In addition to the article previously published on Freddie McCormick and his “pinning”, there were three other veterans honored with the special “pinning” ceremonies by Mountain Regional Hospice and Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033. We honor them today and recognize Hospice for their loyalty to our veterans.
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. The purpose of the pinning was to publicly acknowledge the military service and the 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.
We honor these veterans today.
Michael Lee Winnings passed away on January 4, 2022. Winnings was a Navy veteran. 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 Mountain Regional Hospice nurse and Hospice Chaplin Reverend Bill Gilliland. 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, Bill Gilliland, and Hospice Aide Amber Mullins. 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. Spinner received his pinning by Shawn Wright, Hospice nurse Marie Dudley, and Administrative Assistant Cassie Scott. Spinner entered active duty in the Army on March 31, 1970, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and separated on December 6, 1971, at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri as Sargent E-5. After his active duty tour, Spinner served his county in the National Guard and Army Reserves. He gave over 40 years to serve and protect us. 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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