The Sons of the American Revolution Withlacoochee Chapter hosted a military ball Saturday, Nov. 7, at the VFW on Edward Noll Drive in Spring Hill. Attendees wore Revolutionary-era gowns and military uniforms to honor the nation’s veterans and celebrate its military history. Members of the Withlacoochee SAR and the Daughters of the American Revolution Annuttaliga and Winding Waters Chapters attended, along with dignitaries, honored veterans and members of the public.
Central High School JROTC cadets performed a sword honor cordon, forming an arch of crossed swords for dignitaries and honored veterans to walk beneath as they entered. Lt. Joseph Wolff, NYPD, Ret., gave the keynote address on the “True First Responders,” the people already on scene who act to protect others when a tragedy strikes. “There is a moment when someone has to make a decision. A moment when someone has to step forward, take responsibility, and act. That moment belongs to the people who are already there,” Wolff said.
Veterans recognized during the ceremony included Donald Desmonds, who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade; Louis Hollander, who served in the military police during the Vietnam War; Maj. William Thompson, who served 26 years in the Army; Lloyd Edwards; and John Johnson. Desmonds enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1966. He trained at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Fort Holabird, Maryland, earned his paratrooper qualification at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In March 1968 he was reassigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, where he primarily operated out of Landing Zone English near Bong Son. He retired at the rank of Specialist Fifth Class after a 14-month tour and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
