Daniel Dixon

Daniel was born in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Hezzie and Lillian Byrd Dixon. He is the fourth child and only son born to this marriage. His siblings are Dollie, Debbie, Sandra and the late Ethel and Betty.

He graduated with the class of 1968 from the Henry Alexander Hunt High School in Fort Valley, Georgia and attended The Fort Valley State College (University) until he enlisted in the United States Army. During his 15 year Military Service career, Daniel earned the rank of Sergeant and was an Airborne Air Drop Supervisor. His tours of active duty included Germany, Saudia Arabia (Desert Storm) and Korea. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Daniel has three (3) adult children. He is the proud granddad to seven (7) biological and to many others through his work in community service at the Peach County Recreation Department.

Currently, Daniel serves as a Georgia High School Association Official (GHSA) and Event Planner for the Agriculture Technology Conference Center at The Fort Valley State University.

His lifelong religious affiliation is with Harris Chapel CME Church in Crawford County.

Daniel embraces with adoration his love for family, work and community. When the opportunity presents itself, his favorite hobby is fishing!

Thomas Edmond

Thomas Edmond is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and currently serves as an Information Receptionist at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center located in Dublin, Georgia.

While serving in the Army Infantry from 1969 to 1971, Edmond deployed to Vietnam for a year-long tour. During his combat deployment, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and honorably discharged from the Army in 1971 as a Private First Class.

His service at Carl Vinson VA Medical Center started in 2013 when Edmond volunteered as the information receptionist at building five’s main entrance. He immediately began making an impact in his new role and a few years later, medical center leadership created a full-time position for Edmond to continue his outstanding work.

Edmond champions hard work and was featured in VA’s Vantage Point Blog “From homeless to hired – a story of resilience and dedication.” He advocates for mental health awareness and also belongs to William Chapel Baptist Church where he is a long-time member.

Laronda F. Eason

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

CPT

Years of Service:

26 Years

Children:

Marqueaz and Dennis, Jr.

Religious Affiliation:

Usher’s Temple CME

Community Service:

• American Legion Post 268
• Fort Valley Evening Optimist Club
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Hobbies:

• Golf
• Assisting Veterans
• Community Outreach Projects

Current Employment:

Disabled Veteran

Additional Information:

I am proud to serve as the Chaplain for the American Legion Post 268 as well as assist all veterans in any capacity that will be helpful in improving the quality of their lives.

Robert D. Moss

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

E-4

Years of Service:

3 Years of Service

Spouse & Children:

Jacinta Williams, Kenica Moss, Laquitta Moss and Tambriea Moss

Religious Affiliation:

Word in Season Ministries

Community Service:

Veterans Advocacy

Hobbies:

All Sports & Assisting Disabled Veterans

Current Employment:

Disabled Veteran

Additional Information:

I have, through the help of Veterans and Staff, gained the quality of life which I deserve and others. I have had many ups and downs battling homelessness, substance abuse and my spouse committed suicide on August 20, 2021. The VA and staff members helped me in my time of crisis and needs, as a veteran I am extremely grateful.

Basil Beckford

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

Sergeant

Years of Service:

12 Years of Service with Deployments to Bosnia, Macedonia and Iraq

Spouse & Children:

Married with 4 Children

Community Service:

Working to eliminate Veterans Homelessness.

Hobbies:

Loves running, working out and traveling.

Current Employment:

Works for the US Department of Housing & Urban Development.

James A. Latimore

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army (2 years)
U.S. Air Force Reserve (24 years)

Rank:

TSGT (Retired)

Years of Service:

26 years

Religious Affiliation:

Saint Peter AME Church in Fort Valley, GA (Serves as Trustee Pro-Tem)

Hobbies:

• Working in my garden
• Watching and attending football games
• Watching all other sports
• Traveling
• Attending family events and relaxing after I retired

Additional Information:

• Member of the American Legion Post 268 (Treasurer)
• Member of the Hunt Educational and Cultural Center (Treasurer)
• Life Member of the FVSU National Alumni Association (Past Treasurer)
• Member of the Fort Valley Retired Educator Association
• Life Member of the Fort Valley Evening Optimist Club (Past Treasurer & President)

Anthony D. Sapp

Branch of Service:

U.S. Air Force

Rank:

TSgt (Retired)

Years of Service:

20 years

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Shavonda Evans-Sapp
Children: Tamia, Taliyah, Zariyah, Antoinette, Sierra, Jack, Tierra, Jacob, Joseph, David, Stephen, Andrew, Ana and Sabastian

Religious Affiliation:

Fellowship Bible Baptist Church in Warner Robins, GA

Community Service:

Feeding the homeless, mentoring kids, Member of Kappa Lambda Chi Military Fraternity Inc.

Hobbies:

Coaching, Being a great father, Sports

Current Employment:

Retired Air Force

Reginald E. Pettus

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Years of Service:

22 years

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Lana - 40 years
Children: Bryana, Brittany

Religious Affiliation:

Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church, Jonesboro, GA

Community Service:

Cub Scout Pack 954 (23 years)

Fraternity:

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Hobbies:

• Reading
• Listening to “old skool” music
• Umpiring
• Watching westerns and sci-fi movies

Additional Information:

LTC (Retired) Reginald E. Pettus served in the Army on Active Duty for 22 years. He was commissioned into the Infantry Branch upon graduating from Wofford College. He served in a variety of leadership positions and locations around the world, Platoon Leader and Executive Officer (Korea), Company Commander (Fort Jackson), Infantry Officer Platoon Trainer, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Tactical Leadership Branch and Battalion Operations Officer (Fort Benning), OIC Infantry Ranges and Chief, Plans and Development (Grafenwoehr, Germany), Battalion Operations Officer (Korea), Infantry LTC Assignment Officer (PERSCOM), and Inspector General (Fort McPherson). After Fort McPherson closed, he worked in Afghanistan as an Inspector General Mentor for Dyncorp. His military education included Infantry Basic and Advance Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School (Distinguished Graduate), Pathfinder Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the Inspector General Course. His civilian education includes a Masters in General Administration from Central Michigan University. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, Airborne Wings, Ranger Tab, and Pathfinder Badge. LTC (Retired) Pettus is currently a 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Eddie White Middle Academy. He and his wife, Lana (40 years), are proud parents of two adult daughters, Bryana and Brittany.

John Henry Torbert

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

Private First Class

Years of Service:

1961 – 1963

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Bobbie Torbert - 52 years
Children: Kena, Johnelle and Shalema

Religious Affiliation:

Mount Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem NY

Community Service:

• Providing income tax information
• Urban vegetable gardening

Hobbies:

• Spending time with grandsons (John-Avery and Bryson)
• Fishing
• Urban vegetable gardening
• Chef and Master Griller

Employment:

• New York City Police Officer, 21 years
• Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc., Clerk Receptionist 13 years

Additional Information:

101 Airborne Division (Paratrooper), 501 Signal Battalion Fort Campbell, KY

John H. Torbert is a quiet, warm-hearted man with deep values of honesty and tradition. He is the type of man that you can joke with, and learn valuable lessons from without intimidation or judgement. He finds common ground with strangers, and makes people feel comfortable in his presence. He is the ideal father. We are blessed to have him as ours. Thanks for always being the solid rock for our family. – Your Loving Daughters

Robert L. Freeman

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

SP/4

Years of Service

January 12, 1971 – January 11, 1973

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Diane Freeman
Children: Tara, Dezon, Pernordo, Ryan, Percata & Kielan

Religious Affiliation:

First Fellowship Worship Center

Community Service:

• Ridge Grove AME Church Food Pantry
• Ridge Grove AME Church Sunday School Teacher & Pastor’s Assistant

Hobbies:

• Classic Cars
• NHRA Drag Race Event

Current Employment/Job Title:

• Retired U.S. Postal Service in 2007 with 37 Years
• Chauffer and Limousine License & Contractor

Earl C. Grayson, Jr.

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank:

E6/Staff SGT

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Janice F. Grayson (45 Years)
Children: 3 Sons & 14 Grandchildren

Religious Affiliation:

First Fellowship Worship Center

Community Service:

Men of Destiny Ministry

Hobbies:

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Current Employment/Job Title:

Director of Operations – P.A.L.M.S. Medical Transport, LLC

Lewis C. Wright

Branch of Service:

U.S. Army

Rank & Years of Service:

Corporal; 2 years

Spouse & Children:

Spouse: Louise
Children: 9
Step-Children: 2

Religious Affiliation:

Church of Christ

Community Service:

Takes Communion to the sick and shut in

Hobbies:

Studying the Bible

Current Employment/Job Title:

Retired Owner

Additional Information:

Mr. Wright received 3 Bronze Stars for his service as a Combat Army Medic in the Korean War.