WREATHES ACROSS AMERICA
The temperatures were in the low 30's and the sun was shining brightly on this annual "Wreaths Across America" Saturday (12/13/14), as American Legion Riders representing Legion Posts 127 Buford and 307 Cumming Staged to Ride to Canton, GA. This Mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in Veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. It is to also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and to spread the message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. We then Staged a second time at Williamson Brothers BBQ in Canton with Georgia's Patriot Guard Riders who yearly lead this Mission and were joined by other ALR Chapters, Combat Vets M.A. and several Christian Riders Groups. Over sixty Motorcycles many of then riding double then rode into the Georgia National Cemetery and Staged once again at Shelter #2 where we were met by several more ALR Chapters. (The 5th, 7th and 9th District Legion Riders were well represented this day). We then drew Flags and stood in an enormous Flagline that surrounded the entire Ceremony. I was Honored to be able to Hold the US Navy Service Flag during the Observance. Speakers, The Ritual Laying of a Wreath for each Branch of Service and our POW/MIA, Rendering of the Rifle Volley and Taps and the Ceremony was concluded with a Fly Over by a Squadron of three T-6 Texans which have been in the Service of our Country since 1935. Thank you not only to those that participated today but those who worked this entire last year selling Wreathes as this year EVERY Service Member and Spouse who were interred at GNC was Honored by a Wreath, the first year for this to happen by my knowledge. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
The temperatures were in the low 30's and the sun was shining brightly on this annual "Wreaths Across America" Saturday (12/13/14), as American Legion Riders representing Legion Posts 127 Buford and 307 Cumming Staged to Ride to Canton, GA. This Mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in Veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. It is to also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and to spread the message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. We then Staged a second time at Williamson Brothers BBQ in Canton with Georgia's Patriot Guard Riders who yearly lead this Mission and were joined by other ALR Chapters, Combat Vets M.A. and several Christian Riders Groups. Over sixty Motorcycles many of then riding double then rode into the Georgia National Cemetery and Staged once again at Shelter #2 where we were met by several more ALR Chapters. (The 5th, 7th and 9th District Legion Riders were well represented this day). We then drew Flags and stood in an enormous Flagline that surrounded the entire Ceremony. I was Honored to be able to Hold the US Navy Service Flag during the Observance. Speakers, The Ritual Laying of a Wreath for each Branch of Service and our POW/MIA, Rendering of the Rifle Volley and Taps and the Ceremony was concluded with a Fly Over by a Squadron of three T-6 Texans which have been in the Service of our Country since 1935. Thank you not only to those that participated today but those who worked this entire last year selling Wreathes as this year EVERY Service Member and Spouse who were interred at GNC was Honored by a Wreath, the first year for this to happen by my knowledge. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
Obituary of JB Whisnant, Post 307 ALR and SAL.
Jerry Anthony Whisnant, age 50, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015. He was preceded in death by his son, Blake Whisnant. He is survived by his wife of seven months, Julie Griffin Whisnant; children, Dustin Whisnant, Acworth, GA, Dalton Whisnant, Acworth, GA, Dylan Whisnant, Kingston, GA, and Scott Whisnant, Lilburn, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Fernando Castro, Wichita, KS, Ben Whisnant, Wichita, KS, Michael and Pam Whisnant, John Whisnant, KS, and Randall Shane Whisnant, Power Springs, GA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Whisnant was born October 28, 1964 in Monroe, GA. He was a graduate of Monroe Area Comprehensive High School and graduated from college with a business degree. He was owner of Custom Painting Company in Lilburn, GA. He was Assistant Road Captain with American Legion Riders and Patriotic Guard Riders.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:30AM in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. The family received visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials were made to American Legion Riders Unit 307.
Jerry Anthony Whisnant, age 50, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015. He was preceded in death by his son, Blake Whisnant. He is survived by his wife of seven months, Julie Griffin Whisnant; children, Dustin Whisnant, Acworth, GA, Dalton Whisnant, Acworth, GA, Dylan Whisnant, Kingston, GA, and Scott Whisnant, Lilburn, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Fernando Castro, Wichita, KS, Ben Whisnant, Wichita, KS, Michael and Pam Whisnant, John Whisnant, KS, and Randall Shane Whisnant, Power Springs, GA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Whisnant was born October 28, 1964 in Monroe, GA. He was a graduate of Monroe Area Comprehensive High School and graduated from college with a business degree. He was owner of Custom Painting Company in Lilburn, GA. He was Assistant Road Captain with American Legion Riders and Patriotic Guard Riders.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:30AM in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. The family received visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials were made to American Legion Riders Unit 307.
Veterans Service Office Manager, Cynthia Hayes, Spoke to Post 307.
At the monthly General Membership Meeting on Jan 12th, 2015, Ms Cynthia Hayes, Manager of the North Georgia Veterans Service Office in Gainesville, was speaker for Forsyth County Veterans, Spouses, and Guests. Ms Hayes, a retired Army E-7 with 20+ yrs service, holds a Psychology Degree, is available to work with all veterans & spouses. She answered many questions concerning benefits available for veterans and spouses, including benefits that many do not know they are eligibility for. These include such benefits as compensation for injuries and illness due to military service, pension benefits to assist in home health care or assisted living/nursing home expenses for the veteran or widow, Education benefits, VA Home guarantee certificates, access to two excellent Georgia VA homes if a 5 yr resident of GA, free drivers licenses and license plates, free $6,000 hearing aids, and free medical care and medications. With the opening of the expanded VA clinic in Oakwood, some veterans can receive medical attention there instead of going to Decatur.
Ms Hayes can be reached at the Veterans Service Office, 311 Green St, Room 405, Gainesville, GA 30501, Phone 770-531-6060.
At the monthly General Membership Meeting on Jan 12th, 2015, Ms Cynthia Hayes, Manager of the North Georgia Veterans Service Office in Gainesville, was speaker for Forsyth County Veterans, Spouses, and Guests. Ms Hayes, a retired Army E-7 with 20+ yrs service, holds a Psychology Degree, is available to work with all veterans & spouses. She answered many questions concerning benefits available for veterans and spouses, including benefits that many do not know they are eligibility for. These include such benefits as compensation for injuries and illness due to military service, pension benefits to assist in home health care or assisted living/nursing home expenses for the veteran or widow, Education benefits, VA Home guarantee certificates, access to two excellent Georgia VA homes if a 5 yr resident of GA, free drivers licenses and license plates, free $6,000 hearing aids, and free medical care and medications. With the opening of the expanded VA clinic in Oakwood, some veterans can receive medical attention there instead of going to Decatur.
Ms Hayes can be reached at the Veterans Service Office, 311 Green St, Room 405, Gainesville, GA 30501, Phone 770-531-6060.
The 9 March 2015 Post General Membership Meeting had Featured Speakers
Ms. Lori Chapman of Keller-William gave a brief presentation on their 2015 “Red Day in Honor of Military in Cumming, Georgia.” Every year, Keller-Williams sets aside the second Thursday in May to give back to the community. This year 150 Forsyth County-based Keller-Williams agents overwhelmingly voted to support local military families (active, veteran, and/or disabled veterans); therefore, Ms. Chapman requested the membership submit up to 10 households that could be provided services on 10 May. Examples of the scope of services might include building a wheelchair ramp, cleaning and pruning someone’s yard, building a Post Awards’ display cabinet at the Armory, etc. Candidate names should be submitted to Commander McGhee for transmittal to Keller-Williams.
Featured speaker, Forsyth County Sheriff Duane K. Piper, presented ways in which his department is dedicated to protecting the lives and morals of our citizens. Detailed updates were shared on the newly-built courthouse and jail facilities, staffing for the Sheriff’s Department, as well as favorable news on the recovery of wounded Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Marx and the home invasion victim on Magnolia Drive. Numerous questions regarding the safety of Forsyth County were answered with honest and sincere responses and Sheriff Piper graciously remained afterwards for encouragement and additional questions from the audience.
Ms. Lori Chapman of Keller-William gave a brief presentation on their 2015 “Red Day in Honor of Military in Cumming, Georgia.” Every year, Keller-Williams sets aside the second Thursday in May to give back to the community. This year 150 Forsyth County-based Keller-Williams agents overwhelmingly voted to support local military families (active, veteran, and/or disabled veterans); therefore, Ms. Chapman requested the membership submit up to 10 households that could be provided services on 10 May. Examples of the scope of services might include building a wheelchair ramp, cleaning and pruning someone’s yard, building a Post Awards’ display cabinet at the Armory, etc. Candidate names should be submitted to Commander McGhee for transmittal to Keller-Williams.
Featured speaker, Forsyth County Sheriff Duane K. Piper, presented ways in which his department is dedicated to protecting the lives and morals of our citizens. Detailed updates were shared on the newly-built courthouse and jail facilities, staffing for the Sheriff’s Department, as well as favorable news on the recovery of wounded Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Marx and the home invasion victim on Magnolia Drive. Numerous questions regarding the safety of Forsyth County were answered with honest and sincere responses and Sheriff Piper graciously remained afterwards for encouragement and additional questions from the audience.