Veterans ranging from World War II through the war on terror joined together recently to do their part in helping to house their brothers at arms who are not as fortunate as they are.
“Proceeds from the sale of our veterans calendar go to Veterans Matter,” said Shelly Miller, a member of McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club which came up with the idea a few months ago after learning about the need. “Veterans Matter helps pay the first and last month’s rent so the veteran, and in many cases their family, can get housed and then take advantage of federal programs. Not having those deposits was something that kept a lot of our veterans homeless. This bridges the gap.”
Shelly along with her husband, David, run Miller Photography. They decided to donate their time and effort to arrange photo shoots with the local veterans who were selected to grace the 2017 Noon Exchange Club Veterans Calendar that went on sale Veterans Day.
The veterans were all nominated by members of the community.
“It was great getting to meet all these people who had served their country so selflessly,” she noted. “We had a great time making the pictures.”
The veterans then joined together just before the Salute to Our Troops at Park Theater for a calendar signing at Topz. The event was standing room only and featured the veterans from the calendar, signing their pictures on the months they represented.
The veterans include for the month of January, Magness Jordan of the U.S. Army who saw action on D-Day and was a prisoner of war during World War II. He was wounded during operations in France.
February features World War II veteran Alton “Tony” Patrick, who served in the Navy and won Bronze Stars for the invasions of southern France and Anzio, Italy.
March features Jerry Steakley who served with the Marines. He served in Vietnam and recalled his first night in-country.
“When I arrived for my first night in Vietnam, I hadn’t been issued a weapon and came under mortar attack,” Steakley revealed in his memorable moment featured on his page in the calendar.
Deanna Hunt-Barrett of the USAR participated in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She is featured in April.
John A. Davis of the U.S. Army is featured in May. He had a 21-year career as a heavy equipment and maintenance technician. He received numerous commendations.
Howard Locke of the U.S. Army Air Corps helped support the insertion of paratroopers leading up to the Normandy invasion. He is featured in June.
A couple represents July as Harold and Vandy Lough combine for their service in the Army.
Charles Norton is in August. The World War II veteran served in England and Germany and has continued his service since then as he has served in 586 military funerals and has worked 1,447 hours of volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro.
September features Charles “Chaz” Allen. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in Korean, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He lost both legs when he stepped on an IED while on patrol in Afghanistan.
October features Jerry Lynn Barnes who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star.
Phil Mitchell is the November veteran. He served 21 years with the Marines and was an operations chief.
Robert Lee Boyd is in December and served during World War II.
Tom Cantrell graces the cover of the calendar. The highly decorated Marine served his country in the Vietnam War. His memorable moments were the beach landings.
“You never knew how deep the water would be when you launched yourself out the doors,” he recalled.
The calendars are available through Noon Exchange, Security Federal, Miller Photography, and Ashley Wright at Southern Standard.