This was the second year that Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans participated in the annual Wreaths for Vets ceremony held at the Central Texas State Cemetery.
Laying holiday wreaths actually began ten years ago when the Wreaths Across America organization sent six wreaths to our cemetery and every other veterans cemetery in the United States to be laid in honor of each military service branch and POW/MIA. An individual, Jean Shine believed that there should be a wreath laid at each grave and within three days, she had gathered enough wreaths and volunteers to make it happen.
Volunteers of all ages show up to prepare the wreaths and then to lay a wreath on the grave of each veteran.
It’s important to honor those who have served; it also gives you a sense of humility. The awesome ceremony reaches out and touches many emotions.
While waiting on the arrival of the Wreaths for Vets 18 wheeler that would bring almost 5000 Wreaths, a helicopter approached the cemetery. Everyone was curiously watching when Ms Timmons and Ms Dorothy Griffin sprinted toward the helicopter. Once there they asked if it was ok to take pictures, and approval was granted. They found it was the Air Evacuation Life Team. One of the group indicated that she always attended this event and had to work this time. So they got permission to bring the chopper to the event. What an awesome treat!
The 18 wheeler bringing in the Wreaths was preceded by various motorcycle groups. As a motorcycle groups entered the Veterans cemetery, Ms Timmons asked if any of our members were of a bike club. We knew our members, both Pam Jamerson and Robert Booker were members of a motorcycle group but the surprise was when Eddie Sherman stated he rode with the baddest motorcycle group for 21 years. Ms Timmons asked which group "he stated "The United States Army" and that started our day as we headed to our assigned section.
The program ceremony was solemn and respectful. The 1st Calvary division posted colors. The guest speaker stated "There are 1440 minutes a day no one gets anymore or any less but we have the opportunity to determine how we spend them. Give honor where honor is due and our veterans deserve a "Hero's Welcome Home" and to the Veterans of America we know Thank you is not enough."
SG-VHV team members placed over 600 wreaths in section 2 (Under direction of Marty Smith) then the team visited and paid respect at the graves of our members or spouses of members and family.
1. David Lehmkuhler (SG-VHV Member)
2. James "Don"Bailey (SG-VHV Member)
3. Willie Gordon (SG-VHV Member)
4. Willie Browning (SG-VHV Member)
5. Earnest Peel (Spouse of SG-VHV Member)
6. Mark Melo (Spouse of SG-VHV Member)
7. Keith Pullins (Spouse of SG-VHV Member)
8. Suzanne Belland (Relative of SG-VHV member).
Thank you to the SG-VHV Members for their participation:
John Cook, Dorothy Griffin, Dale Treadway, Evelyn Peel, Marty Smith, Sheila Timmons, Eddie Sherman, Eddie Perkins, Karen Powell, Stanley Davis, Michael Barker, Nikki Jones, Brenda Wright, Stephanie Mello, Audra Hill, Katrina Washington, Greg Jones, Pamela Jamerson and Acquanetta Pullins
SEE OUR FB PAGE FOR MORE PICTURES - https://www.facebook.com/StarGroupVeteransHelpingVeterans