President Charlie and Sharon Hobbs, Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole and wife Denise
Jim Sadler honored
Bill Light honored, with Chairman Eversole and General Bill Raines
Santa hands out gifts to the children
Chaplain George Woodruff and his wife
Enjoying the dinner
Santa and his helpers
Vietnam Veterans Christmas party
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Visiting Santa
Two veterans were honored Friday night at the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203, Christmas Party, held at the Ridgedale Baptist Church.
President Charlie Hobbs recognized Korean War Veteran, 93-year-old Jim Sadler and Vietnam Veteran Bill Light at the annual Christmas dinner, the second largest in attendance in the history of Chapter 203. Mr. Hobbs said, “Over 250 reservations were made for the dinner and that’s the number the activity room holds."
Mr. Sadler is a longtime life member and friend of the chapter and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War Conflict. Mr. Light served as a K-9 dog handler in Vietnam during 1969–1970.
Chattanooga Funeral Home Vice President Stephen Pike, also a chapter life member, thanked Mr. Sadler for his service to the country. Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole and retired Major General Bill Raines recognized Mr. Light.
The traditional Christmas meal of turkey, dressing, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes and peach cobbler was prepared by Home Folks Restaurant in Soddy Daisy.
Longtime chapter Chaplain George Woodruff provided the Christmas prayer and offered thanks for this beautiful season and celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Fernando Guadarrana and his band entertained with a program of Christmas favorites, including their arrangement of Mark Lowery’s “Mary, did you Know.” Mr. Guardarrana is a Vietnam veteran and member of Chapter 203.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived early and passed out gifts to the children.
It was also announced that chapter 203 member Bill Norton was elected Friday as the new chairman of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council. Mr. Norton also serves on the Armed Forces Week Committee and heads up the parade in May.
VVA Chapter 203 is the second largest in the United States and meets the third Monday of each month at the Mac Building at the corner of McCallie and Holtzclaw Avenues.