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Veteran of the Month James L. McCartney

James L. McCartney was born on March 3rd in 1945 in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. He was a student at St. Bernard’s Elementary and graduated from Father Judge High School.

James then joined the Army National Guard in 1962 and completed his Basic Training at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.  He also served at various camps such as Fort Drum, New York and Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania and A. P. Hill, Virginia.  While serving James received many awards and certificates.  He also rose to the rank of Captain.  When discharged in 1992 he still served inactive duties as Adjutant Officer of the Veterans Guard Reserve Association.

James also was employed at Super Grip Anchor Bolt Company as a metal fabricator.  James, in his spare time was involved in auto restoration.  He has also been a great supporter of community groups and organizations such as the Lloyd C. Wilson Jr. American Legion Post 224.

 

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Veteran of the Month Howard Williams

Howard (Punny) Williams was born on July 28th, 1936 in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Punny, as he was known by his family and friends was educated in the Philadelphia School System at Henry Elementary School and then Fairhill S. C. School for Boys. He was baptized at an early age and was a member of St. Thomas Baptist Church.

howard williamsHoward joined the Army on October 16th, 1956 and was sent to Fort Dix New Jersey for basic training. He was then shipped overseas to Germany, then to France and then to Korea. Howard received certain awards and certificates and was promoted to the rank of Private First Class (E-4). He served his term of duty and was honorably discharged in October of 1959.

In civilian life, he was self-employed as a handyman and also when business was slow he worked as a furniture mover for the S.W. Smith Moving and Hauling business. Howard’s greatest challenge was taking care of his grandmother. He also was a very supportive number of American Legion Post 224 and other groups such as the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club and the Frankford Chargers.

Punny enjoys fishing, casino trips, traveling and group activities. He really enjoys life and riding around the neighborhood on his scooter and holding long winded-conversations with anyone who will listen to his version of how it is or why things should be and how it was “back in the day”.

“Rap on Brother, Rap on.”

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Veteran of the Month Robert H. Miller

Robert H. Miller was born on September 27th, 1934 in the city of Philadelphia.  Bobby, as he is known, was educated in the Philadelphia school system, attending such schools as Smedley Grade School, Harding Jr. High School and Northeast High School at 8th and Lehigh.robert h miller crop

Bobby also went to Community College for Social and Mental Health courses. While in High School he loved track and field and football.

Bobby, at a young age, joined the Lord’s army and became a member of the Second Baptist Church of Frankford.

Robert was drafted into the U. S. Army during the Korean War era.  He did his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He also trained at Fort Bliss where he was permanently stationed.

While he served, Robert received various medals and awards and was promoted to the rank of Specialist E-5, equivalent to sergeant.  He served his time and was honorably discharged.

Robert worked in a dry cleaning business and then became self employed in various businesses such as a limo business, arcades and grocery store operator in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.

Robert loves his children Darell, Cornell, Roselyn, Derrick and Robert.  He has been active in community projects and a member of American Legion Post 224, the Boys and Girls Club and PAL.  He loves Darts and various sports and loves traveling and going to flea markets.

Robert – Thank you for your service.


 

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Veteran of the Month Robert E. Williams

Robert E. Williams was born on July 17th 1937 in the Northeast in the Frankford section of Philadelphia PA. Robert received his education in the Philadelphia School System: Harding Junior High and Frankford High School. Robert joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Army he received various types of awards and certificates and was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Robert served his time in the Army and was honorably discharged. Robert was employed at Plumb Tool Company for 15 years.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Alicia McLaughlin. He was a dedicated father to his children whom he loved and provided for.robert e williams

As a lover of spiritual I’m gospel music, he attended various churches all over the city and was very active in many community and worthwhile events.

Robert passed away on September 3,1977.  He will always be remembered, especially with his family and many friends but his passion and love and devotion of the Almighty will always be celebrated every week at the New Beginnings Community Baptist Church, where his family and friends worship under the leadership of his son, Reverend Kevin Williams.

Well, Sergeant Robert E. Williams, you are probably looking down and keeping a watchful eye on your family and friends and being proud.

 

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A Return to Duty and Honor

Sunday September 6, 2015 at approximately 4:30 pm, the Lloyd C. Wilson Jr American Legion Post #224 held their annual instillation ceremony for its newly elected officers for 201d. Among them was the post’s new commander, retired United States Army Major Guy D. Lewis.

Guy was born and raised in Frankford, lived in the community for 57 years, and has been a member of Post 224 for 23 of those years. He served in the United States Army Reserve for 22 years, 2 months, 8 days, and approximately 14 hours. Why be so exact about time served you might ask, because that’s how Guy is wired, to be precise, maintain order, and follow the rules.

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Guy D. Lewis

During his two plus decades of military service, Guy was called to active duty three times; the first was in support of “Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm” and the second and third in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom”.

His third call to active duty resulted in a yearlong deployment to Southeastern Afghanistan’s Khowst Province, along its border with Pakistan, a known stronghold for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgents.

During his deployment, Guy served as the Chief Nurse of the Salerno Hospital and the Officer in Charge of its Operating Room. He participated in hundreds of surgeries, and directed the pert-operative care for over 465 causalities of war, and the survival rate of their patients was over 95%.

Guy deemed it an honor to perform his duty in support of our country’s efforts in the “Global War on Terrorism”. During his deployment Guy saw plenty of combat, death, and destruction on a daily basis, and was able to successfully lead his troops on a 365 day mission in a hostile environment without losing a single US soldier.

Now retired from the army, Guy is returning to duty of a different type but none the less important. He’s assumed leadership of Frankford’s American Legion Post 224, and he views it as an honor to serve the veterans that served our country, their families, and the community at large.

As commander, Guy would like to see the Lloyd C. Wilson Jr Post 224 expand its commitment as a veteran centered social safe haven, where members and their guest can enjoy themselves in a variety of recreational activities.

In addition, as a Registered Nurse with almost 40 years in health care and a master’s degree in health education, Guy would like to assist post 224 in its efforts to broaden veterans and their loved one’s pathway to support and benefit information when needed, by partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Veteran Affairs; and hosting health information sessions and workshops with subject matter expert guest speakers, addressing issues and concerns specific to service, combat, and community health in general; all in an effort to reestablish the Lloyd C. Wilson Jr American Legion Post as a valuable community asset.

Guy’s goal is to uphold and build on the foundation of duty and honor laid by previous post commanders including but not limited to Thomas Pittman III, Eddie Keith, and the late Bobby Brown. As I endeavor to accomplish that goal, I welcome support, constructive criticism, input, and participation from everyone.

To quote MAJ (RET) Guy D. Lewis “As I see it, it’s an honor for me to be given the opportunity to serve the men and women that have served our country in times of war as well as times of peace, their families, and our community.

“I feel as commander of the Lloyd C. Wilson Jr Post 224, it’s my solemn duty to always do the right thing for veterans, their families, and the community. As long as God Almighty gives me the strength, that’s exactly what I’m going to do, and input, constructive criticism, participation, and support from all involved is truly welcomed”.