Honor Guard members are, front row, Larry Anderson, Boots Clark, Marsha Scheidt, Larry Gregory and Wayne Aldridge. Second row, Charlie Hobbs, Bill Tucker, Fernando Guadarrama, Bill Norton and Tom Sloan. Third row,
Bob Holloway, James Lowery, Bob Brauch and Denny Miller.
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Former Chattanooga Mayor Pat Rose was among the Ashwood Square Retirement Community residents who welcomed members of the Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter 203 to celebrate Flag Day on Monday.
Flag Day is celebrated June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. Flag in 1777 by the second Continental Congress. Lifestyle Director Tammy Huddleston invited the VVA, Chapter 203, to present a Flag Day program.
The 91-year-old former mayor was a member of the Marine Corps Reserve in high school and then went on to serve in the United States Navy. He was activated during the Korean War but never was sent to Korea. While mayor, he helped promote veterans’ programs including the Armed Forces Day parade.
VVA Chapter 203 president Charlie Hobbs led the honor guard ceremony, which consisted of raising the American flag in front of the East Brainerd retirement community with a rifle and flag folding team. There was a 21-gun salute by members of the honor guard.
Ashwood Square has 29 veterans living in the retirement community including former Mayor Rose. He said “was totally surprised to see the Viet Nam veterans and thanked them for their service.” He had his picture made with the vets. He said he was so thankful to have served his city and especially his country.
Richard Williams offered the invocation. He is now a resident at Ashwood Square and retired from Hamilton County Juvenile Court. He served in the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell as a Sergeant Major and was in Viet Nam in 1967.
Dr. Holly Dieken, who served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army from 1973 to 1998, received the Viet Nam Vets throw as a thank you for her service. Dr. Dieken served in Desert Storm among other places.
VVA Chapter 203 members enjoyed coffee and visited with residents who included Bob and Joan Gutherie dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Uncle Sam, Dr. Rueben Dubrow who was a dentist and Izzie Fruman who served as a refuelman. Both men are Air Force veterans.
Mrs. Bonnie Wright is a resident at Ashwood Square. Her husband, LTC Michael Wright, was only 32 when his helicopter was shot down in Viet Nam and he was killed. Mrs. Wright said she appreciates the flag and what it stands for. Mrs. Wright said she was impressed with chapter 203 and what they are doing to help Viet Nam veterans. She’s proud to have the flag that draped her husband’s coffin.
Tim Morford, who is with the facility’s management team, said Ashwood was honored to have these service members present a program to celebrate the country’s flag. He said there is always a special place at Ashwood Square Retirement Community for vets.
Former Mayor Pat Rose greets Viet Nam veterans
photo by