Military Appreciation Night for Bob Jones honors veterans of several wars

MADISON – Bob Jones High School’s staff allotted time during 2019 Homecoming festivities to acknowledge some of the veterans who helped to preserve freedom at remote locales around the world.

Members of American Legion, Post 229 in Madison were among those veterans honored at Bob Jones Military Appreciation Night at the game on Oct. 4. Bob Jones played against Grissom High School of Huntsville, and the Patriots were successful with a 21-2 victory against the Tigers.

Although the recognition included all veterans, the people who served in World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War and Desert Shield/Desert Storm received special emphasis for the evening.

Veterans who walked onto the field received applause and cheers from spectators in the stands. These veterans included Lieutenant Colonel Stacey Harring in the U.S. Army who served in the Persian Gulf; Corporal Marvin Brown, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy was deployed in the Korean War; Ship Serviceman, 3rd Class Andy Caudle served with the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War; and Private 1st Class Major Wooten fought in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Wooten was escorted onto the field by his great-granddaughter Sydney McDonald, who currently is a cheerleader at Bob Jones. Wooten will be 103 years old on his birthday in December 2019.

Wooten, Harring and Caudle are members of Madison American Legion, Post 229. Harring serves as Post Adjutant, while Caudle volunteers as Post Chaplain.

In the off-field ceremony, Larry Vannoy and Tom McKinney also participated in activities. Vannoy, who retired as Colonel with the U.S. Air Force, is Post Commander of Madison American Legion. A Vietnam War veteran, U.S. Marine Sergeant Paul T. ‘Tom’ McKinney also was deployed to other assignments in Asia and the United States. McKinney works as Madison Post 229’s Americanism Committee Chairperson.

During halftime, Bob Jones Band performed “The Service Melody,” which includes the hymn of each military service. Veterans, past and present, attending the game were asked to stand as the band played their service hymn. Director Leigh Thomas and Assistant Director Smart lead the band program at Bob Jones.

Madison American Legion, Post 229 holds regular membership meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Lunar Lodge, 740 Eastview Drive, Madison. For more information, call 256-468-8400 or visit americanlegionpost229.org.