Union County honors veterans
By FRANK BRADLEY Sentinel Writer

Master of Ceremonies Robert Woodstock.

Union County celebrated Veterans Day a day early this year, on Saturday, November 10, where more than a hundred veterans and their families turned out to enjoy a mid-day dinner, listen to a recounting of Union County's veteran heroes as well as a patriotic speech by Chuck Honaker, an Iraq War veteran.

"This is a day to be proud," Honaker said. "Each and everyone of you veterans took an oath to defend America."

Quoting his dad, who is a Viet Nam War veteran, Honaker said, "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor that many will never understand."

"Our nation's military has established a standard of courage for all the world to see," Honaker said. He pointed out that 60,000 U.S. troops have been wounded or plagued by disease in the war in Iraq. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and must make sure that our vets will be cared for when they return, he said.

With regard to providing medical care, employment and education, he said we need to fight , to advocate for them and their families as they have fought to defend our country. This year's Commander's Award to a worthy veteran who has demonstrated outstanding contribution to the community and the veterans organizations, went to VFW Sr. Vice Cmdr. Bob Little and VFW Surgeon Bill Cross.

Chuck Honaker

Among those veterans attending were Loy Hamby, who served with the 4th Army Infantry Division during the invasion of southern France. Hamby was wounded in the shoulder. He had a bullet lodged between his lungs and spine. He was captured by the Germans, and fortunately, a German doctor operated on him, saving his life. He served five months and 23 days in captivity, finally being liberated by Russian forces, who tried to ransom him to the Americans. Hamby managed to slip out of the Russian sector, cross the Elbe river and travel 60 miles before reaching the American lines. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal, the combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.

Also attending was Billy Neibrand, who served in Korea and was over-run by Chinese forces, suffered a concussion from a grenade, was captured and spent 27 months as a Prisoner of War in Korea. There was neal Fielder who was on R & R from the front lines in Luxenbourg. His vacation was cut short, when the Germans over-run the site during the Battle of the Bulge and it went from vacation to a nightmare.

Jess Cantress, who was assigned to clear minefields in front of the infantry in the Hereon Forest area. The infantry pulled back and his unit was cut off by the Germans.

Anceberry Burnette from the Invasion of France in 1944, where his unit set up a roadblock at Green Beach. They were surrounded and captured, marched , hauled by boxcar from which he escaped and aided by the French managed to rejoin the American lines.

Al Asher was with the 106th Inf. Regt. in Germany, was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and finally liberted by the 69th Inf. Division.

There was August Clifford Schnepf, who was a turret gunner flying a mission over Magdiberg, Germany in WW II. His aircraft caught fire. He was captured after his plane went down. He was later liberated by the Russians.

Woodrow Bergeron was a fighter pilot in Viet Nam, his aircraft was shot down. The pilot was caught and killed. Woody evaded for 96 hours and was picked up by a Jolly Green Giant helicopter. He was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic action, and has recently co-authored a book--ALL FOR ONE.

Also recognized were two deceased veterans, Clayton Brown and Graham Hasty.

Mrs. Dora Spiva, who is a veteran math teacher of Union County schools, was in attendance.. Mrs. Spiva will turn 103 next February.

Robert Woodstock, served as Master of Ceremonies. Robert is Commander of VFW Post 7394 here in Blairsville, which currently has 92 members.

Woodstock recognized, among other, the North Georgia Honor Guard, which has conducted 126 funerals and 103 other ceremonies this year. He also recognized Roy Hamby, a veteran, who for many years headed up the Union County office of Veteran Affairs and has done so much for our local veterans.

Woodstock thanked Joan Drake of the COBB's Mill Restaurant for her fine job of catering the meal; also, Teresa Dorton and the United Community Bank for the use of their facility, and his wife, Sharon, for her unwavering support.

"Finally, I salute all the veterans groups: VFW, DAV, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Army Navy League and the Military Officers Association for their participation and contributions to our Veterans," Woodstock said.