A good crowd gathered for the monthly free breakfast for Veterans, their families, and supporters at the American Legion New Liberty Post 212 on April 11. All-you-can-eat sausage, eggs, biscuits, and some amazing gravy were available, as was an array of fresh fruit and donuts. No one could go away hungry, and there was plenty for seconds!

Arnold Smallin (Army) announced that the Union County Veterans Wall will be refurbished and repaired. Over time, the Wall has developed cracks. There are many causes of these cracks, but the primary one appears to be hydraulic pressure buildup behind the wall due to poor drainage. The solution involves digging a trench behind the wall and installing a French drain. Proper drainage should significantly reduce the hydraulic pressure causing the wall to crack. The repaired Wall will be a new and improved model. In addition to the French drain, the back side of the wall will be upgraded, and Veteran plaques will be displayed there. A walking path will take visitors around the wall, allowing them to view it from all sides.

All of the Veterans’ plaques and the circular insignia for the branches of the US Armed Forces on the wall now will need to be carefully removed and stored before the repair begins. There are 432 plaques on the Wall today representing current and former Veterans of families in Union County. We presently have around 1200 Veterans in our county.

The George Brothers Construction Company will be responsible for the redesign and repair. There is a cost per plaque, but Mayor Bailey has secured a grant to cover the cost. So, if you or a family member is or was a Veteran, please contact Mark Cook, Veteran Service Officer, at 865-661-7243 and arrange to have one made. Once the renovation of the Wall is complete, your plaque will be added. There are also plans to create a map so visitors can see where their loved one’s plaque is displayed! No more searching!

The very last HonorAir Flight to Washington, D.C. was held on April 8, and Arnold Smallin was one of the 138 Veterans on that flight. He gave the audience a brief synopsis of the experience. (More on this, and photos, in another article.) Arnold noted that the correct way to greet a Vietnam Veteran is to say, “Welcome Home, Veteran”. The Vietnam War was extremely controversial for many reasons and, because of that, Veterans were treated with derision and disdain when they returned home from what was for them a personal, physical, emotional, and psychological disaster. Many are still coping with the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is not too late to tell Vietnam Vets, “Welcome Home, Veteran”.

As a member of the Tri-County Honor Guard, Arnold has attended many funerals of many Veterans. He complimented the staff of Trinity Funeral Home, sponsors of this event, for their kindness, knowledge, and professionalism with the services they provide. Unfortunately, a representative of Trinity was not available to address the crowd.

Attendees were reminded that the families of Veterans often suffer right alongside their Veterans, and there was a moment of silence for all Gold Star Families. Arnold acknowledged our Union County Sheriff's Deputies Irick and Helton, who were attending this breakfast. He thanked both for their service to the county – often an unappreciated job – putting in the hours and risking danger for us. Several members of the NJROTC were in attendance again, and it is fantastic to see our youth supporting our Vets.
Door prizes included several gift cards for Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Food City, as well as a decorative pail of Easter candy!

Don’t miss the next breakfast and any Veteran news update on Saturday, May 9th! Gather at 8:00 for coffee and conversation, chow line forms at 8:30. For information on Post 212, go to https://altnpost212.org/. For questions, contact Adjutant Norman Gillen Adjutant@ALTNpost212.org