Marion Tribune

4A —The Marion Tribune, Thursday, May 30, 2024 A s summer approach- es, Sequachee Val- ley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) wants to remind our members of the fan- tastic opportunity avail- able through our Heat Pump Financing Pro- gram. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this easy loan option to upgrade to an energy-ef- fi cient heat pump and en- sure your home stays cool and comfortable through- out the warmer months. Why Choose a Heat Pump? Heat pumps o ff er a cost-e ff ective and ener- gy-e ffi cient solution for both cooling and heat- ing your home. By har- nessing ambient air or ground temperature, heat pumps can provide consistent comfort while consuming less energy. This translates to poten- tial savings on your util- ity bills and a reduced environmental footprint. The Bene fi ts of SVEC’s Heat Pump Fi- nancing Program: Easy Loan Access: Our existing Heat Pump Financing Program pro- vides members with con- venient access to a ff ord- able loans speci fi cally designed for purchasing and installing energy- e ffi cient heat pump sys- tems. Easy Payment: Monthly payments are simply added to your electric bill. Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team is available to assist members throughout the process and our list of recommended quality contractors will help you fi nd the perfect system for you. Enhanced Comfort: By upgrading to a high- e ffi ciency heat pump, members can enjoy en- hanced comfort in their homes during the hot summer months, with- out worrying about sky- rocketing energy bills. If you’ve been con- sidering upgrading your home’s cooling system, now is the time to act! Contact SVEC today at 423-837-8605 or svall- eyec.com/heat-pump- fi nancing to learn more about our Heat Pump Financing Program and how you can qualify for a loan to install an en- ergy-e ffi cient heat pump before the summer heat sets in. Get Ready for Summer Comfort with SVEC’s Heat Pump Financing Program S andra Tennille pre- sented the Senior Citizen Report to the Whitwell Mayor and Commissioners board. In April, the senior center served 619 meals, and a new assistant was added to the team. The number of Meals on Wheels sub- scribers has increased to 10, nearly doubling over the past few years. Addi- tionally, the senior center will be conducting a sum- mer camp in June, which will include crafting ac- tivities, lunch provided by Crossroads, and dem- onstrations. Tennille also mentioned upcoming collaborations, includ- ing a 4H sewing class in partnership with the li- brary and cooking classes with extension services. Engage and support the community with your attendance. Look for up- dates in the community calendar. Whitwell’s senior citizen center reports advancing numbers Jason Turner, Alderman Les Price and Alder- woman Jennifer Cardin, as well as guest speaker Major William Webb. Pastor Greg Steele of Jasper First Baptist Church began the cer- emony with an open- ing prayer, followed by the Jasper Scout Troop 5 posting the colors. The crowd then joined together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Kathy McGowan sang the National Anthem as the Honor Guard raised the fl ag. Special guest speak- er, Major William Webb was introduced and his background presented to the crowd. Major Webb enlisted in the Army Re- serves while still a se- nior in high school. After graduating in 1996, he attended basic combat training at Fort Leon- ard Wood, MO, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Huachu- ca, AZ. Throughout his military career, he served in various roles, achiev- ing the rank of NCO and undergoing active train- ing. He participated in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, serving in intelligence positions within the U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and NATO. His 25-year active service in the U.S. Army saw him take on numerous leadership roles, culminating in his retirement as a major in 2020. Educationally, Major Webb holds a master’s degree in science and strategic intelligence from the National Intel- ligence University and a bachelor’s degree in po- litical science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Current- ly, he works with the Cen- tral Intelligence Branch as a Department of the Army civilian, supporting the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command G2 at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Major Webb detailed the history of Memorial Day and speci fi c notes on Tennessee’s role in shap- ing its celebration to this day. To understand Me- morial Day, it’s essential to know its origins and how it became a fed- eral holiday. Originally called Decoration Day, it was established as a day to remember and honor veterans by decorating their graves with fl owers, wreaths, and fl ags. This tradition began three years after the Ameri- can Civil War ended, on May 20, 1868. Initially, it commemorated soldiers from both sides of the Civil War, the deadliest con fl ict in American his- tory. On the fi rst Decora- tion Day in 1868, Civil War General James Gar- fi eld, who later became the 20th U.S. President, gave a speech at Arling- ton National Cemetery. During this event, 5,000 participants decorated the graves of over 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there. This tradition was adopted by many states and became an annual event. By 1890, Decora- tion Day was an o ffi cial holiday in each state. The tradition expanded after World War I to honor all soldiers who died in mili- tary service. Decoration Day was eventually renamed Me- morial Day and was o ffi - cially recognized as a fed- eral holiday in 1971. To- day, Americans observe Memorial Day in various ways. Some attend bar- becues and family gath- erings to mark the unof- fi cial start of summer, while others participate in ceremonies, visit cem- eteries, and pay their re- spects at war memorials. Additionally, many citizens wear red poppies to remember those fallen in war, a tradition root- ed in the famous World War I poem “In Flan- ders Fields.” This poem memorialized soldiers buried beneath poppy- covered fi elds in Bel- gium. Initially, red pop- pies were used to com- memorate U.S., British, and Canadian military casualties of World War I. Today, red poppies can be seen on veterans’ la- pels, hats, or at veterans’ cemeteries worldwide. As we remember those who have fallen in service to our nation, we also hon- or those whose acts of courage and valor have been recognized with the military’s highest awards for combat. The Depart- ment of Defense o ffi cially recognizes 33 Medal of Honor recipients from the state of Tennessee. No state has a richer history with the Medal of Honor, the nation’s high- est award for valor, than Tennessee. Except for the Cold War on Terror, a Tennessean has received aMedal of Honor in every major con fl ict since its creation in 1865. Marion County is distinguished by having two Medal of Honor recipients. One of them is Sergeant First Class Ray Eugene Duke, whose story will be me- morialized on a historic marker. Ray Eugene Duke, born in Whitwell, enlist- ed in the United States Army during World War II. By the Korean War, he was a Sergeant First Class in the 21st Infan- try Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division. On April 26, 1951, at Bugak, Korea, he demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and outstanding cour- age above and beyond the call of duty. When ordered to withdraw, he learned that several of his men were isolated and heavily engaged. He led a small force in a daring assault, recovering the position and rescuing the beleaguered troops. Despite being wound- ed by mortar shrapnel during another enemy attack, Sergeant First Class Duke calmly moved along his platoon line, co- ordinating better fi elds of fi re and urging his men to hold fi rm against North Korean forces. Even after being wounded a second time, he received fi rst aid and returned to his posi- tion. Despite his wounds, Sergeant First Class Duke continued to brave withering enemy fi re to defend each position when the enemy attacked again at dawn. Despite mounting casualties, the platoon was ordered to withdraw once more. However, Sergeant First Class Duke, wounded for the third time in both legs, was unable to walk. Recognizing that he was impeding the escape of two comrades carry- ing him from the hill, he urged them to leave him behind and seek safety. He was last seen pouring devastating fi re onto the onrushing enemy forces. Eventually captured by the enemy, he died a few months later in a North Korean prison camp on November 11, 1951. His remains were repatri- ated to the United States, and he was buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full mili- tary honors, alongside many other brave ser- vicemen and women. Sergeant First Class Duke was posthumous- ly promoted to Master Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor on March 10, 1954, for his cosmic courage, superb leadership, and heroic ac- tions against overwhelm- ing odds. His Medal of Honor is now displayed at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga. The men and women who bravely answered their nation’s call left behind families, friends, and communities to serve sel fl essly. They trained and de- ployed to hostile loca- tions worldwide, destroy- ing our nation’s enemies without reservation or evasion. They took their last breaths fi ghting in the air, on land, and at sea, dying on the beaches of Normandy, Iwo Jima, the Coral Sea, and Mid- way during World War II, in Korea or Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Des- ert Storm, and Mogadi- shu, Somalia. They also perished during Opera- tion Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Free- dom, and numerous other global battle fi elds. Their legacy endures in our hearts and the na- tion’s soul. General Jor- dan Patton encapsulated the essence of Memorial Day, stating, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived. We should never forget their ultimate sacri fi ce to en- sure the United States of America will never perish from this earth. We may not know them all, but we owe them all.” Major Webb recited in conclud- ing his speech. A salute to the fallen was provided by Hugh Jordan with the following names: Larry Calloway, David Michael Carnes, Kevin Cooper, Peggy Durham, Dennis Ray El- liott, James Edward Ev- ans, Roy Lee Fowler, Bu- ford Genter, Harm John Henning, Terry Holder, Thomas David Johnson, John Kaprelian, Je ff rey Murphy, Henry “Luke” Luther Nelson, Howard Corky Owens, Horace Wayne Parker, Rueben Ray Prince, John Reams, Michael Rose, Thomas Earl Rogers, Billy Say- lor, Robert “Bob” Sher- rill, Barbara Payton, Don Roger Trowbridge, Den- nis Webb, Phyllis West. To conclude the cer- emony the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard presented a salute and the closing prayer was provided by Pastor Greg Steele. Photos courtesy of Ni- cole Walden and sta ff Memorial Day Continued from Page 6A and parking lot, estimat- ing the plot size to be around 2.5 to 3 acres for parking with gravel and grass. Mayor Pesnell noted that the plot is larger but aimed to en- sure that there would be a sufficient access point for the company. Attor- ney Gouger confirmed another access point exists. The Lofty repre- sentative supported us- ing the secondary access point at the back for the company. Commissioner Mat- thews made a motion to sell the property, with conditions that Kimball retains access for park- ing and Lofty Construc- tion fulfills their promis- es of filling, grading, and improving the area. The motion included deter- mining the price based on an independent fair market appraisal and a new survey. Commis- sioner Sisk seconded the motion, and Vice Mayor Case agreed, ensuring the town maintains ac- cess to the surrounding property. Mayor Pesnell in- quired whether the ac- cess should be granted in perpetuity or for a specific number of years. Attorney Gouger advised that either op- tion would be binding if explicitly stated in the contract and suggested involving a surveyor to work with both par- ties to establish specific standards for the area division. Discussion about fencing revealed that Lofty Construction is undecided about all the work to be done but plans to terrace the sides. The cost of the surveyor’s services was debated, with Vice Mayor Case suggest- ing Lofty Construction should pay, which May- or Pesnell agreed with. However, the Lofty rep- resentative argued that the city should cover the cost as it currently owns the property, leading to a suggestion to split the cost between the city and the company. Re- gardless, the purchase will be based on fair market value requiring a surveyor’s services. Alderwoman Lofty disclosed that her father owns the company but emphasized she has no monetary or other con- nections, noting the city needs the park area to be redone. Mayor Pesnell expressed concern about potential bias despite her disclosure. Attorney Gouger explained the ethical context, noting that while Alderwoman Lofty does not have a direct interest, she has an indirect connection through her father. Additionally, Lofty Construction offered to redo the second parking lot on the other side of the hill. Attorney Goug- er advised this would need to be a separate deal to avoid any con- flicts of interest regard- ing the sales of both lots. The motion passed with votes from Mat- thews, Sisk, and Case, while Mayor Pesnell vot- ed against it, and Alder- woman Lofty abstained. Further discussions concluded with plans to work on surveyor servic- es over the next month to gather the necessary information for the next meeting. Park Continued from Page 6A