Medal Of Honor Recipients Land In Jefferson County

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Medal of Honor Recipients Welcoming Ceremony at Jefferson County High School, Dandridge, Tennessee, September 12, 2014
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Jefferson County High School students, faculty and staff were privileged, on Friday, September 12, 2014, with the presence of Medal of Honor recipients Harold Frits and Jay Vargas. Colonel Fritz and Colonel Vargas are two of only 78 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed on an individual in the Armed Forces.

The Honorees arrived by Black Hawk Helicopter and automobile at Shannon Stadium for the 10 a.m. ceremony. Ms. Kelly Shipe preformed a bagpipe escort and Jefferson County High School Marching Band and Chorus added their musical talents to the ceremony. Colors were presented by the Jefferson County High School Color Guard and the Welcoming Address was offered by JROTC Cadet Major Tobie Celino. Tasha Deese gave the Recognition of Veterans. Colonel Harold Fritz was introduced by JROTC Cadet Master Sergeant Savannah Burns and Colonel Jay Vargas was introduced by Tara Gavin.

A Veteran Flagline and their Student Escorts lined the field to welcome the guests of honor. SFC Tom Sims (Army) escorted by Bryton Underwoood-Dewaye Montgomery(Army) escorted by Andrea Belcher-Gini Squire ( Blue Star Mother) escorted by Lexi Ranch-Alfred Stallings ( Army) escorted by Taylor Butler-D.J. Hunley(Army) escorted by Deanna Stump-Charles Gray Jr.(USMC) escorted by Austin Stooksbury-Rod Myers(USAF) escorted by Marie Moore-Beth Taylor in memory of Jerry Taylor(US Navy SeaBee) escorted by Brooke Burchfield-Bill Powell(Army) escorted by Josh Lee-Charles K. Gray Sr ( USMS) escorted by Rachelle Scales-Richard Romine(Army)escorted by Gracie Smith-Curtis Hudson(Army)escorted by Hunter Donahoo-Lloyd Pitney(Navy) escorted by Somer Smith-SSG Kristopher Swift(Army)escorted by Andrew Steinberg-SSG Brown(Army)escorted by Marley Burleson-Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hunt(Gold Star Father and Mother) standing in memory of Joey Hunt(Army) escorted by Lexi Green-Theodore Jones V ( Gold Star Father)escorted by Dylan Gray-Cyndy Powell(Gold Star Mother)escorted by December Sherrod-SSgt Daniel Royal(USMC)escorted by Sha Shields.

The Medal of Honor, generally presented to the recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, was created in 1861. It gives recognition to those that distinguish themselves “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity” in combat with an enemy of the United States. Since its inception, there have been 3,490 awarded and more than half of those were for service and action during the Civil War.

Source: K. Depew, News Director