Veterans Prayer Breakfast at Hogan Family YMCA honored all veterans
MADISON – As in years past, Mayor Ranae Bartlett attended the 20th annual Veterans Prayer Breakfast, which Heart of the Valley YMCA presented at Hogan Family YMCA on Nov. 6.
“In Madison, we’re proud to count so many veterans among our neighbors, friends and colleagues. It was a joy to celebrate our local veterans, hear their stories and thank them personally for their service. Gatherings like (the breakfast) are a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made on our behalf and of the strength our veterans continue to bring to this community,” Bartlett said.
Bartlett recognized a few veterans from City Hall:
• Chief Johnny Gandy, Madison Police Department — Served in U.S. Air Force in 1981-1985 as Senior Airman (E-4) and Security Police Law Enforcement Specialist. He performed duties as a military police officer. Gandy was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom during the height of the Cold War and later at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., where he served in a mobility unit subject to global deployment. In 1984, Gandy’s unit at Keesler was recognized as the best medium-sized squadron in the entire Air Force.
• Lt. Ralph Dawe, Madison Police Department — Served in the U.S. Air Force from May 2001 to April 2007, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) in Security Forces. Dawe completed several overseas deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Councilmember Alice Lessmann, District 5 — Served 21 years from 1994 to 2015 in Alabama Army National Guard. She first served as a 92A, Logistical Supply Specialist, with 1/203rd Air Defense Artillery, a Patriot missile unit in Huntsville. Lessmann graduated from Alabama Military Academy Officer Candidate School or AMA OCS, Class 44. In Charlie Battery, she worked as Maintenance Platoon Leader and then transferred to the Medical Detachment in Birmingham.
For about three years, Lessmann served as Commander of the Medical Detachment. In 2015, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief Nurse for the Alabama Army National Guard.
“Each of these public servants continues to serve Madison with the same dedication they showed in uniform. We’re grateful for their service, both then and now,” Bartlett said.
Col. Anthony Rogers, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, was the keynote speaker for the breakfast.
“This cherished community tradition has brought together more than 300 veterans, active-duty military personnel and community leaders for a meaningful morning of gratitude, reflection and fellowship as we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation,” according to Heart of the Valley YMCA.
Akima was the presenting sponsor for the breakfast, which is powered in part by The Company You Keep and Raytheon.
This special event launches Veterans Week in the Tennessee Valley and rallies civilians and military personnel alike.
