army Pvt.
WILLIAMS Roland U.S. Navy 1st Class Boiler Maker
Honoring all who served 20
Veterans Day November 2019
SANDERS Lalani P. U.S. Army 2014 – Present
TEACHEY Danny SR Airman 3 years
TOLSON Shawn D. U.S. Coast Guard W3 Currently serving
Call to THE DAILY ADVANCE Subscribe Today 252-329-9505 PERQUIMANS THE
WEEKLY
"News from Next Door"
Veterans Day November 2019
21
Honoring All Who Served in the US Military
HAPPY VETERANS DAY
The Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee thanks you for your service.
104 Tarheel Court | Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Office: 252-331-1069
www.albemarlepestsolutions.com
20% Off Any Initial Services
For more information on the Military Affairs Committee, please contact the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce at (252) 335-4365, or check our website at www.elizabethcitychamber.org.
Expires 12/31/19 Reference Code - VETERANS DAY Offer valid for past & present military personnel
Closest Gas Station to our Coast Guard!
EAGLE MART 1542 WEEKSVILLE RD ELIZABETH CITY, NC
252-330-2775
We Salute You, United States Coast Guard, Thank You For Your Business! 22
Veterans Day November 2019
Thank You to all Veterans for your Service!
Thank You For Your Service
Best Breakfast in the area! ...Served Anytime! 913 W Ehringhaus St. | Elizabeth City, NC
Friendly Family Atmosphere, Smiling Faces with Great Food & Prices!
5BLF 0VU 0SEFST 8FMDPNF t t t t
t t t t
)PVST 4VO BN QN t 4BU BN QN t . ' BN QN
WE PROUDLY SALUTE OUR HEROES! Albemarle Eye Center is pleased to show appreciation of our local heroes by providing 40% off the surgeon’s fee for LASIK & PRK! Call us at 1-800-755-7535 to schedule your evaluation today.
EDENTON | ELIZABETH CITY | KINSTON | KITTY HAWK | NAGS HEAD | WASHINGTON www.AECPEC.com
1-800-755-7535 Veterans Day November 2019
23
We Honor Your Commitment. We Salute You for Your Values. We Thank You for Your Service. This Veterans Day — and every other day — we honor those who serve our country. At COA, active duty and retired military, as well as their dependents, realize the promise of a college education. Learn more about the resources available to veterans and their families at www.albemarle.edu/military or contact John Benton, Military Liaison 252-335-8021 ext. 2258 john_benton40@albemarle.edu