Lonnie Rash, U.S. Army Retired Chief Warrant Officer was the speaker for the Memorial Service on Monday, May 30. Photograph by Marlana Smith
By Martha Jane East
The American Legion Teachenor Post 376 at Shelbina conducted a Memorial Service on Monday, May 30, to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect their country.
Post Commander Gale Buckman conducted the ceremonial service with the POW/MIA Table and the Post Memorial Pledge to Comrades.
The guest speaker was Lonnie Rash, Retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer. Rash related some of the history for this day of remembrance and told of his personal experiences serving in the military. This included being a helicopter pilot in Iraq following the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001.
Certificates were presented recognizing veterans for their continuous membership in the American Legion. The following received certificates for 50 years membership: Tom Crawford, Gale Buckman, Tony Richards and Elmer Dixson.
Commander Buckman read the names of veterans with connections to Shelby County who had died during the past year. They are: Mike Baymiller, Lionel Bertrand, Gerald Byars, E. H. Brauer Jr., Ray Fifer, Darwin Bue, Virgil Wilhoit, David Gulick, Hurley Johnson, Patrick Bichsel, Ed Barrick, Dennis Culller, Larry Mayes, Clement “Pete” Gunn, Leland “Pudge” Dodd, Ronnie Copenhaver, Neil Reynolds and Robert Vannoy.
Anna Carpenter led in singing the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America.”
Larry Mitchell, Chaplain, gave the opening prayer and the benediction.
The service was concluded outside with volleys by the Post Honor Guard and TAPS.
A picnic style lunch was provided by the Sons of the American Legion.
