Georgia Society Color Guard at Georgia Tech
Date: January 9th, 2016
On Saturday afternoon, January 9, Piedmont chapter compatriots Shep Hammack, Bill Kabel, and Bob Sapp participated
with Allan Greenly and Wayne Brown as members of the Georgia Society Color Guard to present the colors at the
Georgia Tech basketball game. The "Power of Piedmont" must have been magic, as Tech beat the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers.
The crowd reaction to the Color Guard was awesome, and even the Tech President expressed his pleasure.
Shep Hammack, a Tech alum, coordinated and planned the event.
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January Meeting
Date: January 16th
Our guest speaker for this meeting was fellow Piedmont Chapter compatriot Tom Chrisman, who spoke to the group about genealogy.
Tom, a professional genealogist and former Piedmont Chapter registrar, provided us with a great look at the depth and breadth
that genealogical research can take you in your pursuit of tracing your ancestors. Tom gave us lots of information sources to
employ in our research efforts, and encouraged us to continue exploring for additional ancestor relationships that could help
expand the SAR database of Revolutionary patriots.
From Tom Chrisman's presentation:
Photos |
AUDIO - Genealogy - 'Who do we think we are?"
Bob Sapp spoke to the attending chapter members and guests about his own patriot ancestor,
Jonathan Ogden (1746-1803). Jonathan Ogden was born in Port Tobacco, MD and was a private in the Maryland militia during
the Revolutionary War. Jonathan spent most of his life as a tobacco farmer in that area of Maryland where a great deal of tobacco
was grown and exported in colonial times.
President Bill Kabel presented compatriot Jerry Breed with a supplemental ancestor certificate recognizing his successful research
linking Jerry to his patriot ancestor Josiah Allen.
Jerry Receiving Award |
Jerry Breed's - Supplemental Ancestor Certificate
President Kabel also inducted our newest chapter member, Craig Benton, whose patriot ancestor was Abner Seeley. The assembled
Piedmont chapter members welcomed Craig with a handshake in our traditional manner.
President Kabel also presented the Piedmont Fellows pin to Charter Members in attendance: Jerry Breed, Cecil Palmer, Rick Reese Jr., Rick Reese III, John Wassell
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GASSAR Annual Conference in Duluth, GA.
Date: January 22nd & 23rd, 2016
The Georgia State Society Sons of the American Revolution held its Annual Conference on Friday January 22nd and 23rd at the Sonesta Hotel in Duluth, GA.
This event was for all 31 Georgia Chapters.
The conference included educational seminars, a photo shoot of the past Georgia Society Past Presidents,
a welcome Friday evening reception, a Friday evening members awards banquet, a Saturday morning BOM meeting with election of GASSAR officers for 2016,
and a Saturday luncheon Chapter and Youth Awards Banquet, which included the induction of the newly elected GASSAR officers featuring the induction of
2016 President, Allen Greenly.
The events were all well-attended by chapter members, and made especially significant by the attendance of
NSSAR President General Thomas E. Lawrence and his Lady Mickey Jo
Photos: (by Pick Reese III)
Friday Reception |
The Officers - Past & Present |
Color Guard
Friday Greetings/Color Guard/Opening |
Speakers 1 |
Speakers 2 |
Speakers 3 |
Friday Banquet
Saturday BOM Meeting |
Saturday Awards Luncheon 1 |
Saturday Awards Luncheon 2
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The Piedmont Chapter Annual Banquet, Presentations & Awards
Date: February 20th, 2016
View Banquet Photos - Group #1 |
View Banquet Photos - Group #2
The Piedmont Chapter held it's 22nd Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet & Washington's Birthday Celebration
on this date at the Roswell Adult Recreational Center in Roswell GA. Members were recognized for their contributions
to the Chapter in 2015 and new Officers were sworn in.
Special Guests and visitors were recognized by Compatriot Bob Sapp.
• Past Piedmont Chapter President and National Society Treasurer General, Larry Guzy and his lady, Karin.
• JROTC Cadet Alyssa Fountain and her family were accompanied by ROTC Instructor, Colonel Nepute.
• Knight Essay Contest Winner, Miss Belaine Jones and her family.
Past Piedmont Chapter Presidents in attendance were introduced by Compatriot Bob Sapp:
Bill Lusk (2014), Walt Woliver (2013), Paul Prescott (2012), Bob Shaw (2009), Jim McIntire (2008), Von Starkey (2006),
George Thurmond (2002), Larry Guzy (1999), and himself Bob Sapp (2005).
Compatriot Sapp presented the 2015 Annual Report to the membership outlining the achievements and accomplishments
the Piedmont Chapter had made in the past year.
Piedmont Fellows Fund pins were presented to Von Starkey, Sr., Von Starkey, Jr. and John Mortison.
Compatriot Bob Shaw presented the following Special Awards:
• Martha Washington Medal - Beth Shaw
• Bronze Roger Sherman Medal - Carl Bhame (presented to Carl at his home), Jerry Breed, Shep Hammock, Bill Kabel (Did not attend due to illness)
• Certificate of Distinguished Service - Chuck Rann, Michael Smith
• Distinguished Service Medal - Rick Reese, Jr. (accepted by his wife, Linda)
• Silver Good Citzenship Award - Walt Woliver
• Certificates of Appreciation - Tim Dunn, Ross Glover, Rick Reese, III
• Bronze C.A.R. Medal - Rick Reese, Jr. (accepted by his wife, Linda)
• Certificates of Patriotism - Jerry Breed, John Mortison, George Thurmond, Bob McCleskey, Chuck Olson, Bill Brannen, Jim McDonald, Cecil Palmer, Bob Shaw, Rick Reese, Jr. (accepted by his wife, Linda)
• James R. Westlake Communications Awards - Jerry Breed (Best Newsletter in the Georgia Society 2015), Chuck Rann (Best Website in the Georgia Society 2015)
Read more at: March Piedmont Piper.pdf
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Carl D. Bhame
Date: February 22nd
Carl Bhame, Piedmont Chapter Registrar and GASSAR DAR Liaison Committee Chair was recently awarded
the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for his long standing contributions to the Piedmont Chapter and the SAR.
He was also awarded the Silver Roger Sherman Medal on March 8th, 2016
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Farewell Compatriot Carl Bhame
Date: March 13th, 2016
Compatriot Carl Bhame lost a valiant battle and passed away on March 10, 2016.
Carl was a long time member of the Piedmont Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, having served as Chapter President,
Chapter Vice President, Chapter Secretary, and most recently Chapter Registrar.
Carl was awarded the Silver Roger Sherman Medal for his long-time SAR service; but, because of ill health, was not at the annual
GASSAR awards banquet in January to receive his honor.
Uniformed GASSAR color guard members, including GASSAR state President Allen Greenly, presented Carl's wife Linda Bhame with
Carl's Silver Roger Sherman Medal in a ceremony during the reception after Carl's funeral service on Sunday March 13, 2016.
(Left to Right) Randy Pollard, Wayne Brown, George Thurmond, GASSAR State President Allen Greenly,
Carl's family Bill, wife Linda, Elizabeth, then Bob Sapp, Shep Hammack, and Paul Prescott.
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March Chapter Meeting
Date: March 19th 2016
Photos: Meeting Photos
Compatriot George Thurmond gave a very enlightening and enjoyable talk about Carolina Day, also known as the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
Audio of George's Presentation |
George's Powerpoint Presentation
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Compatriot George Thurmond
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Compatriot Bob Shaw presented several awards to chapter members:
• Webmaster Chuck Rann received the Certificate of Distinguished Service for his chapter website work.
• Compatriot Don McClanahan received the National Certificate of Patriotism for military service.
• Compatriot Randy Pollard received the National Certificate of Patriotism for military service.
Compatriot Bob Sapp presented compatriot Shep Hammack with the Jack M. Martin Membership Trophy for 2015 in recognition of Shep's SAR recruiting efforts.
Read more at: May Piedmont Piper.pdf
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Piedmont Color Guard ~ Ceremony to Honor Vietnam Veterans
Date: March 29th
View Pre-Ceremony Photos |
View Ceremony Photos
The Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a ceremony at the "Faces of War" monument located on the Roswell, GA City Hall grounds.
The date of the ceremony was March 29th, which was the 43rd anniversary of the end of fighting in the Vietnam War (March 29, 1973). It was a ceremony to honor the
Vietnam Veterans and give them the welcome home that they never received at that time.
Representing the Piedmont Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, I attended that ceremony in uniform and functioned as Color Guard Commander with members of our
color guard Shep Hammack and Randy Pollard to present the colors (US and GA state flags) to open the event. The event was attended by over 34 people, including four
Vietnam Veterans and USMC Captain (ret) George Nelson. Captain Nelson spoke to the group about the creation of the "Faces of War" memorial, which he oversaw during its construction.
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Brochure Contest Winner Announced
Date: April 14th
On April 14, 2016, George Thurmond - Past President and now Chairman of the Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest,
announced the winner of this years contest. It was Cole Kroeber, 8th grade student at Fellowship Christian School. Chloe R. Savan
was the first runner up (2nd place), and
Alisha Nicole Benbow was the 3rd place winner. All were from Fellowship Christian School.
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Poster Contest Winner Announced
Date: April 22nd
Timber Ridge Elementary School Winner and
Overall Piedmont Chapter Winner ~ Mackenzie Crawford
April 22, 2016 - Piedmont Chapter color guard members Rick Reese, George Thurmond, and Bob Sapp presented
the first place Timber Ridge Elementary school poster contest winner, Mackenzie Crawford with a $50 award -
plus an additional $75 for being our overall Piedmont Chapter winner.
Two other schools participated in the Poster Contest this year.
The Mountain View Elementary School poster contest winner was Meg Dahlby, who received $50 award, and
East Side Elementary School poster contest winner, Ava Handler also received a $50 award.
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Georgia SAR Brochure Contest Winner Announced
Date: April 23rd
Fellowship Christian school eight grade student, Cole Kroeber, won 1st place in the
Georgia State Society Sons of the American Revolution Brochure Contest, which was announced at the
SAR State Board of Managers meeting on April 23, 2016.
Now his entry will be entered in the judging for the NSSAR award,
which will be announced at the National convention in Boston this July.
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Presentation At Fellowship Christian School
Date: May 2016
A poster depicting the 64 counties in the state of Georgia named for Revolutionary War patriots or Georgia leaders was presented
by chapter President Rick Reese and George Thurmond to Fellowship Christian School Principal, Tony Tacquard.
Principal Tacquard indicated that he have it laminated and displayed in their media center. The poster was printed for distribution
to schools and libraries by support from the Georgia Fellows Fund and the Piedmont Fellows Fund
Both Rick Reese and George Thurmond are Charter members of the Piedmont Fellows Fund, which was established for the purpose
of funding, supplementing or reimbursing worthy activities, events, or needs of the Piedmont Chapter that are not included in the
annual budget.
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Memorial Day ~ 'Roswell Remembers' Ceremony
Date: May 30th, 2016
Photos - Click Here |
AUDIO: GA 6th District Rep. Tom Price speech
The City of Roswell & the Roswell Rotary Club hosted the 19th annual "Roswell Remembers" event on May 30th, 2016.
Several thousand people attended, as did Piedmont Chapter Color Guard members George Thurmond, Paul Prescott, Bob Sapp, Bob McCleskey
who presented the colors to open the ceremony. U.S. Congressman and Piedmont Chapter member Tom Price led the Pledge of Allegiance
and gave the main ceremony speech about the brave men & women protecting America.
Along with the Piedmont Chapter, the Martha Stewart Bullock Chapter of the DAR had a shelter to promote the Chapter's
and answer questions about our organizations.
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2nd Flag Recycling Receptacle ~ Windward Home Depot
Date: June 14th
On Tuesday afternoon, June 14th (Flag Day), a hardy group of members from the Piedmont Chapter Sons of the American Revolution,
the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and Martha Stewart Bulloch Society Children of the
American Revolution braved the rainy weather to hold a dedication ceremony to place a new Flag Recycling Receptacle at the
Home Depot store located at 5300 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. This project is a joint partnership of all three organizations,
and made possible by the cooperation of the Home Depot store management.
President Rick Reese opened the ceremony with remarks about Flag Day and the success that the Flag Recycling project has had
to date. Piedmont Color guard members Paul Prescott, George Thurmond, and Bob Sapp presented the colors as MSBSCAR first
Vice President Devyn Baker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MSBDAR Regent Catherine Jimenez brought greetings from the
Daughters of the American Revolution and indicated the chapter's support of this project. MSBSCAR President Rapley Hills
brought greetings from the Children of the American Revolution and stated the society's support of this and other patriotic
efforts such as this.
Photos - Click Here
After the flag receptacle was unveiled as shown in the picture below, members of the C.A. R. placed the first worn flags
in the box for proper retirement. Catherine Jimenez delivered a special prayer to close the ceremony.
The Piedmont Chapter color guard retired the colors.
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Flag Retirement Ceremony
Date: June 18th
On June 18th at 8:45 am, our Piedmont Chapter of the SAR and the Robert Forsyth Chapter of the SAR held a Flag Retirement
Ceremony at the Northside Chapel Funeral & Crematory at 12050 Crabapple Road in Roswell. The total count for the flag retirement,
including those flags added at the time of the ceremony by attendees, was 1311 flags. Members from both SAR chapters as well as members
from the Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR, Martha Stewart C.A.R., and Patriots of Liberty DAR were in attendance.
The Color Guard Members in attendance (L to R): Paul Prescott, George Thurmond, Shep Hammack, and Bob Sapp, and Ed Rigel Jr.
Photo Left (Piedmont Chapter)
Front row: Rev Bill Floyd, Bill Kabel, Rick Reese III, John Wassell, Rick Reese Jr., and Tom Davis.
Photo Right (Robert Forsyth Chapter)
Front row: Chris Russo, Gene Bryant, Hal Hardin, Ed Dewey, John Flikeid, and past Forsyth Chapter President Tom Davis.
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 Click on photo for Larger version
Piedmont Chapter members
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 Click on photo for Larger version
Robert Forsyth Chapter members
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The Annual Picnic at Roswell Park
Date: June 18th
Click Here for Photos
On June 18th, our Piedmont Chapter of the SAR and the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the DAR held its Annual Picnic
at Shelter No 1 at the Roswell Area Park. The Rib Ranch supplied the barbecued pork and chicken, cheese potatoes,
coleslaw, tea and chocolate chip cookies.
Piedmont & MSB DAR members and spouses were joined by members of the Martha Stewart CAR, and The Patriots of Liberty DAR.
Good food, good fellowship, some competitive games of Horse Shoes and Corn Hole added to the fun for both the adults and children
who attended.
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Honor Our Heroes
Date: July 3rd
On Sunday July 3rd Piedmont Color Guard members Paul Prescott, George Thurmond, Bob Sapp, and
Rick Reese presented the colors for two services featuring "Honor Our Heroes" at the World Harvest Church in Roswell.
Past chapter President Bill Kabel also attended the ceremony, as has been his tradition in previous years.
In addition, the chapter members set up a tent outside the church demonstrating our "Traveling Trunk" program to show visitors
what life was like during Revolutionary times.
Photos - Click Here
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Independence Day
Date: July 4th
Photos - Click Here
On Monday July 4th Piedmont Chapter color guard members George Thurmond and Rick Reese led the
Windward Community Children's Parade after participating in countless photo opportunities for children and adults
to have their picture taken with descendants of Revolutionary War patriots.
Dual Piedmont Chapter members and now Mount Vernon Chapter color guard members Shep Hammack, Randy Pollard,
Tom Chrisman, and Bob McCleskey marched in the annual Dunwoody 4th of July Parade.
Following the parades, SAR members Paul Prescott, Bob Sapp, Rick Reese, George Thurmond,
John Wassell, Shep Hammack, and John Flikeid participated in the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter NSDAR
2nd Annual 4th of July "Celebrate Our Patriots" Ceremony held at the "Faces of War" memorial at Roswell City Hall. 1st Vice Regent
Lisa Tobin organized and chaired the event. Members of the DAR, CAR, and SAR were given the opportunity to speak of their
patriot ancestors and place a flag in a vase at the monument in their honor.
Rick Reese placed a wreath from the Piedmont Chapter at the monument. Paul Prescott placed a wreath from the
Maine SAR Society at the monument. Shep Hammock placed a wreath from the Mount Vernon Chapter at the monument.
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National SAR Award For Martin William ("Bill") Kabel
Date: July 2016
Past President Bill Kabel was the 2016 recipient of the General William C. Westmoreland Award for his strong
support of Veterans and the Atlanta VA hospital. The award was announced at the 126th Annual SAR Congress.
The event was held between July 8th and July 13th in Boston, Mass.
We congratulate Bill Kabel on his award and his service to Veterans!
More information...
Here is a photo showing George Thurmond receiving the General William C. Westmoreland award from President General Lawrence on behalf of
Bill Kabel during the awards ceremony at the 126th National Society Congress. Georgia Society President Allen Greenly is shown on the right.
BIO of General William C. Westmoreland:
Click Here
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Photo taken by John & Betty Franklin of the Ohio Society, at the recent 126th Annual SAR Congress in Boston Massachusetts.
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Bill is the Piedmont Chapter Veterans Committee chairman and is a strong supporter of the Atlanta VA hospital
with his "Socks for Vets" program. He is a past recipient of the "Service to Veterans Medal" in 2012 for his efforts.
Members of the Piedmont Chapter have been generous and caring in their support of veterans. In 2012 when it was learned that the Atlanta VA Medical Center
issues a pair of socks to newly admitted patients and to homeless veterans, Bill Kabel and the Chapter responded by establishing its "SAR Socks for Vets" program.
Since 2012 the Piedmont Chapter has donated to the Atlanta VAMC over 4,500 pairs of socks. We encourage SAR members and others to donate to this program,
and to volunteer their time to VA hospitals or other VA approved Volunteer Services activities.
The award is given each year in recognition to an outstanding SAR Veterans Volunteer. This award was authorized by the National SAR in 1996.
Bill is a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, while General William C. Westmoreland served as President Johnson's Army Chief of Staff
of the United States Army.
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Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Date: July 31st
On Sunday, July 31, 2016 Bill Kabel and Rick Reese Jr. had the pleasure of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Paul Lee.
The ceremony was held by the Atlanta Area Council, Northern Ridge District Troop 3143 at the Johns Creek United Methodist Church.
Paul's scout troop, family, and friends were all in attendance.
Our chapter continues to honor many Eagle Scouts in the Atlanta area, as a result of the efforts of our Eagle Scout committee chairman,
Michael Smith. Whenever possible we make the presentation of the SAR certificate honoring these Eagle Scouts in person at their
respective Courts of Honor.
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Old Soldiers Day Parade
Date: August 6th
View Photos:
Pre-Parade |
Parade |
More Parade |
Après Parade
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On Saturday, August 6th, American Legion Post 201 and the City of Alpharetta held its 64th Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade.
This years theme was: "Saluting the National Guard and Reserves - Always Ready - Always There".
The Old Soldiers Day Parade began years ago as a tribute to veterans of the war between the states, but was discontinued after a few years.
Twenty-eight years later, in 1952, a small group of men in Alpharetta re-dedicated Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta and started having
a parade through downtown Alpharetta. Thanks to these few men and their belief in keeping this memorable tradition alive, this parade has
become an annual celebration to all veterans of all wars.
The Piedmont Chapter SAR sponsored a float representing the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution. The Georgia SAR
Color Guard presented the colors and led the parade. Marching color guard members included NSSAR Secretary General Larry Guzy,
GASSAR President Allen Greenly, GASSAR Sr. Vice President Wayne Brown, Mount Vernon Chapter President Shep Hammack,
Button Gwinnett Chapter President Bill Palmer, Button Gwinnett Chapter member Mike Watkins, GASSAR Membership
Committee Chairman Gordon Woodard. The Piedmont Chapter has participated with uniformed members in this parade since 1998.
The Alpharetta City Band began playing at 9:15 a.m., the Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. and the parade began at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The American Legion Post 201 served FREE hotdogs and beverages at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road in Alpharetta until 4:00pm.
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Piedmont Chapter August Meeting
Date: August 20th
Our Speaker for the August meeting was our own compatriot Rick Reese, who's presentation was on the reconstruction of his Patriot
and 4th great grandfather's home in TN.
After the war ended, Revolutionary War Patriot William Ebenezer Brockett moved from North Carolina. He built his family home in
Smith County, TN, and in that house he raised 11 children. The home remained in the Brockett family until recent times, after which
it fell into disrepair. This is the story of the home's discovery, relocation, and painstaking reconstruction to its former image.
Rick was contacted by Jeff Page, the man doing the reconstruction
of the Brockett home.
Photos, Slides & Audio Links:
Pre-Meeting Images |
Rick's Presentation |
Audio of Rick's Presentation
Rick's Slides of Reconstructing the Brockett House
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Veterans Day
Date: November 11th
Information and photo provided by George Thurmond.
The keynote speaker was one of America's premier war correspondents, Joseph L Galloway. He is a native of
Refugio Texas, and spent 22 years covering 4 tours as a war corespondent in Vietnam, and Desert Shield/Desert Storm,
riding with the 24th infantry Division (Mech) into Iraq. He is co-author with Lt. Gen. (ret) Hal Moore of the national
bestseller 'We Were Soldiers Once... and Young Men'. It sold more than 1.2 million copies.
On May 1, 1998, Galloway was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with V for rescuing wounded soldiers
under fire in the Ia Drang Valley - November 1965. He is the only civilian to have been awarded a Medal of Valor
for actions in combat during the Vietnam War.
The photo is from the Veterans Day Commemoration held at Veterans Park, at the Atlanta History Center.
Georgia SAR Color Guard: Shep Hammack, George Thurmond, Wayne Brown, Larry Guzy and Paul Prescott.
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Christmas at the GA Governor's Mansion
Date: December 12th
On Monday 12/12/2016 Piedmont Chapter color guard members Rick Reese, Jr. and Rick Reese, III, along with Mount Vernon Chapter
color guard member Bob McCleskey, participated in an open house at the Georgia Governor's mansion. They were accompanied by
Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR members Linda Reese and Priscilla Leming, all of whom participated as hosts and hostesses
for the tour of the Georgia Governor's mansion while it was opened to the public during the Christmas season.
Photos - Click Here
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Rick Reese Jr, Georgia's First Lady Sandra Deal,
Rick Reese III, and Bob McCleskey. Photo by Linda Reese.
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Wreaths Across America at the Marietta National Cemetery
Date: December 17th
On Saturday, December 17, 2016, Color Guard members from The Piedmont Chapter and the GASSAR (Georgia SAR) participated in
Wreaths Across America at the Marietta National Cemetery.
View Photos from Wreaths Across America - Click Here
Despite the cold rainy weather, a large crowd gathered to honor our fallen soldiers from all wars beginning with the Revolutionary War.
Over 10,000 wreaths were placed at the headstones in the cemetery by all of the attendees.
Participating in the event were: Piedmont Chapter President Rick Reese, Jr., who gave a proclamation on the behalf of the GASSAR.
Compatriots Rick Reese III, of Piedmont Chapter, Shep Hammack andRandy Pollard of the Mt. Vernon Chapter, and Wayne Brown of
the Captain John Collins Chapter were also in attendance. Compatriots Bill Kabel and Bob McCleskey represented the GASSAR at a
ceremony at the Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell GA.
The annual event honors America's fallen military heroes each December.
Ceremonies are also held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, as well as all National Cemetery locations in all 50 U.S. states,
including the new Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
Marietta National Cemetery ~ Wreaths Across America
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