Special Honor for a Vietnam Vet

As a long time member of Mt. Bethel UMC, I’d like to share information about a very important event coming up for our family.

As stated on the AVVBA website, “Each year the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association erects a permanent memorial in various locations in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area in honor of one of the many area servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam.   The official purpose of the AVVBA is to promote patriotism and sponsor activities of a patriotic nature among the business community; to recognize those who served and honor those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War; to promote a positive image of the Vietnam Veteran, their dependents and to bring closure for the widows and orphans of deceased Vietnam Veterans.”  With that said, some months ago we were informed that the AVVBA had selected my dad as the Veteran to be honored this year.

My father, Major James C. Wise, Jr., was a fighter pilot who actually volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1965.  He served with the personal Squadron of General Ky with the South Vietnamese Air Force.  That same General later became the President of South Vietnam.  My father’s plane was shot down on December 23 of the same year and he was killed on impact.

When we heard that dad was selected as the veteran to be honored this year we were thrilled and are so grateful that finally we’ll have the closure needed after all these years.  It’s all happening on Thursday, May 22 and this year’s location is The East Cobb Park on Roswell Road.   Preservice music provided by a military band will begin at 10:15 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. with much planned for the hour long service.  There will be high dignitaries in attendance, a special speaker, a fly over, a 21 gun salute & more.  Immediately following the ceremony the group will provide a complimentary luncheon for all attendees at the Cobb YMCA on East Piedmont Road in Marietta.

I wanted to share this information with our church family since many of you not only know my immediate family (Steve, Kelly & Greg) but also know my mother, Lucille Wilcox, and sister, Vicki Corum, who are also members of Mt. Bethel.

We hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Jamie Allen