Vietnam Vets host fish fry
photo by Shelia Harding Cannon
Ray Adkins and Tom Shipley visit with announcer Earl Freudenberg
photo by Shelia Harding Cannon
Russell Bean, Weston Wamp, Earl Freudenberg, Jeff Eversole and Bill Cox
photo by Shelia Harding Cannon
Purple heart recipient Chris Linvile and Ben Cagle
photo by Shelia Harding Cannon
Crowd gathered at 153 Walmart to honor Vietnam Veterans
photo by Shelia Harding Cannon
It was a beautiful Good Friday for a Fish Fry, held in honor of Vietnam Veterans on this National Vietnam Veterans Day. With mostly clear blue skies and a temperature near 70, Chapter 203 hosted a Fish Fry on the Walmart 153 parking lot featuring fried fish, baked beans, slaw and hush puppies. March 29th is set aside each year marking the date nearly 50 years ago that the last combat troops were withdrawn from South Vietnam.
The chapter honored Vietnam POW John Sparks who was held in a prison camp for five years. Mr. Sparks said he now spends his time helping veterans, especially the Vietnam Vets.
Charlie Hobbs, president of Chapter 203, thanked everyone for coming to honor the men and women who served during the Vietnam War. Mr. Hobbs said he was especially grateful for Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole arranging for the event to be held in front of the Highway 153 Walmart. Chairman Eversole recently retired from Walmart.
Guests included Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, District Attorney Coty Wamp and their father, former 3rd District Congressman Zach Wamp. Other special guests included General Bill Raines, Former Hamilton County District Attorney Bill Cox, and Retired City Court Judge Russell Bean.
Jim Sadler, a 93-year-old Navy veteran, was believed to be the senior veteran to attend and enjoy the fish fry.
It was noted that some of the Vietnam Vets listened to Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajck when he was a disc jockey on American Forces Vietnam Network in 1968 and 1969. After Sajack’s discharge he returned to Nashville and worked as a weatherman for WSM TV. He later got a job in California, and in 1981 Merv Griffin recommended him for the Wheel of Fortune TV game show that’s still on the air today.
Pat Sajack has said, “My respect for those who serve has stayed with me throughout my life. My time in the military, particularly in Vietnam is among those things in my life of which I’m most proud.”
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203 meets the 3rd Monday of the month at the Mac Building at McCallie and Holtzclaw Avenues. For information about the chapter call Charlie Hobbs at 991-5858. Chapter 203 is the second largest in the United States with nearly 1,000 members.