Traci Baker, Director of Community Activities and Communications and Patricia Wegehaupt, Activities Office
On November 11, 2017, Veterans Day, many residents of PebbleCreek were part of a truly patriotic program at the Renaissance Theater. A program filled with gratitude for all the men and women who are serving or have served our country in the military. Master of Ceremonies, Colonel Mellissa Kallett, U.S. Air Force retired, opened the special program and served as a terrific host. The program opened with the traditional Presentation of Colors by four young airmen from Luke Air Force Base who came to assist on their own time off.
No tribute to veterans would be fitting without the Pledge of Allegiance; this year it was led by PebbleCreek veteran Charles J. Kice, U.S.Navy retired, followed by the incredible vocals of Carol Palmer, Nancy Davis and Kathy Mitchell who sang a stunning version of our National Anthem with lovely piano accompaniment by Shirley Nebergall. Next, the audience was treated to a spirited and informative presentation by Major Benjamin E. Carlson, U.S. Air Force who spoke about his many and varied assignments during his 12 years (so far) in the Air Force.
A singing of the military branch songs by all in attendance was a high-energy, feel-good moment for all, followed by an incredibly moving version of Battle Hymn of the Republic by our trio of singers and pianist. What followed next was a unique and very special presentation of patriotic quilts. Members of the PebbleCreek Quilters club created customized quilts for selected PebbleCreek veterans who were seated in the front row and presented with the loveliest handmade quilts all done in patriotic colors and themes. Retired Air Force Colonel Thomas Booth read the names of the recipients, who were moved by the generous and heartfelt gifts.
Returning this year was the PebbleCreek annual salute to veterans slide show featuring more than 250 photos of veterans submitted by PebbleCreek residents. The photos were accompanied by the veterans’ name, branch of service and years of service when possible. The people behind this idea, and who worked tirelessly for months compiling the show, are PebbleCreek volunteers Sandra and David Hand. Their contribution to saluting veterans is considerable.
This slide show also ran for 24 hours on Veterans Day on PebbleTV that can be seen on the monitors in the clubhouses and Activities Office as well as on Cox digital channel 1960. <<To view the slide show from your computer, click here.>> PebbleCreek Director of Technology, Priscilla Wardlow and Communications team member, Susan Knox Wilson made it possible for this show to be seen on PebbleTV and online.
The community remains grateful to Richard Froncek and James Snider for donating the beautiful military flags on stage during the presentation. Thanks to Bill Palmer who produced the sound and to staffer Matt Drui for creating the PowerPoint presentations and doing the lighting design and overall production of the program. Special thanks to Patti Wegehaupt who spent countless hours coordinating and planning this very special event. The spirit of gratitude was in the air as all who participated certainly recognized that it is indeed a privilege to give thanks and recognition to those who have served to preserve our freedom.