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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