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Colonel J. Bradford Lynn, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was the speaker at the city of Lanett’s annual Veterans Day program on Monday morning, honoring a dozen city employees. 

Lanett High School JROTC students performed the presentation of the Colors to open the Veterans Day program. After that, Lanett Mayor Jamie L. Heard welcomed the community to the program.

“Today, we pause to salute and honor our country’s greatest patriots who have served in the military. Veterans, you have made sacrifices to secure our freedom, veterans, you have put your lives on the line to protect the freedom that we enjoy,” Mayor Heard said. “We are grateful to have selfless men and women such as you all who have given and defended our greatest nation.”

“Our nation shines brightly across the world because of your service, for your greater coverage, strength, dedication and sacrifice, the state of the land honors you may God bless you And God bless America,” Heard said. 

“It’s an honor and a pleasure for me to be here to celebrate our nation’s Veterans Day,” Lynn said. “It’s a pleasure because I’m among such wonderful patriotic Americans in the city of Lanett, Alabama. It’s an honor for me to speak on behalf of our veterans.”

Lynn, a 30-year veteran, serves as a Member-at-Large of the CAP Board of Governors. The 11-member BoG leads CAP through collective decision-making to generate plans, policies and programs. 

Before joining the BoG in 2017, Lynn served as Vice Commander for CAP’s Southeast Region. Before that, he was Wing Commander of the Alabama Wing, where his team reestablished a glider program and earned outstanding ratings for programs and inspections. 

In 1977, Lynn entered active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force. On active duty, he served primarily as a KC-135 Aircraft Commander and did a tour at the Pentagon in the Air Staff Training Assignment (ASTRA).

As a nation, Lynn said, there are two holidays dedicated to veterans: Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, established on November 11, 1918 to commemorate the end of World War 1. The day later became known as Veterans Day in 1954.

“It is certainly easy to recognize the veteran who proudly wears the uniform of those members of the VFW or the American Legion with the sharp-looking hats,” Lynn said. “But what about those angels among us that have served with little fanfare, humbly accepting to serve their country in times not so popular? Our country was founded with such unknown heroes.”

Lynn said that it’s important not to forget those who are currently serving, saying “thank you to our present-day warriors.” He added an acknowledgment to the family members of those serving in the military who support their veterans and active duty.

“I can’t tell you how important these little tokens of support meant to those of us deployed in the middle of nowhere, the thoughts and prayers of the little tokens shown by your support,” Lynn said. 

Tommy Weldon, retired Lanett police chief, performed the National Anthem and the Taps at the beginning and end of the program. The Pledge of Allegiance was performed by Lanett Police Investigator Patrick McCullough, U.S. Army, and Mark Crowder, U.S.A.R.N.G., introduced the guest speaker. 

The event was also catered by Terri’s Mill Village Cafe. 

The city of Lanett honored those employees who have served or are currently serving in a branch of the military. The following employees were honored:

• Willi Scroggins, US Marine Reserve
• Willie Brown, US Air Force
• Darryl Dawkins, US Army National Guard
• Jaquarious Lockhart, US Army
• Patrick McCullough, US Army
• Greg Reagan, US Navy
• Maki Potts, US Army
• Tristan Meadows, US Army National Guard
• Gary Wright, US Air Force
• Richard Carter, US Air Force
• Anthony Rudd, US Marines and US Army
• Jessie Marshall, US Army
• Bobby Akins, US Army National Guard
• Mark Crowder, US Army National Guard