Telling Stories

November 29, 2017

Remember Pearl Harbor

76 years ago, Dec 7th, the U. S. military installation in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese naval service. This attack caught the American military by surprise, sinking or damaging 18 ships, destroying 350 aircraft, and resulting in the deaths of 2,403 sailors, soldiers, and civilians and wounding another 1,000.

Why attack Pearl Harbor?

In an attempt to thwart Japan’s expansionist actions in Asia, America had issued economic sanctions and trade embargoes against them. Assuming that without money and goods, like oil, Japan would curb its expansionism. But instead, Japan held its ground. After a month of negotiations, neither side would budge and war appeared imminent.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the base of America’s Pacific Fleet, was the perfect point for such an attack. Located 2,000 miles from the U. S. mainland and about 4,000 miles from Japan, military leaders were not expecting an attack there and consequently it was relatively undefended. To the Japanese, however, it was the perfect target – the home of almost the entire naval fleet. With America’s naval vessels destroyed, Japan would be free to continue its expansion.

As a result, America declared war on Japan and entered World War II. Just three days later, Japan’s allies Germany and Italy declared war on America as well. Americans fought on two fronts – European and Pacific. They were responsible for ending the Pacific front battles by using atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. American soldiers fought with British and Russian allies on the European front.

Local Pearl Harbor Survivors Remember

Pensacola has two remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors. Their stories share personal details of the attack.

Frank Emond, a Navy musician, on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania, shares his account of the beginning of the attack.

William Braddock, a Marine, at breakfast on Ford Island, located in the center of Pearl Harbor, had a close up view of the mayhem.

The battles extended until 1945. Over 400,000 American citizens made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom and democracy. The courage and resolve of our military extend today as they protect and secure our nation. We must always Remember Pearl Harbor.

Two upcoming ceremonies will honor our local Pearl Harbor Survivors Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, 3 PM at the Rotary Tree of Remembrance ceremony in the Food Court of Cordova Mall and also on Thursday Dec. 7, 2017 at the World War II Remembrance ceremony, 10 AM, at National Naval Museum located on NAS Pensacola.

April 15, 2017

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge 2017 Awards

Pensacola Chapter Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge

The Pensacola Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge presented awards to the following Pensacola Citizens for their outstanding community involvement:

Adult Community – George Washington Honor Medal

Frank Emond – A Lifetime of Doing Good

Sarah Seelman and Jaque Taylor – Giving Back: Quilters Support Community and Honor Vets Through the Final Salute

Information Warfare Training Command, CDR Christopher Eng, USN and School District of Escambia County, Malcolm Thomas, Superintendent – Saturday Scholars

Youth Community – George Washington Honor Medal

Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge — Award accepted by her parents

Madeline Bookout – World War II Oral Histories

Tyler Carach – I DONUT need a reason to Thank a Cop

Jessica Hatton – McDonald House

Casey Scott – The Currie House

Educator – George Washington Honor Medal

Steve Tuley – Teaching through Drama

Public Communications – George Washington Honor Medal

The Appleyard Foundation, Dick Appleyard

The University of West Florida Historic Trust, Robert Overton, Exec. Dir.

The John Appleyard Storytelling Cottage

Jill Hubbs – They Were Our Fathers

Youth Essay – George Washington Honor Medal on Ribbon

Ethan Besemer, Dakota Fulton, Savannah Hush, Destiny Lewis James Todd, Alexander Wilson

Youth Essay – Certificate

Donald Reyes, Ricora Jones, Tierra Gooden, Caeley Farrior, William Kane,

Liberty Bell Award – Adult Community

Petty Officer First Class David D. Hernandez, USN

Navy Participation in Community Events

Liberty Bell Award – Special Events

The Northern District of Florida U.S. District Court

Naturalization

Lifetime Achievement- American Eagle on Stand

Pam Schwartz

“Life is a gift which is better when shared.”

Rusty Buggy Enterprises provided documentary coverage of this event and has created a DVD capturing the event. Order your copy to relive the event over and over.

December 22, 2016

Local Missionaries Participate in Light the World Day of Service

Light the World

Twenty-seven young men and women, missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent the day working on community service projects as they participated in a global initiative, Light the World. This project focuses on celebrating and sharing the light of Jesus Christ, the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) throughout the month of December.

Building Homes

One group of 10 traveled from Pensacola to Century, Florida to work with Habitat for Humanity building a home where recent tornadoes left many homeless. Families are still struggling more than nine months after a storm ripped through Century. Working together with BRACE, Escambia County, World Renew, and the Escambia Housing Finance Authority, Pensacola Habitat will build sixteen to twenty new homes. Volunteers worked to frame out a new home.

Home Improvement Store

Home building is only one of the many facets of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity. ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. They sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Local Habitat for Humanity affiliates own and operate Restore facilities. Proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope locally and around the world. 17 missionaries went to the Pensacola ReStore to help with projects there. They repaired items, built some things, loaded, unloaded cars, organized, cleaned the warehouse and helped customers. The manager expressed gratitude for the group’s efforts, “If everyone just helped out a little more like this, the world would be a better place.”

Volunteers at Food Bank

That was all done before lunch! After lunch, all 27 missionaries and two senior missionaries (an older couple) met at Manna Food Pantry. There they worked sorting food, cleaning and organizing recent food drive contributions.

Christ is the Light of the World

“It’s the Christmas season,” said David A. Bednar, a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leadership. “We have lights — all kinds of lights on our houses, on our trees, on our dining tables. So if we link those wonderful traditions with the source of truth, even Christ as the source of light, it just made great sense to all of us that we can share Christ’s message by doing simple acts of service to light the world.”

These kinds of projects are never finished. Volunteers are always needed especially during the holiday season. The initiative continues for the entire month. Standby for additional reports, this was just the first day! If you need ideas on how to serve others, visit http://www.JustServe.org.

November 14, 2016

Rotary Tree of Remembrance 2016

Rotary Tree of Remembrance

The Fourth Annual Rotary Tree of Remembrance will be on display at Cordova Mall in Pensacola from Sunday December 4 through Tuesday, December 27, 2016. The opening ceremony, to be held outside Dillard’s entrance at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 4th, is open to the public.

Pensacola Cordova Rotary, Rotary E-Club of the Southeast USA & Caribbean, and Combined Rotary Clubs of Greater Pensacola are sponsoring a Rotary Tree of Remembrance at Cordova Mall, located at 5100 N. 9th Avenue in Pensacola, FL. Donation beneficiaries include Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Simon Youth Foundation, Rotary’s Camp Florida, Covenant Hospice and Reading is Fundamental Pensacola.

The Rotary Tree of Remembrance is a Rotary International community-service project provided by the Rotary Club of Pensacola-Cordova, the Rotary E-Club of South East USA and the Caribbean, and the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola. Holiday shoppers are touched as they remember a loved one with a gold ribbon placed on the Tree.

Remember Loved Ones

“This is a great opportunity for families and friends to remember loved ones,” said Dave Reed, Rotary North member, “and extend the spirit of giving by making a contribution to these youth organizations.” Reed plans to be among the Rotary club members, Rotaract and Interact club members as well as charity representatives, who will be volunteering their time to greet the public and receive donations.

The December 4 Opening Ceremony will include an observance of the 75^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day . Several Pearl Harbor survivors living in the Pensacola area are expecting to attend. The Tate High School Choral Group, under the direction of Cynthia Domulo, will provide musical entertainment. After the holidays, Scouts will retire the ribbons placed on the Tree of Remembrance at the Boy Scouts’ annual U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony.

For additional Information Contact: Carl Backman, 850 602-1825

October 17, 2016

Pearl Harbor Survivor William Braddock Celebrates 94th Birthday

Happy 94th Birthday, Sgt. Maj. Braddock

Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima Survivor, Sgt. Maj. William (Bill) Braddock, USMC (RET.) celebrates 94th birthday with family and friends. In true Louisiana fashion, his son Dale had the fish, shrimp, fries and hush puppies piled high in addition to a giant pot of gumbo simmering on a back burner.

Some members of the Pearl Harbor Initiative, which was responsible for co-ordinating the 2011 honor flight for six Pearl Harbor Survivors to return to Pearl in celebration of the 70th commemoration of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, joined Bill’s children and grand children as they honored their “hero Dad.” Honor flight trip co-organizer, Lt Col Bill Phillips and his wife, Kathy, Rick Carraway, wife, Theresa and daughter, Samantha, and photographer/authors Robert and Billie Nicholson listened with smiles as Bill’s daughter, Carole, shared stories about how their dad had taught his kids how to swim. They learned so well, all five served as life guards at Corey Station. Three of his children still live nearby and the others are just a phone call away.

Sgt. Maj. Braddock shared details of his preparations for this year’s hunting season. His hunting club has already been out cleaning and repairing tree stands and setting up feeding stations.

Happy 94th Birthday to you!

When it was time for cake, Sgt. Maj. puffed up his chest and blew out the candles, including those hard to extinguish sparklers.

What’s next for the Pearl Harbor Survivors? Col. Phillips revealed some of the plans for a Dec. 7th trip to the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The three remaining Survivors will be part of a remembrance presentation and get special behind the scenes tours. When asked about the trip, Sgt. Maj. Braddock smiled and said, “We’ll be taking things one day at a time.”

Happy Birthday, Hero!

August 4, 2016

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS CELEBRATES PIONEER DAY WITH A PATRIOTIC FLAIR

Pioneer Day Celebration

Members of Hendersonville’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated its annual Pioneer Day. The celebration commemorates the 1,000 mile trek that many church members made across the American continent during the late 1800’s. The day began with a wide array of picnic foods, desserts and lemonade. The “OH’s” echoed throughout the shelter when a pickup truck arrived with two roasted pigs laid out for good ‘pickins’!

The celebration took on a more somber and nostalgic flavor when the entire group sang “Come, Come Ye Saints” a traditional song played and sung by the pioneers when crossing the plains in 1848 to escape religious persecution on their trek to Salt Lake City, Utah to establish Zion. The choir then sang ‘Pioneer Lullaby’ featuring the soulful sounds of piano and violin streaming throughout the park. It is a sad, haunting song of so many pioneers who had to bury their small children crossing the plains.

Hendersonville, NC has its own group of Pioneers. The Hendersonville LDS 2^nd Branch congregation has nearly 100 immigrant members from the Micronesian Islands of the western Pacific. Micronesia is a region that includes 2100 islands, some of which are US Territories. The region has no common written language, just many spoken dialects. Communicating even among themselves can be a challenge. They have found a common focus, however, in their love for Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“We the People”

On a more upbeat and patriotic note, all of the over 200 attendees (featuring many of our Micronesian members) sang in unison “We the People”. Composed by Sandy Wilbur for elementary school children, this song depicts the Preamble of our Constitution of the United States of America. Music Director, Darlene Beasley, hand-painted the “We the People” flag banner. This presentation truly represented the multi-culturism of our wonderful country. The blending of the many melodious voices and smiling faces certainly portrayed the unity and freedom we have in the United States and why we can be called ‘united’ as one, under God.

Modern Day Pioneers

There are no words to express the spirit at this event, especially when so many of the Micronesian families, in their native dress, performed their native dances to beautiful island music. So many wore turquoise and orange tee shirts labeled “LDS Pioneer – Micronesia” and then the rains came…blessings from heaven. They continued to dance as the downpour drenched them all…and they still smiled and danced…and we all cheered with joy and felt our hearts burst with love and appreciation for the unity we felt for our ‘modern day Pioneers’!

Story by Carolyn Meinhardt, 828-458-1504

For additional Information contact: Ben Beasley, Branch President (828) 698-1223

May 6, 2016

George B. Dodge, Sr. Recipient of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge National Award

US Navy veteran, George B. Dodge, Sr., is the recent recipient of the Pensacola Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge national award, “The George Washington Honor Medal,” for his extensive work in building the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade to the level at which it was recognized by the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. as a “Regional Veterans Day Site.” He built the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade from a paltry 128 people in 2010 to nearly 3,000 participants in 2013.

Dodge worked for three years as a Veteran’s Advocate with the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council. This Freedom Foundation Honor also recognizes his many efforts in the Escambia County community in park restoration, significant blood donations to One Blood of Florida, and his leadership as President of the AHEPA Pensacola Charitable Foundation, Inc. which awards scholarships to worthy students seeking to attend college or who are attending college. Under his leadership as President of AHEPA, Daphne Chapter 296, he brought a very successful National Convention to Pensacola for the first time in over a half century.

Dodge worked with Boy Scouts of America, Troop 432, for over twenty years. He was assistant scout leader helping with badges and camp outs. He was awarded the Marion C. Leach Conservation Award. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow.

His public service works through his own 501 (c) 3 as founder and President of “First Nations Intertribal Association, Inc.” took Dodge to many of the US Native American reservations as well as Guatemala and Honduras. While there, Dodge delivered clothing, appliances, medical and school supplies to those in need. He was the only one to bring hurricane relief to the Chitamacha Chocktaw people of Louisiana following devastating hurricanes in 2005 and 2006. He also assisted in preparations for Hurricane Ivan in Escambia County, FL in 2004. Following that devastation he chain-sawed many dangerous trees and tree limbs away from homes and streets and distributed food and water to those in need. He was recognized by Florida’s governor, Charlie Crist, with the “Governor’s Points of Light” Award in 2008.

George B. Dodge, Sr. joined the Greek Fraternal organization “American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA)” in 2008 and served as President for three years and Vice President for one year. He worked with Jodie Butler who founded the “Meals of Honor” program, which feeds homeless veterans, to make it a part of the Greek Fraternity “AHEPA” in 2013. During his tenure with AHEPA Dodge earned the District One Chapter President of the Year Award, the District One Distinguished Service Award, the Chapter 296 Community Service Award, the Service to Chapter Award, the Leadership in Church Award, and the Lifetime Marital Devotion Award. He is also a founding member and fifth year President of the “AHEPA Pensacola Charitable Foundation, Inc.”

Dodge is also an active member of the prestigious “Thunderbird Honor Guard” based in Fort Walton Beach, FL. This Native American Honor Guard presents and retires “Colors” at special public events.

Dodge entered the University of West Florida in 2003 to earn his third Masters Degree. During his tenure he wrote, promoted, directed and performed in his first (and very successful) play “Native American Heritage Theater,” organized a two day “Native American Festival” which was the largest festival of it’s kind ever accomplished on the University of West Florida Campus, and established the university recognized student organization, “First Nations Intertribal Student Organization of UWF.”

In 2004, he organized the first of many Mission Trips to Native American Reservations. The first of these trips was to the Rosebud Lakota Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Dodge earned the “University Of West Florida Presidents Leadership in Diversity Award” upon graduation with an MA degree. It is worthy of note that there is only one of these honors presented per year. Also the festival he created at UWF continues to be part of the annual “Festival On The Green” tradition at this University. He also has aided Mayan Indian People of Guatemala with school supplies and delivered clothing to the poor of Honduras. A book written by Robert and Billie Nicholson, The Cheyenne Sisters Mission, details one of his trips.

Dodge is currently the “Veteran’s Service Officer,” the “Veteran’s Day Parade Director,” and the director of the “Corpsman Unit” with the Corporal J.R. Spears Detachment #066 of the Marine Corps League of Pensacola, Florida, beginning 2015.

April 25, 2016

Hundreds Attend Doolittle Raiders Celebration

Over 500 people attended the Second Annual Doolittle Raiders Celebration held at NAS Pensacola. Sponsored by the CTW-6 (Navy) and the 479th Flight Training Group (USAF), naval and air force flight students, their guests and local military supporters came out to salute our Pensacola Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Historical Background

Launched on April 18, 1941, 16 American B-25 bombers flew from the aircraft carrier, USS Hornet, and commanded by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, this surprise air raid was designed to avenge the attack on Pearl Harbor. 80 brave crew members, referred to as the Doolittle Raiders, embarked on a “dangerous, secret mission” with little hope of surviving because the planes did not contain enough fuel to return to the ship. The flight successfully resulted in a bombing raid at high noon in Tokyo, the first attack of World War II . Believing that their homeland was safe, since Japan had not been attacked since 1281 by Kublai Khan, Japanese citizens were jerked into the reality that their homeland was no longer protected by the magical “kamikaze” – divine wind. This attack was the first joint mission between United States Army Air Force and the United States Navy against an enemy.

Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored

Three local Pearl Harbor Survivors, M. Jay Carraway, Frank Emond and Cass E. Phillips were the guests of honor at this year’s celebration. Each had an opportunity to recall their December 7th, 1941 adventures. In addition, survivor Angie Engel, wife of the late CDR Joseph Engel, and her family attended.

The Manhattan Dolls, based in Tuscon, AZ, provided music from the 1940’s. Excitement filled the hangar as active duty personnel had an opportunity to meet the Pearl Harbor Survivors, their families and supporters.

April 11, 2016

Chatham High School Class of 1966 Has 50 Year Reunion

April 2, 2016 – Members of the Chatham High School Class of 1966 had an opportunity to get together to renew acquaintances after 50 years of life beyond high school graduation. The second graduating class after five smaller area schools consolidated (Callands, Climax, Whitmell, Spring Garden and Chatham), the class of 1966 consisted of 119 students, 41 of which attended the event last weekend at the beautiful Chatham Community Center.

Over the last fifty years, the rich tapestry of their lives has had world-wide influence. Some have stayed in Pittsylvania County lifting where they stand while others have spread across the globe.

Class member, Roy Byrd, currently serving as Chatham’s Mayor says, “Ya’ll need to come back to stay.” Kathy Motley Pickeral said, “I’ve probably taught all your kids, if they live in Pittsylvania County.”

Chatham High School class member career choices included civil engineers, hospital administrators, authors, educators and entrepreneurs in addition to raising children to become responsible citizens. Mary Gregory Riddle plans to retire from Coca Cola Company with 45 years of service. Jimmy Giles, serving as a local minister reminded us that “I was the one who used to skip down the hall.”

Members traveled from across Virginia, North & South Carolina, Georgia and Florida for this celebration of life. Troy Lee Thompson traveled from Florida with his new wife, a charming lady.

Ten class members were recognized for their military service.“Our class motto is ‘Live today – tomorrow is too late’,” said 1966 Class President, Ronnie Emerson, “16 class members have passed away over the years.” A special remembrance table was set for them.

Class officers, Mary Gail Motley Easley and Joan Parker Brumfield assisted President Emerson in organizing the event. “It was wonderful to get updates from most of our class members,” said Ms. Brumfield.

Counting all the spouses and significant others in attendance, the group numbered 71. Thankfully the community center has bleachers so we could get everyone in one big group photo.

Chatham HIgh School Class of 1966 & Guests

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April 17, 2015

Florida Highwaymen At CCP Gallery

CCP Gallery Feature Florida Highwaymen

Two of the original 26 African-American artists who painted images of serene, undeveloped Florida landscape during the 1950’s – 1980’s held a gallery show in Pensacola. The artists visited CCP Gallery at 126 Palafox Place, over the weekend of April 10, 11, & 12th. Al Black and Sylvester M. Wells together with second generation Highwayman, A. J. Brown displayed their work described their experiences as Florida artists.

Using vivid colors in their paintings under the tutelage of white painter, A. E. “Bean” Backus, these artists painted in their garages and back yards on inexpensive Upson board. On the weekends they would ride the highway (hence the group’s name) selling their paintings to hotels, offices and individuals who loved their work.

Florida Highwaymen Honored

The artists received appreciation plaques and proclamations from Mayor Ashton Hayward for their outstanding artistic creations.

Disbanded for a while when art tastes changed, interest in “outsider art” revived in the mid 1990’s and brought the group back together. In 2004 the original 26 Florida Highwaymen were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. They are credited with beginning the “Indian River School” and “Backus” art movements.

Long time Fan Meets Artists

“We’re excited to have these renowned artists come to Pensacola to share their artistic experiences and their art,” said CCP gallery partners, Charles Crumpton and Marty Campbell. “My brother bought two of their paintings years ago and gave one to our mom,” Charlie recalled, “our 94 year old mother and my brother flew down from South Carolina to meet the artists responsible for the painting that has hung in her home for the past 44 years.”

Florida Highwayment — Mrs. Crumpton met artists AJ Brown and Al Black, members of the Florida Highwaymen

CCP Gallery opened in 2014 at 126 Palafox Place, with over 1,100 square feet of gallery space, they provide photo restoration and art print production. Twelve local artists of varied genre have their work on display as well.