Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans March monthly meeting was dedicated to Vietnam Veterans.
During this meeting several Vietnam Veterans were Thanked, Recognized and Pinned.
Ten Vietnam Veterans and one Family of a deceased Vietnam Veteran received certificates, commemorative pins, special coins and bumper stickers as part of their long-delayed welcome home.
“It is a privilege to present you with this symbol of thanks and to honor your service and valiant sacrifice,” read Mr Haywood from the certificates signed by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.
THE VETERANS HONORED WERE:
Marine (Ret) Lt. Col. John A Linnemann
Army (Ret) CWO Vance Winslow
Army (Ret) SFC Jim McMurray
Army (Ret) SFC Johnny White
Army (Ret) SSG Edward L. Brown Sr.
Army (Ret) SSG Robert Golding
Army (Ret) SSG Gainwell White
Army (Ret) SSG Adam C. Butler
Army (Ret) SSG James Freeman
Army (Ret) SPC Paulette White
The Drayton Family was honored for deceased Vietnam Veteran Army (Ret) MSG Jimmy Drayton.
After many years, Jeannie Drayton has a bit of peace. Her husband, Jimmy Drayton, served in the Vietnam War. When he returned home after serving in Southeast Asia, the anti-war sentiment in the States caused him to be on the receiving end of hostile feedback, Jeannie recalled.
Jimmy served a total of 22 years in the Army, retiring as a master sergeant, then spent another 20 working for the government. He went to Iraq three times, Jeannie said, and was injured during his last assignment in the Middle East. Jimmy died in 2006. After 10 years of struggling to get the benefits due to her and her children, Jeannie turned to Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans. “Without them, we would never have gotten our benefits,” Jeannie said. During the Ceremony Jeannie and her son Jimel Drayton, received a long overdue honor. Jonathan Haywood, Star Group VHV’s president, presented the pair with a certificate and pin. “We want to make sure that we recognize our families,” Haywood said before reading from the certificate, “Our nation is forever indebted to you.”
Everyone in the packed room stood and applauded, thanking the Veterans for their service and giving them the Welcome Home they deserved.