Chattanooga’s Live Music Scene – My Veterans Day Message

  • Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Col. Robert Daugherty, my namesake
Col. Robert Daugherty, my namesake

Tuesday, November 11 is Veterans Day and I wanted to take a moment to pass on a few thoughts. First of all, let me say that I am proud to be a Vietnam Era Veteran of the United States Air Force. I was fortunate enough to get two honorable discharges – one from the United States Air Force and one from the United States Air National Guard a few years later.

I served in the the 437th Military Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB and later at the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee-Tyson Air Base, maintaining avionics and radar equipment.

I think I got a good conduct medal, but I was no hero so I didn’t get any of the military decorations like the Bronze Star, Silver Star, or Distinguished Service Cross. I just served my time, did what I was supposed to do, and got out. Nobody ever shot at me, but I am proud to say I served when called.

For many years I always wrote a Veterans Day note to Dr. Richard E. Garth, a WWII veteran and the father of my ex-wife. That is a man that really served his country well. And, you don’t let a little thing like a divorce stop you from thanking a Veteran, especially a WWII veteran. 16 million Americans served in WWII. There are now only 1 million left alive. They are dying at nearly 600 per day. We are only about 20 years away from having no WWII veterans left to thank.

Dr. Garth passed away this summer, so I can’t write him anymore. That makes me sad. I thought about writing him a note and sending it to his email anyway, but that was kind of dumb. I only hope that he is in a better place and knows I am thinking of him still. 

My Uncle Bob, for whom I was named, passed away several years ago. He was one of a very few that was decorated for serving in three wars – WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He used to joke that he was born at precisely the wrong moment to be able to accomplish that feat. When I say he was decorated, he was really highly decorated. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, this country’s second highest military commendation, just below the Medal of Honor. He had multiple Purple Hearts, Multiple Bronze Stars, and many more.

He also was Commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, better known as the Old Guard. The Old Guard performs all burial duties at Arlington Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Commander serves as official military escort to the President of the United States. It was the assignment of a lifetime, and probably the one Uncle Bob was most proud. He was one of the coolest guys ever. 

My Brother-in-Law, David Barfield, served in Vietnam and died a couple of years ago as a result of Agent Orange complications. To me, that is the same as dying on the battlefield. He served in the U.S. Navy. 

Another WWII Veteran I know is Jack Jordan, from East Ridge. Jack was in the Navy and was stationed aboard a LSM ship, similar to the LST-325 that recently visited Chattanooga. He was on that tiny flat bottom boat for two whole years, going from Texas all the way to Japan and back.

My friend Ray Hudgens also served in WWII in the European Theater and eats breakfast with me on occasion. I can tell you it is a real privilege to eat with Ray and Jack. Their stories are priceless.

A young man that I write about each Memorial Day, PFC Jonathon Hall, was killed in action in 2010. I never knew him, but I did attend his funeral service. He is not forgotten on Veterans Day, I can assure you of that.

I spent Sunday at the Chattanooga Market and Sweet Georgia Sound, one of my favorite bands ever, was playing. They did a wonderful tribute to the Armed Forces and I thought I would share it with you. Lt. Col Joe Heflin is featured in the video – he also is a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. At age 90, he is the one dancing! Click Here! 

I know many other Veterans and I thank them for their service, too. The WWII veterans make up our greatest generation - take a moment to find one and thank them for their service.

See you soon!

Bob Payne grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Baylor School. He is the Entertainment Editor for the Chattanoogan.com and assistant talent buyer for Riverbend Festival.

Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.


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