The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – Former Clifton Forge resident Phillip Nicely, who is in the Navy and resides in Virginia Beach, came to Clifton Forge for what he thought was to complete a community service project for his grandmother, Virginia “Toad” Wilmer.
It turned out to be much more than a routine weekend.
Phillip has recently been promoted to a Chief in the Navy, which is the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve after much work and training.
His wife, Michele Nicely, organized the event with the U.S. Navy as a surprise for Phillip and the other Chief selectees.
On Saturday, unknown to Phillip, 13 other Master Chiefs showed up in Clifton Forge.
The Clifton Forge Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4299 also heard about the “Chiefs” coming and organized a program and reception at the Clifton Forge Armory for all of Phillip’s family and friends to greet him, his wife, their two girls and the other Chiefs.
All of this was done without Phillip knowing anything about the reception. After he showed up at the Armory, a van arrived with his 13 friends, who are also Master and Senior Chiefs.
The VFW opened the reception with Vice Commander Doody Morris leading the Pledge of Allegiance and asking the guests to observe a moment of silence in memory and honor of those who died in the 9/11 terrorists on the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania.
Chaplain Willard Camp gave the invocation.
VFW Commander Jim Rhodes welcomed everyone to Phillip Nicely’s promotion to Chief.
“He is the son of the late Michael Lee Nicely and Mrs. Regina Morgan,” Rhodes said. “He is here with his wife Michele and daughters Kelsey and Marissa. He is a native of Clifton Forge and a graduate of Alleghany County High School.
“We are very proud of you,” Rhodes added. “In view of the 9/11 anniversary, we thank all of you for service, men and women of our military, stand between us and our enemies.”
The next speaker was Clifton Forge Vice Mayor Johnette Roberts who said, “It is an honor and a privilege to be here today to welcome Chief Phillip Nicely and 13 other master and Senior Chiefs to Clifton Forge. A Chief Petty Officer is the top enlisted rank in the Navy, and those who achieve this rank are in rarified air indeed.
“I understand a chief is near the top enlisted maritime forces,” she added. “May I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Nicely and to his fellow Chiefs here today.”
Roberts continued, “In addition, I would like to say thank you to all of you for serving your country. As a wife of a career Army officer, I know first hand that service to our country is not always easy for the sailor or soldier or for his or her family. It takes a very special person to serve.
Thank you for what makes this country strong and safe.
“Finally on behalf of our town, thank you for coming to Clifton Forge for your community service project,” Roberts concluded. “We believe that great things are happening here, and we truly appreciate your efforts for the town.
For those of you who have not visited Clifton Forge before, we hope that you will have some time to see some of the restaurants and shops that we have to offer as well as to enjoy the beautiful Alleghany Highlands scenery.”
Phillip Nicely has been in the military for 17 years. While in Clifton Forge, he will paint and fix up his grandmother’s house.
After the ceremony, the friends and relatives had time to visit and reminisce.
