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Published Friday, November 13, 2009 in Local

Newnan public safety cookout honors veterans

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

On Wednesday, for Veterans Day, the Newnan Police Department honored its veterans and, in turn, was honored by a group of veterans.

The department set up display boards in the front lobby with information, photographs and memorabilia "to recognize the officers who served their country in the armed services," according to Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs.

Approximately one-third of the force has either served or is currently serving in the military.

Members of the U.S. Army past and present include: Wayne Jones, Richard Miller, C.J. Branton, Troy Flud, Brian Hodges, Scott Yeager, Michael Condit, Edward Lee, Angel Padro, Chris Reese, Doug Jones and James Beneke.

The U.S. Marines include: Rodney Riggs, Jonathan Caswell, Marty Kaplan, Reginald Wimbush, Rick Mires and Chris Sudduth.

Members of the U.S. Navy include: Jerry Phillips, Joey Castro, Chad Wood, Rory Thompson, Zach Anderson and Clayton Horne. Jay LaChance served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Also on Veterans Day, Michael W. Mitchell -- a retired Navy lieutenant commander and In School Suspension teacher at Madras Middle School -- cooked up the idea to prepare a free meal for a group of lesser known "veterans" in Coweta County.

Mitchell proudly wore red, white and blue and a beaming smile as he offered his thanks and a strong handshake to the men and woman of public safety. He and a small group of volunteers grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for members of the Newnan Police Department and the Coweta County Sheriff's Office.

"We appreciate them and their efforts," said Riggs on Wednesday. "I think it's great."

Mitchell gives credit for the idea to his wife of 34 years -- his "moral compass." She challenged him to make Veterans Day special for a group of professionals who serve their community. Mitchell "saw a lot of combat" in his military career but says he "hasn't been shot at in years."

"We just decided, this time we're going to do for someone else," said Mitchell. "We're doing this for their public service. I am very relieved that I do not have to put on a Kevlar vest and strap on a gun as our law enforcement officers have to do on a daily basis. They protect our families, our homes and our county."

Mitchell enlisted the help of two Air Force veterans -- Jack Shaw and Tom Martin -- to make the cookout a success. The men went around to area businesses asking for donations and were met with an outpouring of support.

"Everybody wanted to chip in," said Mitchell.

Shaw said Wednesday that, as a veteran, "people frequently do for us."

"This was an opportunity to do something nice for other people -- veterans serving 'veterans,'" he said.

Martin, a retired general, participates with Shaw in the Vietnam War history program at Newnan High School.

"This was an opportunity to reverse the tables and serve the people not recognized as true veterans," said Martin.

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