by Kelli Hughett
UMPI YOUR PACE STUDENT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Veterans, their families, and friends came together for a ceremony honoring Ethridge/Lawrenceburg, Tennessee veterans who served in the United States military last month. It took place last month at the Lawrenceburg Elks Lodge on Crews Street.
In addition to receiving a patriotic quilt, the ceremony gave veterans a forum to discuss experiences.
Jimmy Jones, a veteran of the U.S. Army, cried as the presenters revealed his quilt. It featured the American flag and a rendering of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was the event’s emotional high point.
Victoria Johnson, a Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, was also recognized. She recalled it as a historic moment, as she was a member of the first-ever deployment of women to the Middle East.
“You can understand that women in uniform were not very popular in the Middle East,” she recalled, stressing obstacles and victories faced by women in the Armed Forces. “Let’s say the Saudi Arabians didn’t take well to us.”
She recalled her time as a cryptologist. “I won’t forget what happened to me over there, but I also can’t talk about it even now. Most of what I did [during Operation Desert Storm] was classified.”
Victoria Johnson said she was on track for an illustrious career in the military. Instead, she chose to raise a family after serving seven years.
According to Johnson, she “has few regrets about her career.”
“I was poised, right there on the edge, of some great opportunities as a woman in the Navy,” she explained, “But in the end, I chose to be a mom.” Johnson received a quilt made of calico in shades of red, white, and blue at the ceremony.
In keeping with the family’s military heritage, Johnson’s grandson Ethan also showed up for the event.
“I’m off to boot camp in July,” he declared. “Starting excites me so much.” In keeping with his grandmother’s dedication to duty, Ethan Johnson has enlisted in the US Army National Guard.
Other US Military personnel honored at the ceremony included John Blair (Army), Johnny K. Hartsfield (Army), James Keeton (Navy), Pamela Jean Manuele (Army Nurse Corps), James Manuele (Army), Ed Smith (Army), Lee Smith (Army), Mark Waggy (Air Force), and David Yates (Army).
