The late Cecil Pierce of the Times made this picture and sent Earl a black and white copy. ?It’s dated October 1985.
I enjoyed reading Jerry Summers recent article on Ralph McGill and Col. John Popham. I didn’t know Mr. McGill that well but did get to spend a lot of time with the Colonel. We both served on the Armed Forces Week Committee for many years. He would speak from time to time about his military experiences.
In 1985, Colonel Popham, State Rep. Bobby Wood and Rev. R.O. Stoner surprised me at WDOD with the “Annual American Legion Post 14 Americanism Award.” Col. Popham was Post 14 adjutant and Rev. Stoner was the post commander. I’d never received an honor like this before.
I insisted my guests stay with me for an entire radio broadcast and we all enjoyed Col. Popham’s stories. It was so interesting just to hear his use of the English language. I wish I could find a recording of that program. It was the best history lesson I’d ever had.
Chattanooga Times employees told me on a slow news day they’d engage the Colonel, listening to his memories of World War II and the Korean War.
During that visit I got to know Rep. Wood, who became a regular guest on my talk shows. Mr. Wood served over 20 years in the Tennessee Legislature.
Mr. Wood recently posted on Facebook a thank you to his many friends for their prayers as he battles cancer:
“The prayer bells of Heaven have surely been ringing. Over the last few days over 1,000 have either liked and expressed their intent to pray for me or offered uplifting reassurance that they are supporting me through this ordeal that has driven Jeanne and me to our knees. I feel the results of those prayers and grow stronger from the arms that have reached out, encouraged and lifted us up. With all my heart I believe that God is going to see me through this and you and I will celebrate and praise Him for it together.” Bobby Wood
I’ll never forget that beautiful fall afternoon these men surprised me. They are all our heroes.
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Earl Freudenberg
HeyEarl1971@epbfi.com