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July 29, 2016 - Members of Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904, the Auxiliary, veterans and citizens gathered in the Historic Courthouse on the Center Square in observance of the 63rd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
After an opening prayer, Post Quartermaster Larry Hume welcomed those in attendance and gave some background on the Korean War noting that there were 33,686 battle deaths and 103,000 wounded with still 7,807 Americans missing in action. The names of the five Shelby County Citizens killed in action were read by Auxiliary members Mary Fausett and Shannon Guynes. They are Clifford Hughes, Johnny V. Mena, Bobbie F. Mock, Billy Clyde Stephenson, and Leonard Williams. The name of Willie E. Windham who has been missing in action since August 1950 was also read.
Framed certificates recognizing their service in the Korean War were presented by Post Commander Gene Hutto to VFW Post 8904 Service Officer John Piersol and US Marine Corps Veteran Dale Stepp of Tenaha received a book titled “Korea Reborn” . Susan Lafitte Watkins accepted a certificate of service on behalf of her father Albert Henry Lafitte who passed away in 1996. Korean War Veteran Willie E. Windham has been missing in action since August 1950. Representing the Windham family and receiving a framed certificate of service was sister-in-law Mary Windham and niece Nadine Windham Parker.
The Memorial Wreath was then placed by the Windham family and the program was closed with the playing of Taps. The members of the VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary would like to thank those who took the time to remember our Korean War Veterans.
