After a filling breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits, and a variety of fruits, Adjutant Norman Gillen (U.S. Navy) welcomed the crowd of Veterans to the July monthly get-together. He acknowledged all the branches of the military and asked if any of them knew which one was created first. There were a lot of guesses, but the correct answer is that the U.S. Army was officially established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. It was originally formed as the Continental Army to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in the Revolutionary War, making it older than the United States itself! But the U.S. Navy (October 13, 1775) and Marines (November 10, 1775) were not far behind. The Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790. The U.S. Air Force took a little longer and came along September 18, 1947. Before that, military aviation was the U.S. Army Air Forces (June 1941-47), the U.S. Army Air Corps (July 1926-41) and the Army Signal Corps (June 1860-1926).

Union County VSO Mark Cook was unable to attend this breakfast, but Claiborne County VSO Gary Hansard addressed the folks. His message was that each and every one of the Veterans should not minimize their service. They had experiences and have skills that the general public is unaware of. And it does not matter if you served stateside, overseas, or in conflicts; each Veteran did what their country asked of them to do – whether they were drafted or enlisted. Gary is not Navy, and he recounted a story where he had been discussing boats and the left and right sides of the boats. The Navy Veteran he was talking to translated that into Navy-speak: ship, port, and starboard. He encouraged folks to apply for any benefits that they may be eligible for. Vets are often cautious about dealing with the Veterans Administration (VA). One of the VA requirements is to prove your service and any claims you have. Gary encouraged every Veteran to investigate all VA benefits and see which ones fit them. They earned these benefits and they should collect them.

Gail Corum of Corum Bookkeeping Services sponsored this breakfast. Typically, sponsors address the Veterans sharing information about their business. Gail was a reluctant speaker. She made it clear that the focus here should be on Veterans and not on her or her business. Under pressure, she stated that she had been in business for 20 years and performs bookkeeping and tax services for individuals, businesses, farms, estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations. She attended the breakfast with her assistant Debbie Wood, who helps to run her business, and Debbie’s husband David Wood, who handles any manual skill need that arises. (Debbie kiddingly said that, among other things, David changes light bulbs for them). Gail’s message was clear: this country owes you Veterans, a big debt of gratitude. “This breakfast should be all about you,” she said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you”.

Many of the breakfasts this year have had a law enforcement presence to show support of and respect for the Veterans of the American Legion Post 212. In the past, members of the Sheriff’s Dept, Maynardville, Plainview, Knoxville, and New Tazewell police departments and members of the TN Highway Patrol have attended. On this day, Deputy Jerry Lawson of the Union County Sheriff’s Dept was here with his wife and beautiful daughter. They were not campaigning.

Jackie Benham (Army) announced that from July 28 to August 23, 2026, there would be a digital display at the Lincoln Memorial Plaza of the names of every service member who fought for this country. More than 41 million men and women have answered the call to defend our freedom. The National Military Monument is a living tribute to the generations of military members whose service and sacrifice made this historic milestone for our country. This information was not readily available and required searching numerous sources and historic records to create it. This one-of-a-kind monument will honor everyone’s commitment as a meaningful reminder of their service.

Lyle Jensen was an Idaho poet who worked in the nuclear field for most of his adult life. His poems reflected everyday experiences; those that we all remember as children and adults as well. His first published poem was “The Flag, Another Veteran” and it was that poem that was a door prize. It was won by Gail Corum, who refused it. She felt that it should go to a Veteran. Which one? She decided that the oldest Veteran in the room should have it. The winner was James Meltabarger. (Not revealing his age here!)

Several of the UCHS NJROTC were attending the breakfast, helping to set up and take down the tables and handing out door prizes. I asked Dakota Linebarger why he was at the breakfast. He said that he wants to be a leader, help the community and the Vets. He plans a future in the Army and wants to join Special Forces. He is aware of the physical and mental challenges to do so but is determined to meet them. Adelina Montoya is descended from a long line of US Veterans. Her Nana was Air Force, one grandad was Army, the other grandad was Air Force, Uncle Max was Army and her Uncle Ralph was also in service. She joined NJROTC to develop leadership skills and to help the community she lives in. Her plans and interests are in an Architectural Interior Design degree.
It is so gratifying to see active community volunteers in the younger people. They are our future.