|
|
|
|
|
Officers to serve the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council for
the 2007-2008 term are Chairman Elect Bill Raines, Chairman Bill Norton,
Treasurer Dan Lovin, Secretary Kim Ratcliffe and Vice Chairman Ron Williams.
(Photo by Pete Chaney, reprinted from CNM)
Sen. Corker tells veterans of Iraq visit
Story and photos by Pete
Chaney
(Reprinted from Commercial Network Magazine)
Sen. Bob Corker told a receptive audience of veterans at the annual Chattanooga Area Veterans Council installation banquet that his recent trip to Iraq and hardened his resolution to never let them down.
The Tennessee US Senator was warmly received by members representing 47 veteran organizations in the tri-state area around Chattanooga. Awards were presented and new officer installed for the 2007-2008 year.
The senator said he spoke one on one to troops on the battle line in Iraq and they understood the debate in America over the war. But they didn’t want their resources to be cut while they were there. He said he had not voted in favor of any resolution that would limit them.
The banquet was held March 16 at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center.
Fred Headrick, a WW II veteran who served in Europe, was given the coveted Charles H. Coolidge Award as veteran of the year. He was recognized for his work with the Medal of Honor Museum, now located at Northgate.
The distaff award went to Sharon Hobbs. Her husband, Charlie Hobbs, received the Milton Thomas award.
Officers installed were Chairman Bill Norton, Chairman Elect Bill Raines, Vice Chairman Ron Williams, Treasurer Dan Lovin and Secretary Kim Ratcliffe. Outgoing chairman Charles Bates becomes the trustee. Carl Levi conducted the ceremony.
Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield and State Representative Gerald McCormick were the officials attending.
Edit Adkins was recognized in the audience. She was the first chairperson of the Armed Forces Day Parade Committee when the CAVC become involved for the 1995 event.
Established in 1983 as the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the organization is comprised of organizations of former service people. There are also associate and honory organizations.
Airborne Sgt. Leo Smith, who is deceased, was the guiding force in establishing the Medal of Honor Museum.
Bill Carman was CAVC chairman in 1994 when the organization undertook sponsorship of the parade when there was a danger of it being canceled. Serving with Ms. Adkins as military projects officer was Bill Raines, who was a colonel then and is now a major general.
In addition to the annual parade in May, the CAVC coordinates other veteran events, such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day. A USO Dance is held in the fall of each year with many wearing World War II attire.
The parade will be held on May 4 this year.
Armed Forces Day was established by President Harry S. Truman. Chattanooga is the only larger city which has continued the observance without interruption since then.
This web site is provided in support of veterans, the military and the organizations which serve them by IPS Press, which is solely responsible for its content. While all efforts are made to insure the accuracy of the information, reliance is placed on the contributors for data submitted. Veterans organizations are invited to participate and a home page may be included for those who wish to include their information. Email editor@thecavc.com.
Chattanooga Area Veterans Council
PO Box 24984
Chattanooga, TN 37422
Web site:
www.thecavc.com; Email:
publisher@thecavc.com.
Box 4072
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone or fax: 423.698.7980
Pete Chaney
Editor and webmaster