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Shelby and Gastonia Squadrons participate in Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Ceremony
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1st. Sgt. Owens places wreath (click image to view full size)
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Wreaths Placed at three cemeteries

1/1/2014–

The Shelby Squadron led by Maj. Thomas Bly, conducted a joint effort along with the Gastonia Squadron on Saturday Dec 14 for the Wreaths Across America event.  Both units conducted successful missions in the rain covering three cemeteries. The cadets worked side by side with civilian participants to honor these fallen veterans.  Each cadet was paired with a civilian and both walked to each grave site together placing each wreath. It is imperative that our children are taught that the ultimate sacrifice that these young men and women made for our country should never be forgotten. 

We think that everyone in our country should go to an event like this and make it a point to pick a fallen vet and make it personal. We enjoy our freedom, our lives and our families today because these heroes gave their lives. One young man was spoken about in particular at the Clover event:  Sgt. Norman Plemmons who went to Vietnam as a UH1 airman and gave his life to his country when his and another helicopter collided in midair during a mission scramble. This young Sergeant was barely 22 years old.   

Special Thanks to all who participated:

·         Chaplains: Maj. Jerry Rumfeld and Capt. Melvin Lutz did an outstanding job!

·         Senior Members:  Capt. Kirkland Johnson, 2Lt. William Holler

·         Cadets participating:  First Sgt. Morgan Owens(024), First Sgt. Cameron Davidson (050) along with cadets Matt Gore, Thomas Beutler, Benjamin Lakey, Dan Gore, Samuel Johnson, John Weaver, & Anthony Price.

·         Event Support provided by:  US Army National Guard Kings Mountain, Clover Police Department, Shelby Police Department  

·         WAA Registered Event Mgrs:  1Lt. Don Piasecki, CAP,  2Lt. John Gore, CAP

·         Squadron Commanders:  Maj. Thomas Bly (050),  Maj. Dana Glenn (024)