David Carroll: How To Contact Our Local Servicemen’s Families

  • Friday, July 31, 2015
  • David Carroll

Many of you have sent some incredibly kind messages about local news coverage of Chattanooga’s tragic day, July 16.  I haven’t had time to thank everyone individually, but please know I really appreciate the compliments, as well as the constructive criticism.  If you know me at all, you know I’d much rather report and write about upbeat stories.  But like so many of you, what happened here has been heavy on my heart, and writing about those wonderful young men and their families has been helpful to me, and hopefully you as well.  Now that the fifth and final serviceman has been laid to rest, I decided to go through my notes one more time. 

Did you know Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sent flowers to the family of Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith? You may remember that Randall was captured on video (by his wife Angie) singing Garth’s song “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” a sweet moment that was shared in his memorial video.  My friend Sarah Swanson Pritchard sent a photo from Terry Pennington, who was among those setting up a dinner for the family at Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church for the family after Monday’s services.  Thank you Garth and Trisha, for making this family feel special. 

Anita Blevins Mitchell another great photo.  Here’s the story behind it:  “My daughter Ashlea Atherton and her son went to the IHOP on Highway 153 Monday,  and while she was there she saw two servicemen stop and talk to a retired veteran. The older man talked to them for 10 minutes, sharing several stories with them. Everyone in the room was just silent listening to him. The veteran told them what an honor it was to wear the uniform and said some encouraging words to them.  The whole room was crying.  This made me so proud of these young servicemen for giving up their time for an older veteran.  I hope they took away a special memory from that because everyone in the restaurant did.” 

Thank you Anita and Ashlea.  Life is one long parade, with stops and starts, highs and lows.  But there are moments like this, when we all stop and salute.  Chattanooga Strong, indeed. 

Finally, many of you have asked where to send cards or letters to the families of our fallen servicemen.  I have the mailing addresses for our two families who live in the Chattanooga area.  Each has given me permission to share this information, because they understand and appreciate your desire to show them love and support.  I encourage each of you to reach out to them, and let them know they’re loved. 

You may contact Angie Smith, and her daughters Lyla, Eila, and Kyla, in care of First Baptist Church, PO Box 2125, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742.  For financial contributions, please mail to Randall Smith Fund at Capital Bank, PO Box 2146, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. 

You may send cards and letters to Lorri Wyatt and her children Rebecca and Heith, in care of 409 Kingsridge Drive, Hixson, TN 37343. 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Emma Williams" <emma@fullcirclecommunications.co>
Date: Aug 3, 2015 9:46 AM
Subject: Correction/Clarification Request (for Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga)
To: "John Wilson" <news@chattanoogan.com>
Cc:

Good morning, John!

First of all, a heartfelt thank you for the coverage you and the Chattanoogan.com team have provided for the two funds set up by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to honor those affected by the 7-16 shooting. Thank you.

You, Channel 3 and TFP have also been wonderful about keeping "the record straight" on where Chattanoogans (and others) can send financial contributions to support the spouses and children of affected by the tragedy.

It is with this in mind that I am writing to request a small but important clarification / correction related to David Carroll's most recent piece (http://www.chattanoogan.com/2015/7/31/305315/David-Carroll-How-To-Contact-Our-Local.aspx).

While we recognize that the piece is focused on how to contact the families directly, David does conclude with a statement about the Community Foundation funds that is in need of clarification, if this is something you would consider. (I believe you have already received and published this piece highlighting this question and the same individual has contacted CFGC. It is possible, given David's broad readership, that others may be similarly confused):

There are two different funds - one established directly by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and one established by Peyton Manning. Both are managed and administered by Community Foundation as follows:
  • The 7-16 Freedom Fund is a fund established by CFGC to provide scholarships for the children and spouses of the deceased servicemen to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities.
The Chattanooga Heroes Fund is a fund established by Peyton Manning at the Community Foundation to provide financial support for the families of those deceased or injured in the 7-16 tragedy.
  • Monies contributed to both funds will be disbursed to the families by CFGC.
Contributions to both funds can be made by visiting CFGC.org.

Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more