Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jose Jaen | World War II Veteran Bill Parker speaks to veterans and civilians at NAS JRB Fort...... read more read more
NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas (April 28, 2023) —On Apr. 28, Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth hosted the second annual “Roll Call” luncheon. "Roll Call" is a non-profit organization that meets monthly at Birchman Baptist Church to honor and serve veterans by providing a regular venue for fellowship and camaraderie. Over four hundred veterans whose service spans back to World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and most recently Afghanistan and Iraq attended the event. Service members stationed on the Installation served the meal and dined with fellow veterans.
Commanding Officer, CAPT Mark McLean, kicked off the event by expressing his gratitude to the veterans in attendance for their selfless service, sacrifice and contribution to our nation.
"This flag that hangs right here is a product of your service to this nation,” said McLean. “This event helps the men and women wearing the uniform today understand the impact of your service.”
Guest speaker, William “Bill” Parker, 98, spoke about his life and experience in World War II. His unit led the D-Day Charge on Omaha Beach. He is a recipient of two Purple Hearts, the French Legion of Honor medal, the Bronze Star and several other medals.
"I'm so glad to see these Americans here. If we hadn't fought that war, you wouldn't be here now," he said.
Mary Staffeld, SMSgt (Ret) is the President of Roll Call and expressed the impact the event had on some of the veterans attending the event.
“For many [veterans], the April luncheon on base is the first time since they left the service that they have been on a military installation. Their favorite part is sitting with those currently serving and hearing their stories. Learning how things have changed and how things are still the same. They especially love hearing the stories of the community service award winners. Young men and women who exemplify what it means to serve others selflessly. We cannot thank CAPT McLean and his team enough for their hospitality,” said Staffeld.
During the event, five active-duty service members were recognized with a Distinguished Service Award presented by the Greater Fort Worth Area Community Charities and the Greater Fort Worth Area Civic Leaders Association.
Petty Officer First Class Zachary Mullin was among the five awardees. “It was a great honor to be recognized by these two organizations for something I am so passionate about doing. This wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and those who provide support along the way. Our team of Joint Military Police has such a dynamic mission, we take pride in representing the Installation and the Navy in our community,” said Mullin.
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2023 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 443766 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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