CCVMP JULY MEETING

The Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Committee met for their monthly meeting on July 28, 2014 and President Don Levans presided.  Recording Secretary Bill Maddox distributed copies of the April meeting minutes noting that the committee did not meet in May.  Instead on May 17, Armed Forces Day, the Park hosted a USA Flag Retirement Ceremony and on May 24 the Memorial Day Program was held at the Park with Special Speaker Commission Chairman Marty Smith.  Program Chairman Ronnie Pate planned and organized both programs.  Other officers and committees reported their activities to promote the Park.

A recognition certificate was presented to CCVMP Committee “for providing a prestigious place for the Carroll County area to meet and honor our Veterans and Troops.”  Pictured during the presentation are from the left:  Violette Denney, Don Levans, and Alice Robinson.  The pictures and framed certificates were a gift from the Abraham Baldwin Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.  The certificate was signed by Commission Chairman Marty Smith, Georgia State Regent Bea Fischer, Abraham Baldwin Chapter Regent Alice Robinson, and Georgia State Vice Chairman Veterans Services Violette Denney.

On June 29, 2014 the 28^th National Veterans Golden Age Games opened at the Barnhill Arena, University of Arkansas.  Director, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, Dr. Mark A. Enderle (left) welcomed everyone and introduced the Master of Ceremonies.  Will Smith is pictured in the center.  The athletes’ Oath was signed by those participating, “I _____ will take part in the National Veterans Golden Age Games in true spirit of sportsmanship.  I promise to abide by the rules that govern them and respect the Officials who apply them, for the glory of the sport, the honor of my fellow Veterans and the pride in our country.   (Signed) U .S. Department of Veterans Affairs”   More than 700 veterans competed in 15 events at the Games in Fayetteville, Arkansas (first time in Arkansas).  To participate, veterans must be 55 or older and receive care at a Veterans Affairs medical facility.

Will Smith (right) was sponsored by the CCVMP at the Senior Olympics, Athletes in the Ozarks.  He said that he was proud to let them know that he was a Georgia Bulldawg! He is pictured here with Park President Don Levans with the T-shirt Smith brought him from the games.  He won a couple of medals!  Congratulations Will Smith!  Smith said this was his first time in the Ozarks – it is beautiful country!