Monticello Live

The Drew County Veterans would like to extend thanks to staff members and students of the Monticello Schools OEC class, Becky Flemister –Drafting/CADD, Richard Binns –Welding, Darrell McDaniel —Machine Tool, for designing and constructing a Flag Retirement Ceremony container. A special thanks goes to John McClendon of Sea Ark Marine for donating the materials. This container is to show respect to our FLAG.

The United States Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. (Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony) “.

The disposal of these flags is done at a Flag Retirement Ceremony, which is within the guidelines of the law. For disposal of Unserviceable Flags, please contact any member of the American Legion, DAV or the VFW.

43 Veterans Attending Memorial Service

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U.S. Representative Mike Ross recently presented two veterans, including a former marine from Monticello, with medals in Pine Bluff to honor their service and dedication to the United States .

Ross awarded Roosevelt Harris, USMC, of Monticello , with a Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in action against the enemy on March 5,1968, in Vietnam, and a Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star.

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Do you need help in filing a claim with the Veteran’s Administration for SC Disability Compensation, NSC Pension, Health Care ?  The Drew County Veteran’s Service Office provides this service to veterans.

We also assist families of deceased veterans in requesting headstones and related memorials,also outreach services for V.A. Educational Programs, V.A. Guaranteed Loan Eligibility Certificates.  Our office hours are 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

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Sixty-eight years after he lost his life “flying the hump” in Burma during World War II, a soldier who graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello when it bore a different name is being honored by his school and by his grand-niece, Colonel LeAnne Burch, USAR, of Monticello.

When Second Lieutenant Cecil Pittman of DeWitt was called to active duty in 1942, he was still a few hours shy of graduating from what was then known as Arkansas A&M College. As was the policy of the school at that time, Pittman was awarded his bachelor of science degree. (more…)

Last Wednesday, approximately several local residents, veterans, police, and firefighters attended the dedication of the new flag and flag pole by the local chapters of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion.  They were donated by the Woodmen of the World.

In spite of the pouring rain, everyone there honored the sacrifice made by veterans over the years, as well as the dedication shown by many “first responders”, such as those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Monticello’s veteran organizations combined for their annual Veteran’s Day ceremony, Wednesday.

Members of the VFW, DAV, and American Legion worked together to present an appropriate program recognizing our veterans.

James Lee introduced the guests, including featured speakers P. Q. Gardner and Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin.

Approximately 50 local residents attended the event, which concluded with the ceremonial “retirement of flags”.

“Veterans Day Honors the Ultimate Sacrifice of our Current and Past Heroes”

By Mike Layfield, DMH CEO, originally posted last Veteran’s Day.

During this week we observed and celebrated Veterans Day. A Veteran is any former member of the armed forces or a person who has served in the military. Throughout the nation, Americans participated in parades, ceremonies, and observances to pay their respect to our servicemen and women, both past and present. (more…)

National Domenstic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.

National Suicde Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

National Alchohol Abuse Hotline 1-877-437-8422.

After years of service to the Disabled Veterans, Willam A. Moore (left) is stepping down from the commander position, to serve as chaplan of the organization.

Glenn Kelbrew (right) is also handing over the office of adjutant for the group.

The new commander will be Tommy King, and the adjutant office is now held by Cody Cherry

Approximately 80 people were present at the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Drew County Courthouse, Monday morning, sponsored by the local VFW, DAV, and American Legion posts.

Judge Damon Lampkin was the featured speaker.  Others on the program included Glenn Kellebrew, Rev. Rex Williams, Tommy King, Bill Moore, Lamar Butler, and Megan Brewer (who played Taps on the bugle).

The Woodmen of the World  Fraternal Insurance Company held a dedication ceremony for a new flag and flagpole at the VFW / American Legion buildings, Saturday.

This ceremony honored not only the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, but those who fought, and lost their lives, and those who are currently serving in the fight against terrorism.

Others honored include policemen, firemen, rescue workers, and other first responders.

Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin told the group that the Quorum Court will now begin their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance as well as a prayer.  He also  thanked the veterans for the sacrifices that they have made, which have brought us our freedoms.

Judge Lampkin also paused to remember 3 recently deceased veterans: Robie Scott, Lawrence Allen, and Roy Grizzell, who were very active in the veteran’s organizations, and always attended events like this one.

The new flag was presented to the leaders off the VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans, who raised the flag, before lowering to half-staff for the rest of the day.

American Legion Commander Glenn Kellebrew is shown here, being presented an American Flag, which was flown over in Iraq on November 11, 2008, Veteran’s Day, by Joe Carmine who recently returned from Iraq.

 Monticello’s three Veteran’s Organizations, the DAV, VFW, and American Legion, united to recognize local Veterans on Veterans Day, with a ceremony at the Drew County Courthouse.  The program was moved into the upstairs courtroom because of rainy weather.

This was also the 20 Year Anniversary of the “Wall of Honor” at the front steps of the county courthouse. (more…)

74 people attended Saturday’s Veterans breakfast held at the Legion Hut. The breakfast is sponsored by American Legion Post #2, and was held in honor of the Veterans, who were invited to bring their families as well.

Shown in the kitchen are Mary Carlton Mills, Glenn Kellebrew, Lamar Butler, and Dottie Kellebrew.

Local Veterans have placed flags around the Veterans Memorial at Drew County Courthouse and at the entry of local cemetary. 

This honors our fallen who have given all so we can be free,  bring attention to our INDEPENDENCE DAY, show your patoriatism and fly your flag at your home or business. 

Members responsible for these actions were American Legion Members, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans, working together to help build our American communities. 

Thanks to American Legion members Glenn Kellebrew, , Lamar Butler, Yevette Harris, Walter Chapman, Mr and Mrs. Houston Berryman, VFW member James Lee, and DAV member Bill Moore.  These Veterans groups would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Woodmen of the World for the donation of these flags.

Front Row (left to right)  – Robert Arey, P. Q. Gardner, Odis Allen, Doyle Harris

Back row (L to R) – Whitt Thornhill, Warner Vining, Joel Brooks; John Collins; Roy Grizzell; Macon Causey, T. Robie Scott.

Veterans present at the Memorial Day ceremony who served our county during the Korean War include; Darrell Gray, Houston Berryman, Mickey Findley, Dale Hughes, and Coleman Randall.

Veterans who have served since the Korean War, who were present for the Memorial Day ceremony include: Dale Hughes, Marcus Kellebrew, Walter Chapman, Houston Berryman, Glenn Kellebrew, James Lee, Lamar Butler, and Mickey Findley (not pictured)

Close to 100 people attended a special Memorial Day Ceremony this morning, to honor Drew County Veterans, and the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Four World War II veterans took the chance to visit before the program.  Shown here are Robie Scott, P. Q. Gardner, Robert Arey, and Odis Allen.

Glenn Kellebrew, commander of the local American Legion post, opened the event.

Boy Scout Troop #67 posted the colors.

Drew County Judge, Damon Lampkin served as the guest speaker.

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Drew County Veterans will be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony, Monday at 10 a.m., at the Drew County Courthouse on South Main Street. 

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

The ceremony is to honor our fallen heroes.