Honoring all
Veterans
Celebrating those who honorably served our country
James Franklin Ackerman Sr.
John Ackerman Sr.
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: First Sergeant
Rank: E-4
Rank: Sp-4
Rank: Staff sergeant
Dates: 1940s to 1973
Dates: 1962 to 1968
Dates: 1978 to 1984
Dates: 1948 to 1964
Vietnam and Korea
Vietnam
David R. Aliff Sr.
Joseph G. Arnold
Jim Bailey
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Rank: Private first class
Dates: 1951-1961
Dates: 1945-1946
James Franklin Ackerman Jr.
Korea
Branch: Marine Corps Rank: Sergeant
Richard C. Ackerman Branch: U.S. Air Force
Edward Baldwin
Jack Baldwin
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: PFC
Rank: Corporal
Dates 1959 to 1961
Dates: 1951-1953
Vietnam War
Korean War
William Cecil Ballou
Reggie Eugene Barker
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Army
Date: May, 1944 - June, 1945, POW – World War II
Dates: 1952 to 1954
Rank: First Class SP4
Korean War
Dates: 1987 to 1990
Gerald Bebber
James “JD” Belk
Branch: U.S. Army Chaplain
Branch: U.S. Army
Gary Wayne Bennett
Rank: Colonel
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Sgt.
Dates: 1980-1987
United States Air Force, 1976-1980
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: A-2
Dates: July 1944- July 1973
Rank: Corporal
Dates: 1983 to 1987
Dates: 1957 to 1961
Rank: Master Chief Petty Officer
Wert C. Barker
Joel F. Barnes
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 1956
James Barr Rank: E4
Dates: April 2, 1958
Service: 1967-1969 Campaigns: Vietnam
to March 1961
James W. Bieber
Christopher Bivona
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sgt. E5
Rank: Captain
Dates: 1965 to 1978
Dates: 1986 - 1991
Vietnam and Germany
Desert Storm
Willard E. Bare Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: US Navy
Rank: SP4
Dates: 1984 – 2009
Thomas Dean Blevins
James (Jim) Ray Blevins
Johnathan L. Blevins
Branch: U.S. Army JAG Corps.
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Rank: Cpl
Dates: Currently
Dates:1951 to 1953
Rank: Lt. Colonel
Rank: Sergeant E-5
World War I
Dates: 1966 to 1972
Branch: US Army
Dates: 1977-2005
Branch: U.S. Army
Ed L. Baldwin
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: PFC, Airborne
Rank: Colonel
Len Aldridge
Dates: 1968 to 1971
Vaughn Ball
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Germany, Grenada, Turkey and Japan
William H. Baldwin
Michael S. Baldwin
David Ahrens
Korean War
Dates: 1971-1997
Proudly Sponsored by
Donald Bolster Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: Petty Officer 1st Class Dates: 1956 to 1983
SALUTE TO VETERANS 2 • NOVEMBER 2026
Thomas D. Bower
David M. Boyer Jr.
David M. Boyer Sr.
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Spec. 5
Rank: E-4
Rank: YN-3
Dates: 1971 - 1974
Dates:1977 to 1986
Dates: 1956 to 1962
Clarence Ray Brown
Gary Brown
Branch: U.S. Navy Dates: 1954 – 1958
Albert Ray Calhoun Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant E-5
Branch: U.S. Army,101st Airborne Rank: Sgt. E5
Grover F. Burchette Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Buck sergeant Served at Fort Benning,Ga.
Darrell Campbell
Herman Clay Cannon
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Army, U.S. National Guard 1450th Trans. Co.
Jimmy Dean Brooks
Charles S. Brown
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Rank: SPC-5
Rank: Private first class
Dates:1969-1971
Dates:1944 to July 3, 1946
Odus Burleson
Clyde B. Byrd
John David Calhoun
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant 1st Class
Dates: 1952 to 1954
Dates:1990 to 1991
Dates: 1947 to 1950
Dates: 1981 to 1987
Branch: U.S. Army
Harold Brooks
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Dates: 1944 to 1972
Charles D. Caudill Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Spec 4
Dates: 1953 to 1955
Rank: Senior Master Sergeant
Korean War
Dates: 1951 to 1971
Vietnam War
Robert Collier
Frank L. Combs
Ernest M. Crepps
Branch: Army Reserve
Branch: U.S. Army
John Cox
Rank: Sergeant 1st Class
Rank: Cpl
Rank: Sgt. first class
Dates: 1943 to 1946
Dates: 1952 to 1957
World War II
Korea
Dates: 1967 to 1969
Dates: 1955 to 1966
Nona Cullen Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: HMC, Fleet Marine Force, retired Dates: 1990 to 2012
Curtis H. Eastridge
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Jeff Cullen
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Private
Kenneth Duggar
Dates: 1975 to 1980
Stationed in Okinawa, assigned to 1949th
Dates: 1969 to 1971
Engineering Co.
Vietnam War
Dates: 2006 to 2007
Robert Dennis Egan
Johnny Eldreth
Joe C. Eller
Dockery
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: E-4
Harold David
Rank: E5 2nd Class
Dates: 1962 to 1967
Dates: 1963 to 1968
Dates: 1961-1966
Vietnam War
Vietnam War
Raymond V. Elliott
Carl H. Farmer Branch: U.S. Army Rank: SPC-4 Dates: 1959-1961
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant
Rank: Sergeant Major
Joshua Harrington
Rank: E-4
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Dates: 1987 to 2013
Dates:1946 to 1947
Eastridge
United States Army, 19431945
Dates: 2019-present
Rank: Captain
Rank: Sergeant E-4
World War II
Chandler Crawford
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Specialist E-4
Dates: 1941 to 1945
Pvt.
Dale Ray Dancy
Fairley Davis
William Wiley Church
United States Air Force, 1961-1965
Branch: U.S. Army, PFC
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: Private
Branch: U.S. Army
AIC
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 1966 to 1968
William Clay Church
Lester C. Dain
Vietnam, served three years in Germany
ASHE POST & TIMES
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: SP-4
Dates: 1965 to1967
Dates: Oct. 1961 – Dec. 1964
Claude Farrington
Clint Farrington
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Frank Farrington
Rank: Cpl
Rank: Pfc
Discharged from hospital in Camp Lee, Va.
Saw action in Germany
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Cpl 18 months in Bermuda
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant Dates: 2009 to present
Fred W. Elliott Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Cpl. AAA Gun Crewman Korean War (stationed in Germany)
Mack Farrington Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Pfc Invasion of Luzon and Leyte
“If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn’t thinking.” – George S. Patton, General
SALUTE TO VETERANS ASHE POST & TIMES NOVEMBER 2026 • 3
Robert Farrington Branch: U.S. Army
Josey W. Faw Webb Farrington Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Pfc Training at Fort Belvoir, Va., then to Fort Knox, Ky.
Rank: Pfc Two battle stars
Bryan Keith Geisinger
David W. Fox
Branch: Marine Corps
Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: Master Chief Petty Officer
Rank: LCpl Dates: 2005 to 2009
Branch: Marine Corp
Michael Fenton
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 2004 - 2016
Rank: E3
Two tours in Afghanistan and Three tours in Iraq.
Date: 1962 - 1965
George ‘Tobe’ Gentry Branch: Army Rank: SFC
Dates: 1972 to 1999
Three tours in Iraq during OIF/OEF campaigns
Dates: 1945 to 1969
Denzil Mark Gentry
Colin Gerych
Dean B. Gilley
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Rank: Spc. 4
Dates: 2013 to 2015
Dates: 1963 to 1965
Branch: US. Air Force Rank: Staff Sergeant E-5 Dates: 1982 to1995
Korea, Vietnam
Peter Finegan
Charles V. Fletcher
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Senior Airman
Rank: Sergeant Dates: 1952 to 1960 Korean War
John Gentry Branch: Army Rank: SFC
Joseph C. Gentry Sr. Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Mark Goodman
Bernard W. Goss
Branch: USMC
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Colonel (Ret.)Dates: 1969 to 2002
Rank: Sergeant
Dates: 1952 to 1975
Joshua Goodman Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: E-3 Navigation Electronics TechnicianDates: 2015Current
Joseph Curtis Gentry Jr. National Guard
Dates: 1952 to 1954
“Part of the American dream is to live long and die young. Only those Americans who are willing to die for their country are fit to live.” – Douglas MacArthur, General
Veterans Headstones • Veterans Burial Flags Pre-Planning • Grief Counseling • Personalized Services
336-246-7114 badgerfuneralhome.com
336-982-2121 ashelawn.com
SALUTE TO VETERANS 4 • NOVEMBER 2026
Hunter Goss
Donald Goss
Franklin Goss
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Cpl.
Dates: 1979 to 1983
Rank: Sergeant
Dates: 1951 to 1953
Dates: 1941 to 1945
Korean War
World War II
Rex Goss Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: 2nd Class Petty Officer, Nuclear Electricians Mate
Buddy Greer
Marvin Greer
Branch: Marine Corps
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Specialist 4
Rank: E-4
Dates: 1977 to 1980
Dates: 1968 to 1975 Vietnam
World War II
George W. Grubb
Reece Grubb
William Reece Grubb
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Specialist 4
Rank: PFC
Rank: Private ORD
Served in Korea on DMZ, engineer division
Dates: 1956 to 1958 Germany
Date: 1917-1918, World War I
Lloyd Grubb World War II veteran PFC with 34th Infantry Division, rifle squad Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart
1966-1968
Branch: U.S.M.C Rank: Corporal Dates: 2013 to present
Dates: 1983 to 1986
Branch: U.S. Army
Ricky I. Greene
James Austin Gragg
ASHE POST & TIMES
Clarence V. ‘C.V.’ Greene Branch: U.S. Air Force Aircraft mechanic Dates: 1952 to 1956
Bryce Grubb
Ken Gregory
Danny Griffitts
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: Pfc
Rank: EM-1
Rank: Specialist 4
Rank: AIC
Dates: 1945 to 1947
Dates: 1981 to 1984
Vietnam War
Dates: 1952 to 1956 Korea
Robert K. Hales
Shane Hall
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Branch: Marine Corps
Dates: 1952 - 1955
Rank: Corporal, Scout Sniper Dates: 1994 to 1998
Honoring all
Veterans
In memory of our heroes. Ralph Haner Branch: U.S. Navy, N.C. National Guard Rank: E-4 Dates:1954 to 1962
Paul Martin Hardy Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant ENT-E5 Dates: 1967-1969
Billy L. Hart Branch: Army Dates: 1959 to 1962 Rank: SPT5
Vietnam
Don Hodgson Branch: U.S. Army Rank: E-5, combat medic Dates: 1966-1968 Campaigns: Vietnam
Phillip M. Holland Branch: U.S. Coast Guard Dates: August 1970 – August 1974 Rank: SK2 (Storekeeper 2nd. Class)
Earl Hopkins Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Private E-1 Dates: 1942 to 1946 World War II
SALUTING our VETERANS for your SERVICE to our COUNTRY!
Honoring Those Who Have Served This Veterans Day In times of conflict and in times of peace, the men and women of America’s Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom, our ideals, our security and our way of life for generations. On Veterans Day and every day, we salute America’s veterans and military for their courage, their sacrifice and their service to this great country.
Thank You & Happy Veterans Day!
Thank you for helping preserve our freedoms!
1608 US Hwy 221 North | Jefferson NC 28640
336-846-7191 jrvannoy.com
SALUTE TO VETERANS ASHE POST & TIMES NOVEMBER 2026 • 5
Joseph Ronald Hopkins Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant E-5
Levi Horn Branch: U.S. Navy
R. Milt Houck
Bill Howell
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: Marine Corps
Rank: Seaman 1st Class
Rank: MGY Sgt Retired
Dates: 1987-2013
Dates: 1944 to 1946
Dates: 1957 to 1979
Charlie Ray Hunt
Clyde M. Hunt Jr., M.D.
Donnie C. Houck
Jeffery L. Houck
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: September 1967September 1969
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Dates: 1966 to 1968
Rank: 3rd Class Petty Officer, Gunners Mate
Vietnam
Currently serving
Jeffery L. Howell
William E. Howell
Bruce W. Huester
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: Air Force, Guard
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Petty Officer 1st Class
Rank: Lt. Col.
Branch: U.S. Navy, Navy
Rank: E-4
Dates: 1968 to 1996
Reserve
Dates: 1968-1970
Rank: SP5
Rank: Commander
Date: April 14, 1969 – May 5, 1971
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: E-3 Dates: 1966 to 1968
Rank: SP4
Vietnam
Dates: 1942 to 1945
Eric W. James
Kyle Lesley Jones
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: US Air Force
Rank: Lt. Colonel
Rank: Airman 1st Class
Dates: 1998-Current
Dates: 1952-1958
Iraq, Afghanistan
Korea
World War II
Dates: 1970 to 1998
Robert B. James Branch: U.S. Army Rank: PFC Dates: 1953 to 1955 Korean Conflict
William R. Jessup
Colt Johnson
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Aviation
Rank: SGT
Ordinance 2nd class
Dates: 2010 to present
Sheldon Robert Hurley Branch: U.S. Army
James W. Johnson Rank: Radarman E6 Dates: 1957-1961
Dates: 1964 to 1972
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Billy Graham
This Veteran’s Day, we honor those who have so bravely served this country. America is founded on the principle of freedom, justice and liberty for all. Our nation’s soldiers serve every day to protect our country and its ideals. On Veteran’s Day, take a sacred moment to remember those who sacrifice their lives to achieve peace and democracy. We are pleased to sponsor this special tribute of honor and respect. God Bless America and those who serve. Josh, Holly, Lila, Lawson & Lena Roten - Owners And the staff of Badger Funeral Home and Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens
Thank You
VETERANS HONORING ALL WHO SERVED
F UF N U EN RE AR LA LH O HM OE M E
Hwy 221 •• NC NC 3470 Hwy 221 • Jefferson, NCNC 300 Main St. •Jefferson, West Jefferson, 3003470 E. E. Main St. West Jefferson, 336-246-7114 336-246-7114 www.badgerfuneralhome.com www.badgerfuneralhome.com
MEMORIAL CHAPEL, GARDENS & MAUSOLEUM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, GARDENS & MAUSOLEUM
3470 221221 • Jefferson, NC NC 3470Hwy Hwy • Jefferson, 336-982-2121 336-982-2121 www.ashelawn.com
www.ashelawn.com
SALUTE TO VETERANS 6 • NOVEMBER 2026
James William Johnson
Paul D. Johnson Branch: U.S. Army Rank: PFC
Branch: Navy Dates: 1957-1961
Dates: 1944 to 1945 World War II
Richard L. Johnson Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sp-4
CPL Carl D. Keaton
George Keistler
United States Army, 19591961
Rank: E-5 Dates: 1969 to 1970
Korea
Vietnam
Ennis Pell Latham
Jack Lawrence
Rank: U.S. Army private
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: Marine Corps
Rank: PFC
Rank: Corporal E-4
Rank: Lieutenant
WWII, Normandy, France and Battle of the Bulge
Dates: 1966 to 1967
Dates: 1942 to 1945
Everette R. Little
Jack Vernon Little
Branch: US Army
Branch: USAF
Service: 1967-1969
Rank: Master Sergeant
Rank: Sgt., E-5
Dates: 1954 to 1974
Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: GMG – 2nd Class Dates: 1964 to 1970 Vietnam War
Rank: Staff Sergeant Dates: 1948 to 1952
Jack D. Lawrence
Mitchael W. Leazer
Randy Lewis
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 1986 – 2009
Dates: 1980 to 2005
Vietnam
Korea and Vietnam
Donald Kyle Key Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 1959 to 1961
Hershel E. Kerr
Don Liscum
Branch: U.S. Army
ASHE POST & TIMES
Rank: Sgt. First Class Iraq
David Lydell Lyle Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: E-3 Dates: October 1978 to March 1982
Earnest Bernard Lyle
Ken Lynn
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: Corporal
Rank: Colonel
Dates: June 5, 1953 – May 6, 1955
Dates: October 1981 to August 2007
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” – George Washington
In Tribute and Recognition for Their Service In Memory
Allen Junior Taylor SSG. E6 - U.S. Army 1971-1974 1981-1989 National Guard Campaign: Vietnam
TO SALUTE
OUR VIETNAM VETERANS
Bill Badger Deceased U.S. Air Force Campaign: Korea
James A. Badger Deceased U.S. Army Campaign: WWII
Randy Bundy Deceased US Army Campaign: Vietnam & Desert Storm
Gilbert Rhodes Deceased U.S. Army Campaign: Korea
Travis Wallace Deceased U.S. Army
Kermit Wilcox Deceased Sgt. E4 - U.S. Army 1963-1965 Campaign: Vietnam
We Honor Our Dedicated Staff and Family Members (Past & Present) Who Served Our Country and Continue their Service to You in Your Time of Grief.
We humbly honor the service and sacrifices of all our veterans and military families. Have you, your spouse, or a family member served in the military? We connect veterans and military families with the work and support they need.
The Good We Do Is Because of You | goodwillvetservices.org
BADGER FUNERAL HOME
M E M O R I A L C H A P E L , GA R D E N S & M AU S O L E U M
3470 Hwy 221 • Jefferson, NC 336-246-7114 www.badgerfuneralhome.com
3470 Hwy 221 • Jefferson, NC 336-982-2121 www.ashelawn.com
ASHELAWN
SALUTE TO VETERANS ASHE POST & TIMES NOVEMBER 2026 • 7
Orville D. Marsh
Gaetano Anthony Mastorio
Justin Mathis
Tom Mayer
William (Bill) Marsh
Kevin McAbee
Branch: Army E4
Branch: Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: 382 MP Co., Co. D.
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
National Guard
Rank: ET Petty Officer
Rank: Specialist 5th Class
Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Dates: 1958 to 1962
World War II
Dates: 1965 to 1967
Dates: 1999-currently
Ed McClearen
Robert C. McNeill
Branch: United States
Branch: U.S. Navy
Marine Corps
Rank: PFC
Rank: Sergeant
Rank: U.S. Sergeant
Dates: 1971 to 1973, 1991
Dates: 1969-1971
Dates: 1964 to 1968
Vietnam and Persian Gulf
James L. Melton Branch: U.S. Air Force Dates: July, 1954 – July, 1958
Burton R. Miller Branch: U.S. Army Rank: PFC Dates: 1943 to 1946 World War II
in service
Adford Medley
Eric Medley Branch: U.S. Army
Jacob Adam Medley
Winford Medley
Rank: Sergeant E-4
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: 1989-1999
Rank: Staff Sgt.
Rank: PFC
Vietnam
Operation Desert Storm
Dates: 2019-Current
Jimmy R. Miller
Robert E. Miller
Joshua J. Mitchell
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army World War II
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Rank: T-5
Rank: Private First Class
Dates: Korean War
Dates: 1943 to 1945
Iraq
World War II
Branch: U.S. Army
Larry W. Mitchell Branch: U.S. Marines Rank: Lance Corporal Dates: 1973 Vietnam War
Honoring our
Heroes
United We Stand. Arnold Miller Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant Dates: 1950 to 1953 Korea
Howard L. Miller
John Walter Moody
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Navy HM3
Rank: Captain
Dates: 1957 to 1961
Dates: 1965-1969
Walter ‘Bud’ Moose
Stuart Mullis
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Navy
Dates: 1947 to 1970 Korean War
Thomas Mullis Sr. Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant E-5 Dates: 1969-1971 Korea
SALUTE TO VETERANS 8 • NOVEMBER 2026
Barbara Mulrean
Claude B. Neaves
Branch: U.S. Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: HN
Rank: SPC-4
Dates: 1961 to 1964
Dates: 1959-1961
Marvin E. Osborne
Spencer C. Osborne
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: Private First Class
Rank: Corporal
Dates: 1943 to 1946
Dates: 1943 to 1946
Earnest F. Osborne
James H. Osborne
Branch: U.S. Army and
Branch: U.S. Army
Air Force
Rank: Private
Branch: U.S. Marines
Rank: Master Sergeant
Dates: 1943 to 1944
Dates: Vietnam War, 1967-68
Dates: 1947 to 1953,
Killed in action: Nov. 25,
1957 to 1971, Korea
1944 in Southern France
William Dale Osborne
Warren M. Parsons
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Rank: PFC
Dates: 1952 to 1954
Dates: 1953 to 1955
Korea
Korean War
Tom “Tugboat” Northrop
Reid E. Osborne Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant Dates: 1968-1976 Vietnam
Vilas R. Payne
Ned M. Perry
Branch: U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private 1st Class
Rank: Sergeant
Rank: PP4
Dates: 1957 to 1959
Dates: 1966 to 1968
Michael Patrick
Desert Storm
Arnie W. Peterman
ASHE POST & TIMES
Joseph G. Osborne Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Private First Class Dates: 1941 to 1943 Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
LeRoy Patrick Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant First Class Germany, Vietnam, Iraq Desert Storm
Greg Peterman
James “Jim” L. Penley Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Lieutenant colonel
Branch: U.S. Army 5th Special Forces group
Rank: T-sergeant 5
Dates: 1970 to 1994, 2002 to 2010
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Dates: 1941 to 1947
Dates: 1993-2014
Reserves: 1947 to 1957
Branch: U.S. Army Special Forces
THANK YOU for your service!
Harry Phillips Branch: USMC Rank: E-4 Corporal Dates: 1959 to 1963
Gary Thomas Phillips
Gregory Dale Phillips
Branch: US Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Dates: February 24, 1948 – December 13, 1969
Rank: SP4
Rank: Sgt BCO
Vietnam
Ronald L. Phipps
Dates: 1970 to 1972
William R. Phipps
Branch: U.S. Navy (Seal)
(deceased)
Rank: Petty Officer 2nd Class E-5
Branch: U.S. Navy Dates: 1941-1946
Dates: 1965 to 1969
Campaigns: World War II
Rank: Sgt. E-5
Vietnam
Rank: Gunners Mate
John Quincy Poe
Ralph Poe
Branch: US. Navy and AF
Branch: U.S. Army, Army National Guard
Robert D. Phipps Branch: U.S.M.C. Dates: 1973–79 Campaigns: Vietnam
Rank: S2C in Navy; Staff Sergeant in Airforce Dates: 1944 to 1946. 1947 to 1951
Rank: E-8 Dates: 1966 to 1972, 1975 to 2004
Shannon M. Poe Branch: USMC Rank: Gunney Sargeant Dates: 1976 to 1996 Invasion of Iraq
Auto • Home • Life • Business
Carol L. Pollack
Fausto Polanco Jr.
Branch: USMC
Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Captain
Rank: Command Master Chief
Dates: 1964 to 1977
Dates: 1983-2013
ROTEN INSURANCE AGENCY Thomas H. Pope Branch: U.S. Army Rank: SP4 MP Dates: 1956-1959 Korea
Serving you better while saving you dollars. AGENTS Carroll Roten • Wendy Arnold • Katrina Calhoun Stella Revis • Darlis Farmer CSR
1967 Hwy 88W. • West Jefferson, NC 28694 • 336-846-9800
SALUTE TO VETERANS ASHE POST & TIMES NOVEMBER 2026 • 9
Allen Powers
Bob Powers
Kermit Elmer Powers
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Rank: Sergeant
Rank: SP4
Rank: A1C
Dates: 1983-1990
Dates: 1959-1961
Dates: 1953 to 1957
Christopher L. Prange
Eric M. Prange
Charles Pugh
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Rank: E-4
2 combat tours in Iraq
Presently stationed in Afghanistan.
Lebanon, Grenada
Rank: S3, Plans Officer
Conflict
Mark Ramey
Tim Richardson
Joseph Clarence
Gilbert Rhodes
James L. Roark
Edward A. Roberts
Branch: USAF
Rank: Specialist
Richardson
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: USMC
Branch: US Army WWII
World War II
Rank: Corporal
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Dates: May 1942-July 1945
Dates: 1953 to 1955
Dates: 1999 to Present
Rank: Staff Sgt. E-6
Korea
War on Iraq, Afghanistan
Clarence O. Robinson
Bennie Roten
Jason Roten
Jerry L. Roten
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Specialist 5
Dates: 2006 to 2012
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Rank: Master Sergeant (retired) Dates: 1981 to 2004
Franklin David “Dave” Roberts
George W. Roberts
Branch: US Army Dates: July 1973 – July 1975
Dates: October 1971-October 1974
Rank: Sgt. E-5
Amie Sardelis Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant Dates: 1994 to 2004
Albert Dale Seagle Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: US Army
Dates: 1968 to 1970
Rank: Spec-4
John R. Sawyer Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Staff Sergeant
Vietnam
William “Bill” Scarpino Branch: U.S. Navy
Dates: 1948 to 1968
Scott L. Sears Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: MSG
Rank: Rear Admiral
Dates: 1953 to 1973
Dates: 1966 to 1995
Sgt. David Shoemaker
Lance Ray Shumate
United States Army, 19681970
Rank: Sergeant E5
Branch: U.S. Army Dates: 1989 to 1997
Dates: 1966 to 1970
John Segraves Branch: U.S. Airforce Rank: Airman
Vernon Ray Shumate Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant E5 Dates: 1963 to 1966
Larry A. Spencer
Thomas Stanley
Charles W. Stephens
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: Army
Rank: Corporal
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Dates: 1944 to 1945
Dates: 1952 to 1954
Date: 1967 – 1971
Rank: Corporal
Korean War veteran
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SALUTE TO VETERANS 10 • NOVEMBER 2026
Willene Sweet
Billy Ray Stansberry
Branch: US Army
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Dates: 2004 to 2014.
Rank: Airman 2nd Class
Rank: E5 or SGT.
Eric D. Thrasher Branch: U.S. Navy Dates: 1992 to 1996 Reserve: 1997 to 2003
Francis Stevens Branch: U.S. Air Force
Branch: U.S. Army
Robert Ford Taylor Branch: U.S. Army
Donald P. Thrasher Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: SSG
Rank: Staff Sergeant E-6
Dates: 1971 to 1974, 1981 to 1989
Dates: 1968 to 1995
Dates: 1954 to 1958
Vietnam War and
Korean War
Vietnam veteran
Persian Gulf War
H. Ray Wallace
Thomas R. Wallace
James R. Walters
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade Rank: Buck Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Troy Tucker
Houston G. Turner
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Sgt. E-5
Rank: Private
Dates:1966 to 1968
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Dates: 1951 to February
Vietnam veteran
Dates: 1965 to 1969
1953
Charles F. Ward
Luke Wichard
Kermit Wilcox
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
Rank: E-4
Dates: Korean War
Dates: 1984 to 2004
Dates: 1963 to 1965 Vietnam veteran
Reeves Weaver
Ned Weaver
George Weaver
Branch: US Navy
Branch: U.S. Army
Branch: US Army/Air Force
Dates: June 1943 – Feb. 1946
Rank: TEC-5
Rank: PFC
Dates: 1942 to 1945
Dates: 1943 to 1946
Rank: Coxswain SV-6
Junior Taylor
ASHE POST & TIMES
John S. Witherspoon LCDR
United States Navy, 19691992
Dates: 1965
Warren Witherspoon
Dates: 1968 to 1972
Rank: Lance Corporal Dates: 1968 to 1970
Vietnam 1969 to 1970
Thomas E. Woodie
1st and 50th Mechanized Infantry
Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Lt. Colonel
173rd Airborne United States Army.
Dates: Oct. 1991 to present
Louis Zeller Branch: U.S. Navy Rank: Petty Officer, Third Class, Hospitalman (HM3) Dates: March, 1969 – February, 1973
Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild presents quilts to veterans STAFF REPORT
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he Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild presented handmade “Piecemakers for Veterans” quilts to six local veterans at their May meeting. The mission of “Piecemakers for Veterans” is to cover veterans with comforting and healing quilts. Ashe County’s quilt guild, The Piecemakers, has been awarding quilts to the county’s veterans for several years. This season’s group of six veterans is the largest assemblage in the guild’s history. Ten guild members contributed to the making of the quilts. Receiving quilts at the recent presentation were Grayson Wright, Daniel Wilson, JoAnn Lemly, David Lemly, Michael Grubb and Tom Aycock. Not present was a seventh veteran who will receive his
quilt soon. These veterans represented the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and served from four years to 38 years. Requirements for nomination are an honorable discharge from a branch of the US military, at least part time residency in Ashe County and never having received a quilt from another veterans program. Before beginning the presentation of the quilts to the veterans individually, presenter Catherine Finch said, “these quilts are to cover you with love and respect for your service to our nation.” Finch and Joyce Cain co-chair the committee that oversees the veterans’ program. The mission of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild is to share the art of past, present and future quilting. In addition to meetings, educational programs and making quilts for
Here’s to a heartfelt Thank You to all the brave men and women who served defending our Country, our freedoms and our way of Life. All Gave Some! Some Gave All! 91
86thst Anniversary Anniversary
veterans, guild members make and contribute quilts to community organizations, such as The NEST Alliance, Hope Thru a Vision, Generations Ashe, Ashe Pregnancy Care Center and several others. The Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets on the second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Left to right: Michael Grubb, Tom Aycock, Daniel Wilson, Grayson Wright, United Methodist Church. David Lemly and JoAnn Lemly. Photo submitted Meetings generally experienced quilters, some of whom hand include social time, stitch, while some are machine quilters. business, Sew & Tell, and a quiltingGuests are welcome to attend a meeting to related program, often led by a guest speaker. Members include beginning and learn more or visit www.ashequilters.org.
SALUTE TO VETERANS ASHE POST & TIMES NOVEMBER 2026 • 11
Westwood students at the drive-thru Veterans Day parade. Photo submitted
The Ashe County High School JROTC Color Guard presents the colors during a special Veterans Day event in the gym. Photo submitted
Ashe County Schools students and staff unite to salute veterans STAFF REPORT
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she County Schools held a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration to proudly honor the brave men and women who have served our country. The day began with a drive-thru parade at Westwood Elementary and continued with refreshments and a special program at Ashe County High School, where students and staff came together to say thank you in a big way. The program featured outstanding performances that reflected both patriotism and gratitude: Choruses from Blue Ridge Elementary,
Mountain View Elementary, and Westwood Elementary. The Ashe County Middle School chorus and band, along with the ACMS Lighthouse Team, shared their moving original poem, “The Flag’s Deepest Fold.” The Ashe County High School JROTC Color Guard proudly presented the colors. The Husky High School Band, whose stirring rendition of the National Anthem set a powerful tone for the day. A highlight of the event was guest speaker Andrew (“Andy”) Cerillo, U.S. Army Veteran and 1968 Bronze Star recipient for distinguished service during the Vietnam
Conflict. Mr. Cerillo attended a military high school and, through the ROTC program, graduated from college as a commissioned officer. He trained as a paratrooper and, as he likes to say, “jumped out of many perfectly good planes while in flight — with a parachute, of course.”
Andy Cerillo, a math teacher at Ashe County Middle School — making his message even more special to our school community. Ashe County Schools extends our deepest gratitude to all who made this meaningful day possible — from our elementary, middle, and high school students to every staff member and community partner who helped plan and participate. To our veterans: thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your service — today and every day.
After leaving the Army, Mr. Cerillo worked for many years as an electrical engineer before retiring and settling here in Ashe County with his family. His powerful message on service and sacrifice reminded everyone in attendance of the More photos and videos can be found on true meaning of Veterans Day. Adding to the the Facebook pages of Ashe County Public day’s significance, Mr. Cerillo is the father of Schools and Ashe County High School.
Greenfield Material Girls present quilts to local veterans STAFF REPORT
T
he Greenfield Material Girls held a heartfelt ceremony at the Greenfield Campground Clubhouse to present quilts to a pair of deserving veterans. This beautiful tradition has been part of the Greenfield Campground community for seven years. The Greenfield Material Girls proudly create and present these quilts in a ceremony each year. In addition to being presented to a veteran, it must be a handmade quilt meeting the size requirements, fabric selection and presentation in
a public ceremony by a current or retired military member. The quilt is assigned a registration number to the recipient through the Quilt of Valor organization. It is a high-quality, handmade quilt specifically awarded to a service member or veteran touched by war. In honor of this year’s 250th Anniversary of the United States, the Greenfield Material Girls chose to present two quilts to a husband and wife with a combined military service of over 60 years. This year’s recipients are Mike and Dawn Batten who reside in and are employed by Greenfield
Ashe County honors fallen heroes with Memorial Day ceremony at Ashelawn BY JESSE CAMPBELL
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she County residents gathered at the Ashelawn Memorial Chapel on May 24 to recognize fallen service members, as part of the combined funeral home’s Memorial Day celebration. Although the annual event is typically held outdoors on the spacious garden grounds, owner Ashe High JROTC cadets displayed the flags of states during the Josh Roten said organizers moved it Memorial Day event at Ashelawn. Photo by Jesse Campbell indoors to avoid rogue showers that rumbled through the county that local name of the aforementioned honor afternoon. It was the second indoor-only roll. He also reflected on a North Iredell ceremony in the event’s illustrious history. High classmate, Dale Sprinkle, who perished Despite the subtle venue change, the in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Holland unpredictable spring weather didn’t dampen described the shock and hushed silence the spirited temperament of attendees that fell over the school when the school’s who filled the chapel’s pews while an principal announced Sprinkle’s passing accompanist played patriotic tunes. during morning announcements. The ceremony began with the Although the school’s football team Presentation of Colors by Ashe County High wasn’t known for its gridiron accolades School JROTC Husky Battalion. ROTC cadets — Holland couldn’t recall the marching flanked the assembly hall’s sides while band ever playing the school’s fight song standing stoically with flags from states, following a touchdown — North Iredell representing the homes of soldiers who posthumously renamed the school’s most gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their valuable player award in Sprinkle’s honor. country. Paying homage to his service branch, Cadet Austin Cox stood behind the pulpit Holland further eulogized Seamen as he introduced fellow speakers while Apprentice William Flores, who the armed discussing Memorial Day’s history. Staying forces posthumously honored for his true to the holiday’s origins, Cox described gallantry and bravery in the final minutes of how his fellow cadets decorated the local USCGC Blackthorn’s sinking on Jan. 28, 1980. graves of local service members. He also Holland said Flores courageously stayed thanked Roten’s staff for hosting the annual on the capsized vessel, throwing life vests Memorial Day ceremony, noting their “effort for his fellow seamen into the dark Tampa and expense” in honoring America’s fallen Bay waters following a collision with a soldiers. tanker under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. As audience members pensively A subsequent Coast Guard investigation listened to the holiday’s history and local revealed that an anchor from the colliding connections, Ashe High JROTC Emily Lewis tanker embedded itself into the Blackthorn’s described the history of the American hull without detaching, eventually capsizing flag before Cox read an honor roll of local the Coast Guard ship. The collision was the veterans who recently passed. worst peacetime Coast Guard disaster, as 23 service members perished in the collision Featured speaker Phill Holland, of and sinking. Jefferson, discussed his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and the history of the lesserThe ceremony concluded with a playing known service branch. of Taps, after which the audience briefly socialized and departed to enjoy the Holland, who retired from Gates Rubber in 2016, said he recognized at least one remainder of their holiday weekend.
Campground. The group was honored to have Tom Cecchettini as their guest speaker and to present these quilts. Tom retired with 38 years of service as a pilot and captain in the United States Air Force. After his military retirement, he was captain and pilot for American Airlines and then was a private pilot for Franklin Graham and flew for Samaritans Purse. Mike and Dawn Batten were The ceremony also had Jefferson Mayor Pete presented quilts by the Greenfield Eller, his wife Betty, and Shirley Church as special Material Girls. The couple has guests. Everyone celebrated with homemade ice combined for over 60 years of military service. Photo submitted cream social afterwards.
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