Veteran's Week Observance - 2001

"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" have been the motivating Ideals of Americans, since before its official foundation as an Independent Nation was even laid!

Our First Veterans of the Historic Battle at Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774, established a tradition of bravery and dedication to these Nobel ambitions of Independence, Freedom and Harmonious Living that continues today, to be the Greatest Force on Earth,

the UNITED STATES MILITARY SERVICES.

While many have been called into action once again, to do the Nation's Duty, let us take this time to reflect on those GREAT MEN AND WOMEN who gave so freely of themselves already, to establish and preserve the luxury that we are living in, as AMERICANS.

- David S. Taylor

Mr. Eugene M. Shay

Our Honored Guest Speaker for the Veterans' Appreciation Dinner will be Mr. Eugene M. Shay. The title of his presentation is:

"Experiences as a World War II Soldier and a Veterans' Advocate"

He will be speaking about his background as a W.W. II Veteran, Commander of EX-POWs Chapter 10 of Springfield, OH and the State Bugler for the Ex-POWs organization.

Bring a guest, or even a potential member!

This is a presentation that ALL Patriotic Americans Will be sure to WANT to attend!

WHEN….. WEDNESDAY evening November 14, 2001 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE….The Springfield Inn, Downtown, Springfield, Ohio.

MEAL……Roast Turkey with Cranberry Nut Dressing and Gravy, Salad, Gelatin Salad, Glazed Carrots, Special Desert, Rolls and Beverage.

COST…..$12.50 per person…..(gratuity included)

PLEASE be sure to send your Reservations Form with your check, mailed No Later Than Friday, November 9^th. Make checks payable to GEORGE ROGERS CLARK CHAPTER S.A.R.

CALL TERRY WHETSTONE (324-5841) if you need to make a reservation after Friday, November 9^th.

Robert A. Ehrhart and OHSSAR Flag Chairman Martin A. Whetstone

ROBERT A. EHRHART receives the prestigious Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Flag Award as the first presented in the 2001 SAR year from George Rogers Clark Chapter by Ohio Society Flag Chairman, Past President Martin A. Whetstone. Mr. Ehrhart is a lifelong resident of Springfield and retired grocer from a family which had operated grocery businesses in Springfield since 1892. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he and his wife Gloria have resided at 2524 Carousel Dr. since 1963 and have proudly displayed their flag all the time to inspire their neighbors, including GRCC Compatriot Allan O. Downs who recommended the Ehrharts for this award. Also present at the ceremony with OHSSAR First Vice President Terry A. Whetstone were the Ehrhart's daughter Robin Jobe and their granddaughters Alicia and Lindsay Jobe.
 

RICHARD F. KERSHNER is a lifelong resident of Yellow Springs and proudly displays our American flag just south of the Greene County line on U.S. Route 68. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 1897th Army Aviation Construction Engineers in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He witnessed the Battle of Leyte Gulf as part of the return landings of Allied Forces in the Philippines in October 1944. While ashore in the Philippines, he and his unit began constructing airfields for Army Air Force, Navy, and Marine aircraft. As his unit moved forward onto other Pacific islands including Okinawa, he was in areas still subjected to enemy aircraft bombing while they completed road, airfield, and other military facilities construction. His unit was one of the first engineering units moved into Japan following the end of the war.

Paul Schenck, Richard and Betty Kershner, Terry Whetstone

In 1946 he returned to Yellow Springs and married his wife, Betty, who shares in the pride and duty of maintaining their flag at 4969 U.S. Rt. 68 N, their residence since 1953. The Kershners are retired: Richard from Morris Bean Company and Betty from Vernay Laboratories, Inc. Their flag display has inspired their neighbors, including GRCC President Paul D. Schenck who recommended the Kershners for this award.

Compatriot Schenck and OHSSAR First Vice President Terry A. Whetstone presented the award at the Kershner residence, located across U.S. Rt. 68 from Young's Dairy. Also present at the ceremony was Ohio Society Past President Martin A. Whetstone, OHSSAR Flag Chairman.

Terry Whetstone and AMVETS Post 148 Commander Eugene Pugh

The third SAR Flag Award of 2001-2002 from George Roger Clark Chapter was presented to AMVETS Post 148, of Medway, Ohio. The presentation was made to Post Commander Eugene Pugh by OHSSAR First Vice President Terry Whetstone at the AMVETS' meeting October 3, 2001. OHSSAR Flag Award Chairman Martin Whetstone recommended this group as the first AMVETS post in Clark County area to receive this prestigious SAR award as part of their patriotic goals.

This is the 10th year in a row the SAR has presented the SAR Flag Award to an area resident or organization in recognition of their exemplary patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America.