Memorial Day Salute

by Earline Knox

These are torch bearers on behalf of Viet Nam and all world wars. Both men proudly wear their American Legion caps (F.D. Thompson Post 521) where Edwards is chaplain and McHenry is adjutant.

Frederick McHenry – Combat Vet Viet Nam Era in Southeast Asia Purple Heart recipient (severely injured and could have died)

Art "Silver Fox" Edwards Combat Vet – Viet Nam Era in Southeast Asia- Author of coffee table best seller, "From Sword to Pen", a unique poetic approach to explaining PTSD in combat vets.

These gentlemen have been co-facilitators of group therapy sessions for PTSD vets a number of years. There theme is "Vets helping Vets." Dr. Mitchell Young is the clinician. They currently meet at the Chenault Aviation Museum in Monroe LA.

· Quincy Jones, Jr. -five tours of Iraq and Afghanistan

· Retired Chief Master Sergeant Steven Higgins – 29 years, USAF

· Retired Lieutenant Colonel Beverly Lewis – 27 years, USAF, Barksdale AFB

· In memoriam: World War II vet Cecil Clifton Knox, my grandfather, and his four sons, Cecil Lee Knox, Wilton George Knox, Amos Eugene Knox and James Collins Knox. Of my grandfather Cecil Clifton Knox's siblings only one child survived Sylvia Knox Barnes. Tributes to these veterans and with whom I am familiar represent the struggles and victories of all veterans of all wars. May God continue to bless them and their families for their immeasurable sacrifices.

Photo F. D. Thompson Post 521 Veterans Hardy Gunn, Frederick McHenry, Freddie Downs, Woody Staten, Bobby Lloyd, Jeff Williams, Pelton Wells, Arthur "Silver Fox" Edwards, the late Abraham "Jack" Henderson and Charles Grayson.