Six war dead saluted as 'humble servants'
By ALEX MCRAE
alex@newnan.com
Once the helicopter blades finally stopped spinning, a solemn but grateful crowd stood silently Saturday as six of Coweta’s most recent war dead were honored at a remembrance ceremony that highlighted the activities of Veterans Muster III.
The following were honored for their sacrifice:
• Capt.USAF, Nicholas S. Whitlock
• PV2 Joseph Meadows, US Army
• Lance Cpl. USMC, Jeffery S. Blanton
• Pfc. Chad Coleman, Moreland, US Army
• Spc. Adrian G. Mills, US Army
The service began with a welcome by General Don Harvel (USAF ret), a member of the Coweta Commission on Veterans Affairs (CVA), which organized the event.
Harvel welcomed those present and described the fallen as six men that served as “humble servants with honor and dignity.”
“The legacy they have left will forever be honored and remembered by all who knew them.”
Harvel then introduced Navy veteran Robert Wiley, who announced the names of the fallen servicemen as Harvel and Kenneth Koon, Chaplain Major, US Army, presented commemorative items to the families or representatives of the dead.
After the presentations, Harvel spoke again.
He said it was “tough to find words of comfort” at times this this, adding that “you don’t get over it, you get through it,” and noting that as time passes, mourning the loss of a loved one killed in service “doesn’t get better, it just gets different.”
He gave a final word of thanks to those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jeff Carroll, of the Newnan VFW Post, offered closing remarks. He said how much he had enjoyed talking to visitors as well as the families and friends honored at the ceremony. After thanking all who had organized and attended the event and the sponsors that helped defray the cost, Carroll introduced Michael Scott, who concluded the service by playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipe.
As the crowd filed out, CVA co-chair Malcolm jackson said, “It’s been a great event. The turnout was wonderful and we can’t say enough to thank the students from the high schools who came out to help. I especially want to thank everyone who attended and those who worked to make it possible.”
(To view photos from this event, please visit http://photos.times-herald.com/mycapture and click on Events / Newnan.)
