City of Bamberg 2010 Veterans Day Program

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

“There is no praise or tribute that can match your service,” Lt. Col. Derrick Corbett Professor of Military Science at South Carolina State University told a large gathering of military veterans, their families and community members at the 2010 City of Bamberg Veterans’ Day Program held on November 11th at the Bamberg Civic Center.

Col. Corbett, who was introduced by Bamberg County Veterans’ Affairs Officer Craig Walker, is a graduate of S.C. State University, a 17-year veteran of the military, recipient of the Bronze Star and has just completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, told the families of the Veterans they also serve their country who wait at home.

“To the families as well you serve with us,” Corbett said, adding, “Our service members heeded the call of a needy world. A life of service isn’t silent. It amazes me to think about the resilience of our young soldiers. Their resilience is amazing to me, we commend them.”

Col. Corbett said Veterans’ Day or Armistice, that ended World War II and is celebrated the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11thmonth each year, is a holiday for most people, but another day of sacrifice for our troops.

“For us it is a holiday, for our troops it is another day in harm's way, this is the best way we can honor them. Today is a celebration of those who made victory possible, who chose to serve a cause bigger than them.”

A pungent moment in the program came when Bamberg Mayor Pro-Tem Nancy Foster told the story of The “WhiteTable” that originated in the Vietnam War as a way to honor the men and women MIA’s and POW’s. “It’s just a little white table to show one soldier's fight,” an emotional Foster told the attentive audience.

Mayor Ganus of Govan said the event was “a great honor and so humbling. We are so grateful to God for giving us such dedicated and compassionate warriors, who defend our liberties and rights to make decisions for ourselves. I pray for those who are putting their lives on the line for us to serve almighty God.”

Bamberg Job Corps honors veterans

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

The Bamberg Job Corps Center honored veterans Wednesday, from Bamberg, Denmark, Branchville, Orangeburg, Ehrhardt and Olar.

“On this day it is a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated. We honor the many soldiers who have fought in our wars. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices that you have made to keep our country and others free,” said Evelyn Stanley, the Center’s Business Community Liaison at the Veterans Luncheon.

Harvey Kling as the noted speaker gave words of inspiration to more than two dozen veterans from World War II to the Korean conflict, Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Among the group were at least two Bronze Star recipients including Kling. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

Kling once dreamed of playing in the major league. But at age 21, he was drafted into the United States Army. Just married with a baby on the way and forced to give up a pro career in baseball, “Whitey,” as he was known then, was initially bitter.

That was over 65 years ago. Unlike the rest, his WWII uniform still fits. Inducted into the Army, he eventually found himself in the midst of battle in the New Guinea campaign, one of the major military campaigns of World War II. “I certainly did not like war,” he told the veterans, “and I still don’t.”

After Japan’s surrender in 1945, a congressman noted Kling as a recipient of the Bronze Star. “What I remember most,” he said, “was that a buddy of mine got shot in the chest while under sniper fire. I carried him to an International Red Cross station where he was subsequently sent to medical corps personnel. He lived and I’ve stayed in touch with him since.”

Looking across to the seated veterans he noted “there are a lot of you here today with medals so I know that you know what the ravages of war can be.” The Americans suffered approximately 16,850 casualties in the New Guinea campaign. The Japanese lost the most, with 123,000 killed.

Following Kling’s words of inspiration, each of the veterans stood, identified themselves, their branch of service, and a note about their service.

Job Corps student Brittany Lyle, an Office Administration student, read a poem about the U.S. soldier, an inspiring dedication to the soldiers who served and those who continue to serve.

Annette Johnson, Bamberg Job Corps CTR Specialist/WBL, gave the prayer and blessing to the food prepared and served by the Culinary Arts students.

Center Director Eric Jones providing closing remarks thanking the veterans for their service and inviting them to visit the Center at any time.

District One Trustees

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

In a called meeting of the Bamberg School District One Board of Trustees on November 3, 2010 held in the media center at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School, the Bamberg School District One Board of Trustees voted unanimously to grant Superintendent Phyllis Schwarting the authority to “negotiate and implement including execution of all legal documents the acquisition of all real property from the Bamberg Board of Public Works on Highway 301 (North in Bamberg) not to exceed the purchase price of $310,000.”

In selecting the Board of Public Works site off Highway-301 North in Bamberg that was described as “a little over 50-arces, shovel ready” with the capacity for electricity, water and gas already on site.

90th Anniversary

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

Home Federal Savings and Loan Association in Bamberg will celebrated its 90th Anniversary Thursday, November 18th.

The financial institution was founded in 1920 when an organizational meeting was held in the offices of Carter, Carter and Kearse with the purpose to furnish the means for the erection of more homes in Bamberg County. The name adopted at that time was ‘Home Building and Loan Association, and this name was retained until 1972, when it was changed to its current name-Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.

CEO, L. E. “Bo” Griffin says he is reminded of the old movie starring James Stewart, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,” when he thinks of Home Federal and the community.

“Home Federal Savings and Loan is a wonderful institution, Bamberg County is a wonderful place to live and it is wonderful to have the respect and trust of our customers…yes it does feel wonderful…local people helping local people.”