Vietnam Veterans And Spouse Appreciation Days Are Friday And Saturday

  • Monday, May 23, 2022
  • Earl Freudenberg

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 will celebrate Vietnam Veterans and Spouse Appreciation Day on Friday and Saturday. It will be held in the Walmart parking lot on Highway 153 in Hixson from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. 

Chapter President Charlie Hobbs said, “Walmart management is supporting this event 100 percent during some of their high traffic time and we thank them very much.”  

A special thank you to Chattanooga area businesses for their support in making this event even better.

There will be live entertainment featuring the music popular during the Vietnam era. The Tennessee Vietnam Memorial Wall and the In Memory Plaque will be on display.

Vietnam vets will help award winning entertainer, singer and songwriter James Rogers celebrate his 50th anniversary. Mr. Rogers loves veterans and has done many benefit performances for their various causes. He is expected to stop by Friday around noon.  

Freedom Sings USA will perform live on Saturday from 11 a.m.-12: 30 p.m. Freedom Sings USA helps veterans, military personnel and their families throughout the country reach emotional balance by telling their stories through the creative process of songwriting.  

Mr. Hobbs said that the membership is very appreciative to everyone for their work on this event which was delayed for two years because of COVID. “We’ve waited until it is safe so everyone can participate.”

VVA Chapter 203 is looking forward to some of the early WFLI DJ’s playing the music of that era.  They include Johnny Eagle, Ringo Van the music man, Ben Cagle, Gene Lovin, Max Obrien, David Carroll and special friend Chip Chapman.  All WFLI DJ’s are guests and are welcome.  

Johnny Eagle started with WFLI shortly after the station went on the air in 1961. He began as a DJ, worked his way up to program director, and eventually became station manager.  

Rick Govan was known to his listeners as Ringo Van the Music Man.  He announced for WFLI while attending UC – UTC. Upon graduation, Mr. Govan was sent to Vietnam as an Army lieutenant. Mr. Govan said many of the songs he played on WFLI were heard over American Forces Vietnam radio.

The popular David Carroll played the hits on WFLI for several years and is now news anchor for WRCB Channel 3.  

Ben Cagle and Max Obrien sat in the air chair entertaining family members while their relatives were sent to Vietnam serving our country.  Both former DJ’s are excited about this time to honor our Vietnam vets. 

Gene Lovin was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2019 and is currently on WFLI radio each afternoon. Mr. Lovin said the music of the 60’s will live on forever.  

Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee Bill “Dex” Poindexter wanted to be at the event but is taking cancer treatment and asked for prayers. Mr. Poindexter said, “I enjoyed those WFLI days playing the music many Vietnam vets remember.” He said hello and urged his friends to support Chapter 203.

Chattanooga City Court Judge Russell Bean is the honorary DJ for the event. Judge Bean is retiring from the bench this summer and is a longtime supporter of veteran causes.  

These are a few of the DJ’s who played the music made popular during the Vietnam era.    

Mr. Hobbs said chapter hats, pins, magnets and T-shirts will be available for sale, so bring your lawn chairs and stay awhile. There will be refreshments.

Chapter 203 officers for 2021–2023 are President Charlie Hobbs, First Vice President Bob Holloway, 2nd Vice President Larry Gregory, Secretary Bob Brauch, and Treasurer Bill Norton.  The Board of Directors is Larry Anderson, Jackie Clark, Don Hayes, Boots Clarke and Denny Miller.  

VVA Chapter 203 has over 900 members and was chartered 37 years ago.  It’s the second largest VVA chapter in the United States.  Everyone is invited to come out and say thank you to our Vietnam veterans.  

Chapter 203 supports many veteran benevolent causes such as providing medical equipment to needy vets through the “Vets Helping Vets” program, performing military honors funerals, and furnishing a Color Guard for area events. 

Each afternoon, there will be a flag retirement ceremony. Bring old and worn out American flags for proper disposal.

For additional information contact Mr. Hobbs at 991-5858.  


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