More than 400 people participated in the 16th annual Retired Military Family Group Military Ball held Nov. 11, the 75th anniversary of the Veteran’s Day holiday and the 95th observance of what started as Armistice Day. This event has become the oldest, and largest, and most well attended such event in this area.
During the celebration fourteen World War II veterans were honored by the cadet corps of the Umatilla High School Army Junior R.O.T.C. when Lieutenant Colonel Charles Minyard, Senior Army Instructor at Umatilla, presented them with World War II challenge coins.
Colonel Lawrence (Larry) Meier, U.S. Air Force (Retired) was honored as the military member who entered service at the earliest date. Colonel Meier was 18 years old when he entered the U. S. Army Engineer Corps in September 1940. During his career he helped to build Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and was part of the team that cleared obstacles prior to the landing at Normandy, June 6, 1944. He retired in 1965. Lieutenant Commander Jeff Pearson was honored as the latest member to join the military service. LCDR Pearson enlisted in the United States Navy in 1985, serving for six years. In 1991, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He received his commission in 1998, and retired from active service in 2011.
Lieutenant Commander Al Spinks, United States Navy (Retired) was one of many Veterans of Underage Service who were also recognized. Some had entered the military as young as 14 years of age in a patriotic response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
The Villages Elementary School at Lady Lake chorus, under the direction of Scott Baltunis led the group in the National Anthem during the presentation of the U.S. Flag by cadets from Umatilla High School Army Jr. R.O.T.C.
After the presentation of the Colors the cadets presented the flags of the five military services and the Merchant Marines during toasts given to each of the services and to the Constitution of the United States of America. This was followed by a very moving tribute to our POWs and MIAs who are as yet unaccounted for by the cadets.
Brigadier General John F. Sievertson, U.S. Air Force (Retired), a long time member of the Retired Military Family Group, presented brief remarks about the history and significance of Veteran’s Day and the importance of supporting our wounded warriors and their Families. He emphasized how important it is to very carefully research fund rising organizations to be sure they are true to their stated purpose.
The Villages Swing Band, under the direction of Jean Butler, provided music during dinner and for dancing throughout the evening.