Highlands Veterans Honor Guard

FAREWELL SALUTE to Johnnie H. Pope, Sr., known affectionately as John, who passed away on August 15,2024. John was a plant engineer at SKF Industries for 21 years until his retirement. He was a proud veteran, having served four years in the United States Air Force. A funeral service was held on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the Farris Funeral Service – Main Street Chapel in Abingdon. The committal service was held at Mountain View Methodist Cemetery with military honors provided by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Happy 234th birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, we salute the brave men and women who protect our country from sea to shining sea. 🛥️ Thank you for your service.

Today we took part in a program by the Daughters of the American Revolution in Abingdon. We had fife and drums, and bugler in colonial clothing. We posted colors and then toward the end of the program we fired our rifles and retrieved colors. It was a really nice program. We didn't have any photos of the honor guard to post.

FAREWELL SALUTE to James Franklin Stroup, affectionately known as Jim, who passed away on June 25, 2024 in Abingdon, VA, at the age of 85. Jim served his country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1963. In 1975 he opened his own business, Abingdon Steel. A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA. Military Honors were provided by the Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

Today, June 14th, marks the celebration of Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. Let us honor the spirit of our nation's formation and strive to uphold the values of integrity and honor in our country.

With today being Flag Day, Johnny Cash's powerful song "Ragged Old Flag" reminds us why we have a holiday dedicated to the American flag 🇺🇸 >> https://go.countryrebel.com/RaggedOldFlag

FAREWELL SALUTE to Howard Zeb Shortt, aged 99,who passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Howard served in the US Army during World War II. He took part in battles in North Africa, Italy, and France, receiving two Purple Hearts for his bravery and sacrifice in aiding the fight to preserve and restore the freedom of others around the world. He was a committed member of the York Masonic Lodge in Maple Grove, Virginia. His graveside service was held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Forest Hill Memory Gardens. Military Honors were provided by the Virginia Army National Guard and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

With our Honor Guard on Memorial Day 2024 at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Damascus, VA. We participated in Taps Across America.

On Memorial Day our honor guard will participate in "Taps Across America" with bugler Tiffany Greer at 3:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Damascus, VA. We invite everyone to come for a few minutes to honor our veterans and especially those who gave their lives for our country.
To find out more about more about "Taps Across America" you can click on this link.

Taps Across America The Taps Across America tribute promotes recognition of the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day each year. Buglers and trumpeters are encouraged to sound Taps at 3 pm. Register today!

On the third Saturday in May we honor and respect the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving our nation.
https://brnw.ch/21wJU5D

FAREWELL SALUTE to John H. Lowe, who passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. John served in the US Navy on a submarine for 4 years, worked some as a mechanic, dabbled a little in small businesses such as Lowe's Garage and J&J's Riverside Wholesale. A committal service was held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Park. Military honors were conducted by United States Navy Honor Guard and Highlands Veteran Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to John Bryan LeGwin, age 71, who passed away on April 6, 2024. He served in the US Navy, and was stationed on the USS Bluefish, SSN 675, a fast attack nuclear submarine as a radio operator for the majority of his career. After the Navy he worked as a Research Analyst using satellite imaging technology. A memorial service was held May 1, 2024 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, VA.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Paul Jones, age 52, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He served his country in the United States Army for 8 years which included a tour in Iraq and fighting in Desert Storm. The funeral service was conducted on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Park. with Mr. Jeff Fritz officiating. Military Honors were provided by the Virginia Army National Guard and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Charles Henry Grady, age 90, who passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Charles served in the United States Army. Afterward he worked for over 20 years at Ben Franklin and later worked at Westinghouse, and Huff Cook/Settlers Life Insurance Company. A graveside service was on April 27, 2024, at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon. Military Honors were provided by the Virginia Army National Guard and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Robert William Fugate who passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Robert, aka “Billy” or “Billy Jack” as he was affectionately called by friends and family, served in the Navy for 20 years and afterward worked as a contractor. The funeral service was held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Interment followed at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Military Honors were provided by US Navy and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Richard Jerome Dicks, Sr., who passed away on March 15, 2024. Richard was known by several nicknames. Tissel and Jazz were his favorites. The pull of adventure and seeing new places led him to enlist in the United States Navy and ultimately retire as a Navy Chief Petty Officer. His Navy career took him around the world, visiting places like Japan, Belgium, France, Greece, and Turkey, to name a few. A memorial service was held on April 6, 2024 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Military Honors were provided by US Navy and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

Last night the honor guard and spouses went out to eat together and spend time talking and telling stories. Good time. Great bunch of people.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Billy "Bill" Wayne Brown who passed away on March 25, 2024. Bill was a proud serviceman of the United States Marines Corps, serving his country in the Vietnam War before receiving an honorable discharge after four years of service. The funeral service was held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Farris Funeral Service Chapel and committal service followed at the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military Honors were provided by United States Marine Corps and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Adell Reed Spears, age 74, of Abingdon, Virginia, who passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Adell was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She was an employee of the Ball Corporation for many years from where she retired. A graveside service was held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military honors were conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard

FAREWELL SALUTE to Dennis Timothy Minnick, age 65, who passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and retired from Norfolk-Southern Railroad as an Supervisor Road Foreman of Engines after 20 years of employment. A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Military honors were conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the US Navy.

We think about those serving our country and we appreciate their service and sacrifice. But, it is important to remember the families of service members and the sacrifices they have to make while their loved ones are away for several months or a year. We honor all military spouses and families as well as those serving.

FAREWELL SALUTE to Michael J. Anderson who passed away on January 23, 2024 at the age of 76 in Abingdon, Virginia. After graduating from High School, Michael committed himself to serving his country as a member of the United States Marines. His military service instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty that he carried with him throughout his life. Also, he was a recipient of a Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Michael ventured into business and sales. A graveside funeral service was held on January 29, 2024 at Knollkreg Memorial Park Abingdon. Military Honors were provided by United States Marine Corps and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

FAREWELL SALUTE to James Clinton Heath, age 87, who passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. James served his country in the US Navy and posted on the USS Princeton. A graveside services was held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, VA. Military honors were conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and US Navy.