Dandridge DAR Honors Veterans

“The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration today, and we remember them,” reverently stated Jane Chambers, Vice Regent of the Martha Dandridge Washington (MDW) Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and herself a U.S. Army veteran of Desert Storm, at the Veterans Day luncheon on November 11.

Those solemn words began the ceremony featuring the Missing Man Table and the presentation of lapel pins and certificates to 22 Vietnam era veterans and family members on behalf of veterans at the First United Methodist Church in Dandridge.

The ceremonial table was adorned with a single place setting and an inverted long-stemmed crystal goblet, a slice of lemon, grains of salt, a red rose, a red ribbon, a burning candle, and a Bible, each representative of some aspect of the remembrance of those military personnel missing or killed in action. A white tablecloth underlay those items, and an empty chair was folded and leaning against the table.

DAR Vets Day 2Among the many veterans and their guests present were the following Vietnam veterans and veterans that served on active duty during the time formally identified as the period of involvement of the United States in Vietnam who received recognition from Mary Cay Khiel, Regent of the MDW chapter: U.S. Army: Donald Bowery, Keith LaVoie, Larry Shrader; U.S. Navy: Robert Crupi, David Gibbons, David Hess, John Frederick “Jack” Kramer, Jr., Frelan “Pat” Patrick ; U.S. Air Force: Eugene Gordon Foust, Willa J. Holtzclaw, Roger N. Jenkins, Samuel Hale Newman, Bert Morris, Zack F. Taylor, Jr.; U.S. Marines: Jim Duke, Dan Hinds, Rob Mays, and Jack Shipley.
Jim Dunn served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Pat Whaley, a member of the MDW chapter, received recognition for the service of her brother Robert G. “Bob” Finchum, U.S. Army. Carmen Kammann received recognition for the service of Philip Kammann, U.S. Air Force. Mary Frances Dunn received recognition for the service of her brother Richard Leon Lovell, U.S. Marines. Ernie Jarnagin and Richard Walker, U.S. Army; Tom Wills, U.S. Air Force; and Murrell Jarnagin, U.S. Marines were unable to attend but will be honored at a future date. Tammy Wolbach will receive the honor for Allen Wolbach, U.S. Navy, also at a future date.

The luncheon featured such tasty dishes as venison roast, ham, corn casserole, and green beans prepared by the DAR members.
The savory dishes were topped off with apple pie and a sheet cake decorated in red, white, and blue. The patriotic cake was baked and decorated by the chapter’s DAR Service to Veterans Committee Chairman, Carolyn Mitchell. Carolyn’s husband Phillip Mitchell is a retired U.S. Army veteran, who participated in the Missing Man Ceremony by lighting the candle. SFC Mitchell was previously honored by the MDW chapter for his service in Vietnam.

DAR Vets DayThe Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam Commemorative Partner and is committed to recognizing as many Vietnam era service members as possible. If you are a Vietnam veteran or served on active duty during the period of 1 November 1955 to 15 May 1975, or know of a veteran that is eligible, please contact the MDW chapter for more information. The spouse or an immediate family member of a deceased veteran who is eligible can receive recognition on behalf of that veteran.

At the MDW December 9 meeting, Jessica Page, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley, will present a program about the youth of our area that are served by the local organization and about what it takes to sustain the member clubs. MDW members will shower the Clubs with items from their “wish lists” and Walmart gift cards or monetary donations. The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church in Dandridge.

Anyone interested in learning more about the DAR may call Regent Mary Cay Khiel (865) 397-6055 or Registrar Karen McFarland (865) 258-8670.