On Thursday, November 7, 2024, an outstanding Veterans Day program was held at the Milwaukee War Memorial, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. The program was hosted by WTMJ4’s Andrea Williams and veteran Richard Badger. Sixteen African American veterans from Milwaukee were honored for their service and sacrifice to this country and to their community. They represented every conflict, ranging from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and two honorees from World War II. The honorees were Joshua Morris, Shan LaBrew Owens, Vickie Kennedy, Sgt. Terina Hammick, Garry Lawson, Sgt. Dr. Jada Reynolds, Terry L. Strong, Dr. Berdie Cowser, Sgt. Major Tanya Sloan, Tiffany Koehler, Joseph R. Savage, Willie Ruffin, Franklin Sims, LaMarr Franklin; and special honorees World War II veterans Anna Mae Robertson (100 years old), and Vernon C. Townsend (104 years old).
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
The program began with the entrance of the veterans and the singing of the National Anthem. They were also serenaded with a song by Marshall High School teacher Carol Molex. Among the many guest speakers and presenters were Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who presented Vernon Townsend with an award and a Proclamation naming a day in his honor. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary-designee James Bond also spoke and presented awards and certificates to each honoree. In addition, each honoree received special recognition from the offices of Congresswoman Gwen Moore and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. The veterans also received a commemorative Tuskegee Airmen coin.
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
One of the highlights of the event was a historical presentation by Doug Melville, author of the book, The Invisible Generals, which told the stories of American’s first two black generals-Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., and Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who were father and son.
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
The other highlight of the evening was having World War II veteran Vernon C. Townsend present at the event. Townsend enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 16, 1942 and trained at Camp Shelby in Lexington, MS. Townsend, worked as a auto mechanic’s helper but also took medical basic training and served as a hospital orderly providing first aid. With his medical training he would go on to assist many of the medical officers in helping save the lives of his fellow soldiers. Congratulations and gratitude to Mr. Townsend and all the other honorees.
