MARTY SMITH DEDICATES VETERANS' BUILDING

On December 19, 2013, Marty Smith, Chairman of the Carroll County Commissioners, presided over the dedication of the Carroll County Veterans Building, calling it the “embodiment of the ideals of justice, freedom, and democracy.”  Smith said, “As veterans, you have served our country well.  Now in time of peace, may you use this building to serve the republic fearlessly and well.”  This building provides a meeting place for American Legion Post 143, Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Committee, Marine Corps League, Sons of the American Revolution, and Sons of Confederate Veterans.  The building was once used as elementary classrooms of the Oak Mountain Academy and was later the site of a day care program.  It was donated to Carroll County by the Southwire Company.  Pictured from the left, Charles Feaselman, representing the Aubrey Gilbert Marine Corps League Detachment; George Wheeless, president of the Casimir Pulaski Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; Sam Pyle, commander of the McDaniel Curtis Camp 155 Sons of the Confederate Veterans; Norris Garrett, president of the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Association; and Donald Levans, commander of Post 143 of the American Legion, hold the ceremonial keys to the newly dedicated Carroll County Veterans Building.



CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE PARK

 

The Three Rivers District Boy Scouts of America honored all Veterans at the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park by installing a Christmas tree with names of Veterans on “tongue depressors” attached to the tree.  An initial ceremony was conducted on 7 December 2013 at the park.  It was very cold and windy, but the ceremony went very well and was touching.  Jeff Anderson was in charge of the project for the Scouts.  Norris Garrett, President of the Veterans Park through December 2013, is shown hanging his name on the Christmas tree.

FLAG DROP BOX AT THE PARK

 

The Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park now has a “FLAG DROP BOX” for worn USA Flags.  The flags will be collected regularly and disposed of in the proper manner.  The recently completed “Burn Pit” and sidewalk are shown in the background.  The pit will be used in ceremonies periodically to permanently retire flags that are no longer suitable to represent our Nation.  The Veterans Park was able to purchase these with the help of Carroll EMC Foundation grant.  This is just another accomplishment from the “Round-Up Program” sponsored by the Carroll EMC.  Since there is not another one in our area, we are proud to offer the opportunity to our entire area to honor the Flag by treating it with respect in a prestigious way while visiting the Memorial Park.  Pictured above it President Norris Garrett on the left and Mike Nowacki.  Nowacki constructed the pit and walkway at no cost to the park for his labor.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Message from the new President

Donald Levans

 It is surely an honor to have been asked to serve as President of our “world class” Memorial Park!  In no way, will I attempt to fill the shoes of my friend Norris Garrett.  But, I will make every effort to build on all that he has established over the years. 

Your Nominations Committee and the election process has provided the Association with a super group of very talented officers and the Committee Chairs that will soon be added will make up a wonderful staff dedicated to our mission.  This group will be assuming specific “pieces” of the functional needs of the Park, will meet as an Executive Committee and report at regular Association meetings.

Throughout December I have been meeting with Norris in an effort to get the “lay of the land” and begin getting the office moved into the Carroll County Veterans Building.  I am excited about the Association being a part of this facility and the visibility that can be possible in that move.  Already, we have signs identifying our presence there – Along with FREE county phone and web access.

The first meeting of the Executive Committee will be on Tuesday January 7, 2014.  At that meeting every Director will assume specific tasks for which they will be fully responsible.  In addition I will appoint Committee Chairs (then later will appoint members of the Committees)

One of those appointments is Ron Knowles as Credentials Chair ---- It was necessary to move quickly on this appointment because of the “work load” of that task and the need to work closely with Norris for a period of time.  --- Early in January we will release a full listing of assignments.

 Vice President Wayne Driver and I met with Carroll County Commission Chairman Marty Smith on Thursday 12/12 with a list of questions and to inform him of the changes in the leadership of the Association.  We look forward to a very open and progressive relationship with the county and super support as we begin consideration of expansion and the possibility of new growth in the Veteran community of West Ga.

 

Bottom line ----- “Let’s keep on keeping on”!