Memorial Day Service honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, local community members dedicated to honoring veterans recognized for contributions

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Colonel Kimberly Daub is given a warm welcome to the podium

DRAFFENVILLE – In addition to honoring the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, today’s Memorial Day service at Mike Miller Park honored several local citizens who have spent a lifetime in service to others – particularly veterans.

Senator Danny Carroll served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Following the posting of colors by the American Legion Post 236, Senator Carroll opened the ceremony with a prayer offered by Reverend Kim Morrison of the Palma, Oakland and Mt. Caramel United Methodist Churches.

The National Anthem was offered by Stephanie Sims and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by 2nd District County Commissioner Johnny Bowlin.

The wreath dedication was offered by Brenda Sirls on behalf of the Kentucky Lakes Board of Realtors and the Battle Hymn of the Republic was offered by Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Shea Nickell.

After offering a brief opening, Carroll made a special presentation to Robert Chandler – organizer of the annual Memorial Day ceremony for the past seven years.

Carroll presented Chandler with a senatorial citation for his many years of service to veterans and for his efforts in the community with the citation reading in part, “Chandler is paid this most sincere tribute for his brave and courageous service as a distinguished service as a veteran of the US Airforce who served with great valor from 1969 to 1973 including the Vietnam War.

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Senator Carroll (right) presents Chandler with a Senatorial Citation

“He is further commended for his commitment and tireless service in support of his fellow veterans. A respected pastor…Second Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 236 and former coordinator of the Veteran’s Van Fund, “Chandler is recognized for the profound and positive impact he continues to have on the lives of the men and women who have served bravely in the armed forces.”

Taking the podium, a very moved Chandler composed himself saying, “I wasn’t expecting anything like this today…”I was wondered why all my children were here,” he said jokingly looking around the crowded plaza.

“I appreciate this and I will hang this in my study,” he said raising the citation above the podium. “Jesus says the greatest job you have on this Earth is being a servant, and he took it upon himself to be a servant to his death. I am willing to serve every veteran in this county that needs me,” Chandler concluded adding in jest, “just call the American Legion.”

Next up was a tribute to Former Marshall County Judge Executive by the Patriot Guard Riders of Kentucky. ’Wildcat’ from the Valiant Souls Motorcycle Club took the stage saying he had served in the military doing a 15 month deployment to Iraq. “You know when we get home, we don’t really leave the war – the war is still in our heads” – he said offering a dedication to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He then read a soldier’s tribute poem entitled, ‘The Final Inspection.’

A second Patriot Guard tribute was then offered with a member saying, “When we were at Judge Miller’s funeral, I told Representative Will Coursey that I wanted to put a flag out here for Mike, so today that flag is flying here in front of this podium. Judge Miller, today that flag flies for you and in the future, the flag will fly in remembrance of those we have lost.” Judge Mike Miller’s wife Chyrill, who is currently fulfilling his unexpired term as Judge Executive, was also honored with a plaque from the Patriot Guard Riders on behalf of his service to the community.

Carroll then introduced the keynote speaker, Colonel Kimberly Daub, Commander of the 101st Sustainment Brigade, and first female Colonel in the history of the 101st. She recently served as the senior commander for the U.S. response to the Ebola Virus in West Africa.
(For a full list of Colonel Daub’s awards and decorations include, see below)

Colonel Daub spoke of the role women have played in the history of the military saying, “Today, I want to talk to you about a specific type of warrior, who many times have been overlooked – the women warriors who have served our nation.”

Colonel Daub said Kentucky currently has 33,000 women in service. She spoke of the role women have played in the history of the US and their “fighting spirit” although she notes, “they were never given equal recognition. “Women have proven that when freedom is threatened, they are equal to any task – when duty calls, they respond, and not in gender hyphenated roles, but as US Army soldiers.”

Daub said currently, women serve in 91 percent of Army occupations and make up 14 percent of the Army overall. “It is clear that the heart of a warrior is not reserved for just one gender… It’s hard to overestimate the importance of the thousands of women who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“These women have written the pages of history and I cannot be more proud and thankful for them. Those still serving today will continue to write history and shape a better future for each and every one of us here today.”

Next to take the stage was Commissioner of the 3rd District, Rick Cocke who announced the dedication of the Veteran’s Plaza. “As I was coming in this morning, I could not help but to notice that the first thing you see when you come into the park is the Veteran’s Honor Plaza, right up front where it should be.

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English (center) takes a moment with his children Troy (right) and Tesha as the memorial marker is unveiled

“The Veteran’s honor plaza did not just appear, it did not appear with the waving of a magic wand –  it took someone with a vision – it took a lot of planning and travel, record gathering and record keeping. It took a leader to see this project through from the start to where it is today.”

Cocke then invited former 3rd District Commissioner Jerry English and his family out to the edge of the plaza where his son Troy and daughter Tesha unveiled the new marker bearing English’s name.
Cocke said, “It is my privilege this morning that from this day forward, this beautiful plaza will be known as the Jerry G. English Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.”

English then took the stage thanking those who had helped make the Veteran’s plaza a reality saying, “It’s such an honor to receive something like this from your peers…it’s been 15 years ago that we started building this park and Judge Miller gave me the pleasure of taking care of the Veteran’s Honor Plaza.”

English continued saying, the purpose of the plaza was to honor those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, as well as the soldiers known to be POW and MIA as well as those who have received the Purple Heart.

“My family has always been behind me…it’s been an honor and a privilege,” he continued thanking Brenda Sirls and the KY Lake Board of Realtors as well as the American Legion for their participation in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in the past.

English ended his comments with an emotional and tearful ‘thank you’ leaving the stage saying, “What a reward this is,” as the American Legion fired a 21 gun salute and played Taps in his honor.

Brother Charles Frazier of Zion’s Cause Baptist offered the closing prayer. Carroll concluded the service by saying, “I’ve never been prouder to be from Marshall County. Ladies and gentleman, when you go to bed tonight, say a prayer for those who have given their lives for each one of us for those who continue to serve. Think about what this country would be like if it were not for those men and women done what they had done and what they continue to do. Think about the freedoms lost – we would not be here today.

Colonel Kimberly Daub’s Awards and Decorations:
The Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (one Service Star), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 Stars), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (3 Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal (Numeral 4), NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.