The Calhoun Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrolheld their annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony in front of the Calhoun County Courthouse on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. The Ceremony honored all branches of the United States military; those who have served, are serving, the fallen and the missing in action, by placing a wreath on the Veterans monument on the Courthouse lawn. Following the Ceremony Civil Air Patrol members went to several cemeteries throughout Calhoun County placing wreaths on the graves of veterans. In all, 197 wreaths were placed by donations from family, friends and community members.
Ceremony participants were:
- Roscoe (Cokey) Gainer honoring the United States Army
- Cadet Kyle Norman honoring thee United States Air Force
- Bill Umstead honoring the United States Navy
- Joe Polen honoring the United States Marines
- Cadet Payton Lamp honoring the United State Coast Guard.
- Angela Miller honoring the Merchant Marines
- Lt Emma Howell honoring Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
- Lt Jerry Howell honoring Space Force
Commander Lewis Craddock conducted and spoke during the ceremony. Lt. Shari Johnson opened and closed the ceremony with prayer and Donnie Pitts provided the music as each branch was honored. Major Donna Umstead schedules and organizes the event.
