MOUNTAIN REGION HOSPICE AND CURTIS A SMITH VFW POST 1033 TEAM UP TO HONOR LOCAL VETERANS IN “PINNING CEREMONIES
In addition to the story run on Freddie McCormick, there were three other veterans honored with the special “pinning” ceremonies. We honor them today.
We Honor Veterans, a program of NHPCO (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partners to join a pioneering program focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment.
On December 17th, Curtis A Smith, 116th Infantry, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033, and Mountain Regional Hospice teamed together to honor four local veterans for a special “pinning” ceremony for four of our local veterans n. The purpose of the pinning is to publicly acknowledge the military service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families. The ceremony gives an opportunity for each veteran to share part of his or her story. By doing so, a sense of meaning and purpose can be gained by the veteran.
The following veterans were honored were also honored:
Michael Lee Winnings passed away on January 4, 2022. Winnings was a Navy veteran but we were not able to reach his family for service dates. Winnings received his pinning by Shawn Wright, VFW Post 1033 Adjutant, and Jr. Vice Commander and Hospice nurse. We honor his memory and thank him for his service.
Earl Wayne Whitmer passed away on January 12, 2022. Private First Class Whitmer served in the Army during the Korean War from May 15, 1953 to May 16, 1955. Whitmer received his pinning by Shawn Wright. His awards included National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Korean War Medal. We honor his memory and thank him for his service.
Walter Brown Spinner, Jr served in the Army for over 40 years in active duty, the National Guard, and the Reserves. Spinner received his pinning by Shawn Wright. Spinner entered the Army on March 31, 1970, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and separated December 6, 1971, at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri as Sargent E-5. Spinner has medals but could not remember all. Thank you, Sargent Spinner, for your service. I asked Mr. Spinner if he had anything he would like to say. His comment “thank you” to all who are making me feel special with this honor”.
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