Est. March 31, 2000 18,003 Previous Hits November 19, 2001 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders |
President Kennedy's Assassination by Tommy Towery The main story for this week's issue was written by Barbara Wilerson Donnelly and follows. Before you read her story I want to share with each of you my joy in the fact that I have found a treasure that has been lost for over 37 years. It is the English book in which I made the annotation that was the basis for my book. I came upon it a few weeks ago when I was cleaning out my mother's attic to sell her house. I made mention of it in "A Million Tomorrows..." but stated that it was lost. It has been found. The actual statement I wrote in the English book was: "Friday Nov. 22, 1963 - Had a substitue teacher in Physics and P.G. today. During Plane Geometry I was awakened by a radio comming (sic.) over the P.A. system. It was the news of President John F. Kennedy being shot. He was shot in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald and died at 1:00 E.S.T. I wrote an editorial about it for the paper. Had to take it back to the press today. I went to a party at Gene Bryson's house. That tooth's about to kill me. We had a test in English Cclass today." This entry was not the first entry made in the book as I once thought, but it is certainally the most historical one. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of my Great American Novel, but I am happy that it was the inspiration that I needed for it. These memories began agin in "This Week In 1963". Click on the button at the top left of the page to go there. I have my feelings documented in my book. I asked you to share your memories with us and this is what we received. "The End of Camelot" by Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly Class of '64 November 22, 1963: I was standing in the hall talking to a group of other seniors, when Mr. Hamilton's voice came over the intercom telling us to proceed to our 5th period class. I had Government/Econ with Mr. Woods and, along with everyone else, wondered what could cause this change in our routine. With much trepidation, we slowly walked up the hall and entered the room. I remember that the information came to us by radio, even though I do not remember the exact words. I know we were asked to pray, and there was not a sound in the room, other than some students crying. Heads were bowed, and tears flowed freely as we prayed for our President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Finally, the word came over the intercom -- a message that I will never forget -- "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States is dead." I suppose that that was my first rude awakening to the real world. Oh, I had dealt with some difficult moments, just as everyone else had, but it just wasn't right for someone to kill your President! Things like that just did not happen! All of us were served a slice of reality that day and most of us were shaken to the core. But the important thing is: We survived. I have been thinking about this article all week, and finally realized that it had taken a different twist in my mind. I hope you will bear with me. After President Kennedy died, we heard many references to the "end of Camelot." Those words and the words "the end of innocence," referring to the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center, have been jumbling around in my brain since I started thinking about November 22. I would like to share an excerpt from the November 11 issue of the Anderson Independent (Anderson, South Carolina) with all of you: "Two years after the Civil War, with much of Columbia, South Carolina still in ruins, some of the bitterness over the conflict was put aside by a single gesture: New York firefighters collected pennies to buy Columbia a fire truck. Historians aren't sure exactly what caused the February 17, 1865 blaze, which broke out during the occupation of Union General William T. Sherman, but the destruction was clear. Something akin to a firestorm devoured over 36 blocks, about one-third of the city. The New York Firemen's Association would later learn that South Carolina's capital had lost most of its firefighting equipment in the war and was using bucket brigades to douse flames. These firemen, many of them former Union soldiers, raised $5,000 -- mostly in pennies -- and put a hose reel wagon on a steamship in March, 1867. That ship sank off North Carolina's Outer Banks, so the firefighters took up yet another collection and sent a second hose reel wagon on its way in June. On June 28, 1867, New York Firemen's Association President Henry Wilson formally presented the gift at Columbia's Sydney Park, in the shadow of Arsenal Hill, where Confederate ammunition had been made. "We call upon our fellow citizens of the two great sections to emulate our example, and thus hasten a restoration . . . of our once beautiful and still united national fabric," Wilson said in his speech. So overwhelmed was former Confederate Col. Samuel W. Melton that he made a promise on behalf of South Carolina's capital city to return the kindness "should misfortune ever befall the Empire City." After 134 years, that day has finally come, and the children of Columbia are honoring that pledge. They're collecting pennies at football games, holding bake sales, and selling T-shirts in a drive that's closing in on the $350,000 needed to replace one of the dozens of New York City fire trucks destroyed in the September 11 attacks! Numerous people and groups have become involved, including Columbia Fire Chief John Jansen, a New York City native, who also enlisted his firefighters in the effort renamed "South Carolina Remembers." The donations have poured in, ranging from a $1 bill in a plain white envelope from California to a pledge of $100,000 from a New York philanthropist with South Carolina ties." I started thinking about President Kennedy's famous words: "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." These children have taken his words to heart, just as New York City did long before these now famous words were ever uttered! Just think -- after the most horrendous battle this country has ever faced, where brother fought against brother -- a group of people from the other side reached out to the South, as if nothing had ever happened. I recalled President Lincoln's words: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." In retrospect, I don't believe our house has ever been divided. Perhaps we sustained a couple of fractures in our foundations, but all in all, this is a strong country, which has always gone back to its roots in times of trouble. The United States of America has always been united. I thought about how proud both President Kennedy and President Lincoln would be of all of our citizens. But what became clear during all this pondering was that Camelot is not dead. It lives in the hearts of the American people -- exactly where President Kennedy would have wanted it to live. President Lincoln would be pleased to know that his house is strong and solid and that the fabric of this nation is not frayed. The house has, in effect, been restored by this national tragedy. After thinking about all of the above for the entire week, I have come to the conclusion that there is a real sense of hope for America such that we haven't felt in years-- a deep and abiding hope. There are no black, white, yellow, or red people here -- only Americans. I can think of no better way to close this than to repeat the words used by Todd Beamer, one of the heroes who helped thwart the hijackers on September 11. His words were reiterated by President George W. Bush during his speech to the nation: "My fellow Americans, let's roll." I believe that all our presidents would be proud of America today. I know I am. God bless each of you, a Other Classmates Share Their Memories Subject: Kennedy Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 09:55:51 -0600 From: "Pat Stolz" <pstolz@knology.net> I remember being in Miss Jessups class the day President Kennedy was shot. I'm sure she was in her usual spot, sitting on her desk. I loved her class because I had such a crush on Harry Renfroe. When the announcement came over the pa system, I felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs. I remeber being home sick for the next few days with what the Dr. thought was hepititis, I was so sick i could hardly lift my head, but I couldn't stop watching the TV hoping it was all a mistake. I think we all lost our innocence and trust in people all being good. Seems so true now with all that happened 9-11. How I long for that innocent time to return. Pat Torzillo Stolz Subject: Kennedy Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 05:01:32 EST From: Mbentleyadv@aol.com Kennedy's Been Shot?? Oh My God!!! Where? When? Is he OK? Mark Bentley (Editor's Note: When I first got this note from Mark and read it, I thought to myself, "Duh, Mark, of course Kennedy was shot...where have you been? You memory is worse than Barbara's. Then I realized that he was sending me his thoughts back then, just as I had asked. I got a good laugh out of it.) Subject: President Kennedy's assassination Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 01:38:07 EST From: Djpjone@aol.com I remember sitting in class, I think it was english class, but not for sure. I had thought when I first started to write my memory of this it happened around 11:00 AM, but then after checking on the web site I found on the history of Kennedy's assassination, it shows 12:25 PM. That just goes to show with age how much I tend to forget. Anyway, back to the subject, my first thoughts were, you have to be kidding. Then as it sunk in, tears begin to come to my eye's. But I was 17 years old, almost a grown man, at least I thought so. After all, I did have my driver's lisence, my own car, and a part time job after school. So thinking that way, hey, I can't cry, I'm not that young anymore. I remember several of the girls shedding tears, but that was alright, they were girls. I also remember going home that day and all three channel's on the TV, yea that's right, 3 channel's was all we had back then, was live with what had happened. It seems this was the real first "shock" I had experienced in my life up until that time and is something that I know I will alway's remember. But looking back at this, I'm sitting here thinking, maybe this also was God's way to prepare me as young man of other things, some worse than even this, for the future. After all, I'm sure all who reads this, is daily thinking now of what happened Sept. 11 and wondering what our country will have to face in the coming weeks and months. My prayer is for God to protect us and revieve us just as he did after Nov. 22, 1963. Dwight Jones Class of '64 Subject: JFK Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 19:11:52 -0600 From: "Jim Bannister" <jbann@hotmail.com> The day JFK was shot is one of those days that everyone remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing.....September 11, 2001 will be another one of those days....It is ironic that we seem to remember with great detail the events that are so tragic....Anyway, where was I when JFK was shot???? I was at home ill with the flu. I sat there alone glued to the TV coverage with no one to talk with, my parents were at work and all my friends were in school. I remember the loneliness and sadness that I felt and an underlying feeling of fear....Probably like most young people my age, I was caught up in the whole Camalot thing and didn't have a REAL worry in the world.....This event, then Vietnam quickly changed all of that....It seems that our children never got to experience the totally carefree teenage days that we did...The burdens of the world seemed to always be on their shoulders.... Jim Bannister Subject: Kennedy Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 20:24:45 -0800 From: Yolanda Lee <thescot74@citlink.net> Hey Everyone I was in Latin Class at Lee when President Kennedy was shot. I don't remember my Teacher's name. I do know that in 5 days from this writing, that 38 years will have passed. My immediate thoughts were "How could this happen in Our Country?". When I got home from school that day, I was quite upset. Then, I learned that my Grandfather had died that day also. Yes, I will always remember that day. And 38 years later - I know & understand. Yolanda Lee From Our Mailbag... Subject: Web Site Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 21:44:18 EST From: GILBARRAN@aol.com You are doing such a good job. Glad you were able to get some help, I know it must take a lot of your time. I know Barbara and Terry will be a big help. Excuse me-Moses. I was having a Senior moment and missed the call for Veterans stories. Do you still want them or shall we wait until next year? Moses says we are meeting again at Mullins on Dec. 8th. Hope you are coming. What time do you have in mind, if you are? Thanks for your good work- Joe Barran Subject: VETS Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 19:11:59 EST From: CEB1947@aol.com Tommy, I for one, would like to thank you and my buddy Mike Griffith and all the other Lee classmates who served this country in war and in peace. When I was drafted, a Lee classmate named Bob Claycomb and I went on that bus ride to Montgomery for our physicals. We had to stay over night and I remember hearing these 18 year old kids who had never been away from their mothers, crying in their bunks because they knew they were headed for Viet Nam. The doctors discovered a heart condition and high blood pressure that I still live with today. I didn't pass the physical and wound up with a 4F. When I think about the one's that didn't make it back, the one's who paid the supreme price, it makes me proud and sad at the same time. I just want to say God bless you and Mike and all the others who went and did what they had to do. Go Generals! Eddie Burton Class of 66 (Editor's Note: I got a few other military service e-mails before Veteran's Day so I posted them to the site. The one's here are the one's I got later.) Subject: Military Service Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 09:03:35 -0600 From: "Rick Edmonds" <safety@hsvutil.org> I enlisted in the Army Reserves while in ROTC at the University of North Alabama (the old Florence State College) and was one semester away from commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant when I was asked to leave school. This resulted in getting my honorable discharge from the Army Reserves and draft notice in the same day's mail!! I then enlisted in the Navy and spent the first year in schools - Bainbridge, MD for Radio School and then Newport, RI for High Speed Morse Code school. I then volunteered for Vietnam, but was assigned to the "Gator Navy" - the Amphibious Fleet, homeported out of Norfolk, VA and served three years aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9). During this time I participated in the rescue of civilian victims of the Peru earthquake (May 1970), several Caribbean and Med cruises and the rescue of U.S. Army MASH units in Jordan during the Jordanian civil war with the PLO (Arafat's bunch of thugs). The MASH units had been treating Jordanian civilians and were stranded when the war broke out. During this time, we were strafed by the Israeli Air Force when we got too close to one of their operations - no one shot up and no damage to our ship, so we didn't draw the press that the Liberty incident did. I got out of the Navy in 1973 and re-entered UNA and graduated in 1975 with a BS degree in Law Enforcement, compliments of the GI Bill. Rick Edmonds Subject: Military Service Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 11:22:25 -0800 From: "Terry 'Moses' Preston" <mosespreston@earthlink.net> Here is my military information for Our Military Service page: Terry "Moses" Preston - I enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard (279th) Signal Battalion on the same evening as C.E. Wynn, while we were seniors in high school, January 12, 1964. This was before most of us had any serious idea that America was going to be fighting a war in Viet Nam. I remember joining then because all young men had a six year military obligation to satisfy, and by joining the Guard you had more control over planning your own life. C.E. and I started basic training one week after graduating from Lee, so we were probably the first Lee High graduates to go onto active duty for the military. I served six years with the Guard, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6), being honorably discharged in January of 1970. Other Lee High Generals that served with me included Tommy Thompson, Rudy Platz, David France, Jim Storm (Class of 64), Jim McBride, Charles Treece (Class of 65), and probably several more. Terry "Moses" Preston Class of '64 ____________________________________________________________________ |
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President Kennedy's Assassination by Tommy Towery The main story for this week's issue was written by Barbara Wilerson Donnelly and follows. Before you read her story I want to share with each of you my joy in the fact that I have found a treasure that has been lost for over 37 years. It is the English book in which I made the annotation that was the basis for my book. I came upon it a few weeks ago when I was cleaning out my mother's attic to sell her house. I made mention of it in "A Million Tomorrows..." but stated that it was lost. It has been found. The actual statement I wrote in the English book was: "Friday Nov. 22, 1963 - Had a substitue teacher in Physics and P.G. today. During Plane Geometry I was awakened by a radio comming (sic.) over the P.A. system. It was the news of President John F. Kennedy being shot. He was shot in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald and died at 1:00 E.S.T. I wrote an editorial about it for the paper. Had to take it back to the press today. I went to a party at Gene Bryson's house. That tooth's about to kill me. We had a test in English Cclass today." This entry was not the first entry made in the book as I once thought, but it is certainally the most historical one. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of my Great American Novel, but I am happy that it was the inspiration that I needed for it. These memories began agin in "This Week In 1963". Click on the button at the top left of the page to go there. I have my feelings documented in my book. I asked you to share your memories with us and this is what we received. "The End of Camelot" by Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly Class of '64 November 22, 1963: I was standing in the hall talking to a group of other seniors, when Mr. Hamilton's voice came over the intercom telling us to proceed to our 5th period class. I had Government/Econ with Mr. Woods and, along with everyone else, wondered what could cause this change in our routine. With much trepidation, we slowly walked up the hall and entered the room. I remember that the information came to us by radio, even though I do not remember the exact words. I know we were asked to pray, and there was not a sound in the room, other than some students crying. Heads were bowed, and tears flowed freely as we prayed for our President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Finally, the word came over the intercom -- a message that I will never forget -- "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States is dead." I suppose that that was my first rude awakening to the real world. Oh, I had dealt with some difficult moments, just as everyone else had, but it just wasn't right for someone to kill your President! Things like that just did not happen! All of us were served a slice of reality that day and most of us were shaken to the core. But the important thing is: We survived. I have been thinking about this article all week, and finally realized that it had taken a different twist in my mind. I hope you will bear with me. After President Kennedy died, we heard many references to the "end of Camelot." Those words and the words "the end of innocence," referring to the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center, have been jumbling around in my brain since I started thinking about November 22. I would like to share an excerpt from the November 11 issue of the Anderson Independent (Anderson, South Carolina) with all of you: "Two years after the Civil War, with much of Columbia, South Carolina still in ruins, some of the bitterness over the conflict was put aside by a single gesture: New York firefighters collected pennies to buy Columbia a fire truck. Historians aren't sure exactly what caused the February 17, 1865 blaze, which broke out during the occupation of Union General William T. Sherman, but the destruction was clear. Something akin to a firestorm devoured over 36 blocks, about one-third of the city. The New York Firemen's Association would later learn that South Carolina's capital had lost most of its firefighting equipment in the war and was using bucket brigades to douse flames. These firemen, many of them former Union soldiers, raised $5,000 -- mostly in pennies -- and put a hose reel wagon on a steamship in March, 1867. That ship sank off North Carolina's Outer Banks, so the firefighters took up yet another collection and sent a second hose reel wagon on its way in June. On June 28, 1867, New York Firemen's Association President Henry Wilson formally presented the gift at Columbia's Sydney Park, in the shadow of Arsenal Hill, where Confederate ammunition had been made. "We call upon our fellow citizens of the two great sections to emulate our example, and thus hasten a restoration . . . of our once beautiful and still united national fabric," Wilson said in his speech. So overwhelmed was former Confederate Col. Samuel W. Melton that he made a promise on behalf of South Carolina's capital city to return the kindness "should misfortune ever befall the Empire City." After 134 years, that day has finally come, and the children of Columbia are honoring that pledge. They're collecting pennies at football games, holding bake sales, and selling T-shirts in a drive that's closing in on the $350,000 needed to replace one of the dozens of New York City fire trucks destroyed in the September 11 attacks! Numerous people and groups have become involved, including Columbia Fire Chief John Jansen, a New York City native, who also enlisted his firefighters in the effort renamed "South Carolina Remembers." The donations have poured in, ranging from a $1 bill in a plain white envelope from California to a pledge of $100,000 from a New York philanthropist with South Carolina ties." I started thinking about President Kennedy's famous words: "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." These children have taken his words to heart, just as New York City did long before these now famous words were ever uttered! Just think -- after the most horrendous battle this country has ever faced, where brother fought against brother -- a group of people from the other side reached out to the South, as if nothing had ever happened. I recalled President Lincoln's words: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." In retrospect, I don't believe our house has ever been divided. Perhaps we sustained a couple of fractures in our foundations, but all in all, this is a strong country, which has always gone back to its roots in times of trouble. The United States of America has always been united. I thought about how proud both President Kennedy and President Lincoln would be of all of our citizens. But what became clear during all this pondering was that Camelot is not dead. It lives in the hearts of the American people -- exactly where President Kennedy would have wanted it to live. President Lincoln would be pleased to know that his house is strong and solid and that the fabric of this nation is not frayed. The house has, in effect, been restored by this national tragedy. After thinking about all of the above for the entire week, I have come to the conclusion that there is a real sense of hope for America such that we haven't felt in years-- a deep and abiding hope. There are no black, white, yellow, or red people here -- only Americans. I can think of no better way to close this than to repeat the words used by Todd Beamer, one of the heroes who helped thwart the hijackers on September 11. His words were reiterated by President George W. Bush during his speech to the nation: "My fellow Americans, let's roll." I believe that all our presidents would be proud of America today. I know I am. God bless each of you, a Other Classmates Share Their Memories Subject: Kennedy Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 09:55:51 -0600 From: "Pat Stolz" <pstolz@knology.net> I remember being in Miss Jessups class the day President Kennedy was shot. I'm sure she was in her usual spot, sitting on her desk. I loved her class because I had such a crush on Harry Renfroe. When the announcement came over the pa system, I felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs. I remeber being home sick for the next few days with what the Dr. thought was hepititis, I was so sick i could hardly lift my head, but I couldn't stop watching the TV hoping it was all a mistake. I think we all lost our innocence and trust in people all being good. Seems so true now with all that happened 9-11. How I long for that innocent time to return. Pat Torzillo Stolz Subject: Kennedy Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 05:01:32 EST From: Mbentleyadv@aol.com Kennedy's Been Shot?? Oh My God!!! Where? When? Is he OK? Mark Bentley (Editor's Note: When I first got this note from Mark and read it, I thought to myself, "Duh, Mark, of course Kennedy was shot...where have you been? You memory is worse than Barbara's. Then I realized that he was sending me his thoughts back then, just as I had asked. I got a good laugh out of it.) Subject: President Kennedy's assassination Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 01:38:07 EST From: Djpjone@aol.com I remember sitting in class, I think it was english class, but not for sure. I had thought when I first started to write my memory of this it happened around 11:00 AM, but then after checking on the web site I found on the history of Kennedy's assassination, it shows 12:25 PM. That just goes to show with age how much I tend to forget. Anyway, back to the subject, my first thoughts were, you have to be kidding. Then as it sunk in, tears begin to come to my eye's. But I was 17 years old, almost a grown man, at least I thought so. After all, I did have my driver's lisence, my own car, and a part time job after school. So thinking that way, hey, I can't cry, I'm not that young anymore. I remember several of the girls shedding tears, but that was alright, they were girls. I also remember going home that day and all three channel's on the TV, yea that's right, 3 channel's was all we had back then, was live with what had happened. It seems this was the real first "shock" I had experienced in my life up until that time and is something that I know I will alway's remember. But looking back at this, I'm sitting here thinking, maybe this also was God's way to prepare me as young man of other things, some worse than even this, for the future. After all, I'm sure all who reads this, is daily thinking now of what happened Sept. 11 and wondering what our country will have to face in the coming weeks and months. My prayer is for God to protect us and revieve us just as he did after Nov. 22, 1963. Dwight Jones Class of '64 Subject: JFK Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2001 19:11:52 -0600 From: "Jim Bannister" <jbann@hotmail.com> The day JFK was shot is one of those days that everyone remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing.....September 11, 2001 will be another one of those days....It is ironic that we seem to remember with great detail the events that are so tragic....Anyway, where was I when JFK was shot???? I was at home ill with the flu. I sat there alone glued to the TV coverage with no one to talk with, my parents were at work and all my friends were in school. I remember the loneliness and sadness that I felt and an underlying feeling of fear....Probably like most young people my age, I was caught up in the whole Camalot thing and didn't have a REAL worry in the world.....This event, then Vietnam quickly changed all of that....It seems that our children never got to experience the totally carefree teenage days that we did...The burdens of the world seemed to always be on their shoulders.... Jim Bannister Subject: Kennedy Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 20:24:45 -0800 From: Yolanda Lee <thescot74@citlink.net> Hey Everyone I was in Latin Class at Lee when President Kennedy was shot. I don't remember my Teacher's name. I do know that in 5 days from this writing, that 38 years will have passed. My immediate thoughts were "How could this happen in Our Country?". When I got home from school that day, I was quite upset. Then, I learned that my Grandfather had died that day also. Yes, I will always remember that day. And 38 years later - I know & understand. Yolanda Lee From Our Mailbag... Subject: Web Site Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 21:44:18 EST From: GILBARRAN@aol.com You are doing such a good job. Glad you were able to get some help, I know it must take a lot of your time. I know Barbara and Terry will be a big help. Excuse me-Moses. I was having a Senior moment and missed the call for Veterans stories. Do you still want them or shall we wait until next year? Moses says we are meeting again at Mullins on Dec. 8th. Hope you are coming. What time do you have in mind, if you are? Thanks for your good work- Joe Barran Subject: VETS Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 19:11:59 EST From: CEB1947@aol.com Tommy, I for one, would like to thank you and my buddy Mike Griffith and all the other Lee classmates who served this country in war and in peace. When I was drafted, a Lee classmate named Bob Claycomb and I went on that bus ride to Montgomery for our physicals. We had to stay over night and I remember hearing these 18 year old kids who had never been away from their mothers, crying in their bunks because they knew they were headed for Viet Nam. The doctors discovered a heart condition and high blood pressure that I still live with today. I didn't pass the physical and wound up with a 4F. When I think about the one's that didn't make it back, the one's who paid the supreme price, it makes me proud and sad at the same time. I just want to say God bless you and Mike and all the others who went and did what they had to do. Go Generals! Eddie Burton Class of 66 (Editor's Note: I got a few other military service e-mails before Veteran's Day so I posted them to the site. The one's here are the one's I got later.) Subject: Military Service Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 09:03:35 -0600 From: "Rick Edmonds" <safety@hsvutil.org> I enlisted in the Army Reserves while in ROTC at the University of North Alabama (the old Florence State College) and was one semester away from commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant when I was asked to leave school. This resulted in getting my honorable discharge from the Army Reserves and draft notice in the same day's mail!! I then enlisted in the Navy and spent the first year in schools - Bainbridge, MD for Radio School and then Newport, RI for High Speed Morse Code school. I then volunteered for Vietnam, but was assigned to the "Gator Navy" - the Amphibious Fleet, homeported out of Norfolk, VA and served three years aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9). During this time I participated in the rescue of civilian victims of the Peru earthquake (May 1970), several Caribbean and Med cruises and the rescue of U.S. Army MASH units in Jordan during the Jordanian civil war with the PLO (Arafat's bunch of thugs). The MASH units had been treating Jordanian civilians and were stranded when the war broke out. During this time, we were strafed by the Israeli Air Force when we got too close to one of their operations - no one shot up and no damage to our ship, so we didn't draw the press that the Liberty incident did. I got out of the Navy in 1973 and re-entered UNA and graduated in 1975 with a BS degree in Law Enforcement, compliments of the GI Bill. Rick Edmonds Subject: Military Service Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 11:22:25 -0800 From: "Terry 'Moses' Preston" <mosespreston@earthlink.net> Here is my military information for Our Military Service page: Terry "Moses" Preston - I enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard (279th) Signal Battalion on the same evening as C.E. Wynn, while we were seniors in high school, January 12, 1964. This was before most of us had any serious idea that America was going to be fighting a war in Viet Nam. I remember joining then because all young men had a six year military obligation to satisfy, and by joining the Guard you had more control over planning your own life. C.E. and I started basic training one week after graduating from Lee, so we were probably the first Lee High graduates to go onto active duty for the military. I served six years with the Guard, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6), being honorably discharged in January of 1970. Other Lee High Generals that served with me included Tommy Thompson, Rudy Platz, David France, Jim Storm (Class of 64), Jim McBride, Charles Treece (Class of 65), and probably several more. Terry "Moses" Preston Class of '64 ____________________________________________________________________ |
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_______________________ We had a request to run this: __________________________ TO: THE BANDMEMBERS OF "THE CONTINENTALS" THIS IS A "THANK YOU" NOTE IN LOVING MEMORY OF "PAUL" THE COTTON CLUB 1970 "I BELIEVE" WITH LOVE TO YOU ALL I WILL NEVER FORGET!! YOLANDA ___________________________ Received from An Anonymous Classmate When I was 14, I hoped that one day I would have a girlfriend. When I was 16, I got a girlfriend, but there was no passion. So I decided I needed a passionate girl with a zest for life. In college I dated a passionate girl, but she was too emotional. Everything was an emergency, she was a drama queen, cried all the time and threatened suicide. So I decided I needed a girl with stability. When I was 25, I found a very stable girl but she was boring. She was totally predictable and never got excited about anything. Life became so dull that I decided I needed a girl with some excitement. When I was 28, I found an exciting girl, but I couldn't keep up with her. She rushed from one thing to another, never settling on anything. She did mad impetuous things and flirted with everyone she met. She made me miserable as often as happy. She was great fun initially and very energetic, but directionless. So I decided to find a girl with some ambition. When I turned 31, I found a smart ambitious girl with her feet planted firmly on the ground and married her. She was so ambitious that she divorced me and took everything I owned. I am now 55 and am looking for a girl with very big breasts. ____________________________ |
Est. March 31, 2000 18,003 Previous Hits November 19, 2001 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders |
