The Veterans Council of Chatham County held its Veterans Day Banquet, Nov. 13, at the Elks Lodge #183 on Wilshire Boulevard.
After a AAAA Golf Tournament on Wednesday and the 76th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, you would expect VC Chairman Joe Higgins to be tired. Nope, the second-year chairman arrives early to make sure host Ed Gizara, the Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, is ready for the 230-plus guests.
Following Joe into the Elks Lodge's photo-framed hallway, I tease him about his dapper suit and ask who he is expecting tonight. Smiling proudly, Joe shares, "Col. Terry Tillis, Commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and Congressman Buddy Carter. I am thrilled that they are taking time out of their busy schedules to join us."
Arriving next is Colonel (Ret) Rich Noel. The 2016 Veteran of the Year is Joe's wice chair and is busy handling last-minute details while greeting incoming guests such as Agenda Latina founder Lisette Riccelli and Lions Club President Garlana Mathews.
Proud to see Grand Lake Club's Tara O'Sullivan arrive with her seven guests, I ask the bubbly brunette what events the "core of the community" have planned. "We have joined NFL player Anthony Lanier in giving away 250 turkeys this weekend at his Undefeated Warrior Turkey and Food Drive at Carver Heights Community Center," shares the GLC general manager.
Next up, highly decorated Colnel (Ret) Jim Vejar poses with Humane Society's gorgeous Montana Tohm then walks over to talk with American Legion Post 500 Commander James Putney and Col. David Smith, the Vice Commander of the 165th Airlift Wing of the GA Air National Guard. This is one impressive trio!
The Elks Lodge finest are in the house! Sharon Lawson, Jessie F. Shirah and the always smiling Larry and Brigitte McDaniels wave me over for a photo and a chat. Sitting next to Jessie, the Elk's Lodge treasurer tells me that Sharon has been a member for 20 years and the McDaniels are 27-year members. Y'all, if you haven't met the McDaniels, you should come to the next Elks Lodge event.
Credit: Richard Burkhart / Savannah Morning News
Credit: Richard Burkhart / Savannah Morning News
Proud to see 2019 Veteran of the Year G. John Parker arriving, I pose him with Post 135 Junior Vice Commander Jennifer Fortenberry and her beau, Mike Ball, the Chef de Gare of the 40 & 8 Voiture 567. Not sure what all that is but I know that Mike did a fabulous job on air with WTOC for the Veterans Day Parade!
Next up is my Step One Automotive Group family! Little does she know it but SOAG Marketing Manager Maja Ciric is being awarded the Bald Eagle Award and being presented a flag flown over the Capital by Congressman Buddy Carter for her support of our local veterans.
After hugging her and talented videographer Danica Williams, I head over to meet the coolest COL ever! COL Terry Tillis graciously allows me to pose him with Weslyn Bowers aka Lady Mahogany of Blessings in a Bookbag, admits that he loves to surf and then asks for a pic with Joe.
It's showtime! Joe takes the mic, recognizes the dignitaries then Staff Sgt. Hunter Davidson is awarded the Non Commissioned Officer of the Year and Sgt. Gavin Currey is presented the Soldier of the Year, both for the 3rd Infantry Division. Announcing it's chow time, we head back to taste the custom feast from The Dive Savannah.
On the Savannah scene for six months and made a name from her passionate support of veterans, Kristy Crill and her daughters Emily and Susannah along with The Dive Savannah's Jonathan Hendrix, Jeremy Minton and Billy House have become the catering choice for anything veteran related.
Back in the ballroom, Joe welcomes VC Grand Marshall Jim Grismer to the stage who tells us that this was "the greatest honor of my life" then walks over to acknowledge two WWII vets Bob Cutler and Howard Young. With a recognition of Mike and Patty Brady along with Bob Langoria for their contributions, Joe announces the end of the ceremony and everyone heads over to vie for photos with our oldest vets.
While watching the younger generation gather around Bob and Howard, I see pure appreciation on the faces of two men that served during an era of combat that we will never experience again. Knowing that we are losing more of our living legends everyday, my hope is that Joe and his dedicated board continue to recognize and honor these brave men while they are alive, not later. We salute you Veterans Council of Chatham County.
Invite Bunny Ware to your gathering, gala or other social event. Contact her at 912-844-1122 or email at bunnyware@aol.com. See more columns by Bunny at SavannahNow.com/Lifestyle/.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Veterans Council of Chatham County marks holiday with banquet at Elks Lodge
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