FOURTH ANNUAL VETS DINNER BIG SUCCESS - Honoring Those Who Served

(08/31/2003)

Over 100 attend annual Vets Dinner Drivers recognized for VA van trips FRONT (L to R) Gale Tanner, Kathryn Burrows, Coleman Burrows REAR (L to R) Paul Wilson, Roy Pursley and Jim Yoak Spencer vet Denver Gandee shares his military story Over 100 veterans and their guests attended the Fourth Annual Veteran's Appreciation Day at Arnoldsburg Saturday. Vets from Calhoun, Roane, Wirt, Clay, Wood, Jackson and several other counties attended, according to Frances Tanner, President of VFW 5959's Ladies Auxiliary. "It is our time to try and honor those who have served our country, past and present," said Tanner. Denver Gandee, Spencer resident, World War II veteran and Past Commander of the VFW, spoke to the group about his military experiences, recalling his personal acquaintance with Medal of Honor recipient Bernard P. Bell, a Calhoun native. Jim Horner, District 5 VFW commander talks about veteran's issues Old-timer Bruce McCune of Orma attends dinner Frances Tanner recognizes Spencer VFW van driver John Riley Other speakers included Jim Horner, District Commander of the VFW from Parkersburg, who spoke about legislation regarding vets in West Virginia and Delegate Bill Stemple of Calhoun, who read his composition about being a soldier. Special recognition was given to the volunteer drivers of the VA hospital van. Almost 1,200 hours were donated by eight volunteers, who drove 18,900 miles and transported 227 patients, according to Paul and Freda Whytsell, who coordinate the project. The group enjoyed a large buffet dinner provided by the VFW and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Gifts were given recognizing special efforts, in addition to door prizes. Four groups provided music for the dinner, including the Whytsell Boys, the Browns, the Country Swingers and the Jones'. "We are grateful to the people who came and those who helped put this on," said Tanner. "We really want to thank the merchants and individuals who donated to the dinner." Spencer's "Country Swingers" entertain The Whytsell Boys (center) plus Smith and Parsons

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