Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
When one enters the military of the United States of America, it’s been said that something happens in their lives and hearts. They gain an additional “family” that becomes a part of their lives forever.
On Sunday, November 11, over 65 Veterans and active military men and women enjoyed the comradery of seeing one another in a room filled with love and honor at the Eighth Annual Veterans and Active Military HONOR Dinner at the Craig VFW Post #4491.
The driveway was decorated with signs that shared the appreciation from both sides. The military team posted signs that read, “Because you freely gave, we freely live. We thank you!”
The Veterans of Foreign War also posted signs that welcomed all as well as a special sign that gave thanks to everyone who made the dinner possible. “What do you call a Veteran that got caught in the rain?…A Wet Vet,” one read.
The drive-in created warmth and as one entered, handshakes, hugs and great conversation was plentiful. Laughter permeated the atmosphere with such depth that no one was bothered by the tight quarters of the seating.
Each year Pam Dudding invites the community to help sponsor a dinner to serve all Veterans and active military of Craig County and their families. It was noted that, “It takes love of heart and a ‘village’ to put this together successfully, and this year Craig County truly came through.”
Betty Dudding, Lynn Elmore, Diane Givens and David Givens helped Pam with preparations this year. The team started meeting regularly months ago to properly prepare for the dinner.
Hundreds of hours were spent in planning all the particulars, calling military families and driving to Roanoke and Salem for donations, as well as in Craig.
Over 125 people were served at the dinner, while 25 dinners were delivered to Veterans and widows who were not able to attend, not including the 30 volunteers.
“Getting a meal delivered to me and my wife was so nice,” Eugene Francisco, the oldest living Veteran in Craig County, said, “It sure does beat my cooking.”
The dinner started with a special poem, Remember Me, read by teen Chris Lafon, which spoke on how the flag has always been there “waving the soldiers on” to a victory in war, and later as a remembrance in life of their standing patronage. It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner.
Veterans and family alike stood in attention with hands over their hearts and salutes of honor.
Danny Kendall then offered a heartfelt prayer of Thanksgiving and a special remembrance of the soldiers who have passed.
Many people donated to the delicious dinner: roast beef with gravy and slaw (311 Moose Lodge), mashed potatoes (by Pine Top), green beans (Jean Bradley), angel eggs (Lynn Elmore and friends), rolls (Daughters of the American Revolution D.A.R.) and desserts (Diane Givens, K&W and friends).
“We really enjoyed our meal this year,” Veteran Dennis White said. “This was our first year, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We will be back next year,” another couple shared.
Many took a liking to the desserts. “That was the best coconut cake I have ever tasted in my life,” said one Veteran with a smile.
Volunteers from Botetourt County, Craig Valley Baptist, Cornerstone Church-New Castle, D.A.R. and others within the county all volunteered as servers.
Lynn Elmore had her kitchen crew dipping as fast as the plates could be passed and Donna Francisco and her husband, Ricky, helped to guide the younger servers to their assigned guests.
“Being able to serve our Veterans is really good for them,” Francisco said. Many teens enjoyed interacting as they served the families.
“Being an ‘inter-generational’ event is very important to me,” Dudding shared. “We have much we can learn from our elder generations, and love to share between both.”
Veteran Dennis White writes poems and recited one of his favorites, The Johns Creek Rainbow, which touched the hearts of many.
David Givens provided a great sound system and TV, with a wireless mic so time could be given to each military person to introduce themselves. “I like that you have us do this now,” one shared. “We see each other on the streets, but now we know they are also one of our comrades.”
Dudding shared a scripture from John 15:13 which says, “Greater has no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
She added that it was a special day to honor each and every person that was in the room. We honor:
- YOU who were not given an option and who were drafted to serve our country.
- YOU who freely volunteered to serve.
- YOU who lost a loved one or loved ones that served.
- YOU who kept or are now keeping the home life going while your loved one served or is now serving.
“That is what makes us the United States of America,” Pam added. “We honor you, we love you and we thank you.”
The ‘Fallen Service Honor Table’ was presented by the D.A.R. and a time of silence was given in remembrance of the three Veterans – James Bostic, William (Bill) Bryant and Walter Short – who had passed in the previous year.
Special speakers and military personnel, Danielle Rock and Sandor Asboth, talked about the new assistance programs offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The program ended with the beloved song, ‘God Bless the USA’, where all stood in reverence and honor.
Tears were shed by several during the program. Some just lowered their head.
“I have trouble with this kind of stuff, but today you and your people made me feel the most appreciated I have been since I returned from Vietnam,” one Veteran shared in writing. “I cried some because I remembered two Marines that died so I could come home! Thank you!”
Over 150 door prizes were given out, and every military family left with at least two prizes. Some got haircuts, though they were bald and others who had ponytails didn’t want one. Belly laughs came from all directions.
A special prize was awarded to Lynn Elmore. She enjoyed getting the ‘bucket-filled’ donations from the auto stores. She received a gift card instead of a bucket and was disappointed, saying, “I really wanted a bucket!”
Betty Dudding prepared her a pink bucket and filled it with homemade apple butter and bread. Elmore couldn’t contain her giggles when she received it.
Some took their time in leaving, engaging in conversation and getting information from the speakers. Others took time to give personal thanks to the volunteers and other Veterans.
“Sometimes it’s good to see all these other men and women from Craig County who served like we did,” said one Veteran. “This gives us an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to them and recognize our comrades from now on.”
Dudding added, “There is nothing that makes us happier than providing a time and place for our local military personnel to enjoy one another’s company and to honor their service to our country and our community.”
