Boots on the Ground
By Thomas Corder,
Commander VFW Post 5127
It almost goes without saying that veterans respect and honor the American flag. That is especially true for members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. From San Juan Hill and Manila Bay to Fallujah and the mountains of Afghanistan, our comrades have carried the stars and stripes into battle. Nobody understands the true meaning of those colors better than they. Consequently, the VFW goes to great lengths to promote a better understanding of our national emblem. Post 5127 in Whitley City certainly does its part in this great and worthwhile crusade.
A few years ago, the Post entered into an agreement with McCreary County Fiscal Court and was given permission to display the American Flag along Main Street in Whitley City on all Federal holidays and other days deemed important to the VFW. That is why, on those special days, you will see Old Glory waiving proudly from the Main Street Barber Shop to the top of Jesus Hill. We are deeply appreciative of the support we have received from the Judge/Executive and the Magistrates and trust that both will continue to assist us in our efforts to educate the citizens of McCreary County.
Although every task undertaken by Post 5127 is performed with a spirit of teamwork, one member has taken it upon himself to ensure that the flag is displayed on the designated occasions. Joe Bobbie Worley is dedicated to seeing that the job gets done and it is. Comrade Worley has, apparently, adopted the old Postal Service motto of permitting “neither snow or rain, nor gloom of night,” to interfere with his posting of the nation’s colors. Joe’s eligibility for the VFW is based upon his receipt of the Korea Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. These ribbons that Joe wears proudly on his breast represents two conflicts and two awards for meritorious service, spanning a career in the United States Army that lasted more than twenty years. Following his retirement from the Army, Joe returned to McCreary County and worked for the Southern Railroad. When not working at the Post headquarters in the Joe Jackson Building, he can be found at the Senior Citizens Center, most often during lunch time. He is usually upbeat, wearing a cheerful smile, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. When you see him, give him a shout-out. He is, truly, one of McCreary County’s unsung heroes.
On September 11, the Post conducted another solemn ceremony at the courthouse, commemorating the tragic event that took place on that date in 2001. This year, we singled out the McCreary County Rescue Squad for recognition. The dedicated men and women who serve in the rescue squad are, also, heroes, and we owe each of them a debt of gratitude. Over the years, they have put in long hours, looking for lost people and dragging the rivers for victims of drowning. They receive no public funding and keep their group alive through the voluntary donations of time and money. So, hats off to the rescue Squad. We are so proud of you.
It is hard to believe that sixteen years have gone by since the radical Islamic terrorists struck the World Trade Center in New York City and attempted an attack on the nation’s capital. Not since the surprise attack upon the naval base at Pearl Harbor in 1941 has anything united the American people as did the 9/11 attack. Like most of you, I wish we could all come together again in brotherhood as we were in the days and months following the attack, but, sadly, we seem to be more divided than united these days.
Until next time, may God bless you and may God bles the United States of America. When you see a vet, don’t forget to say Thank You.
