New Year, New Faces at the Alabama Veterans Museum

A great way to start off the new year is to start a habit! A good habit, like attending the Coffee Call at the Veterans Museum every first Saturday of each month. There were lots of first time guest attending the January Coffee Call; one in particular was Don Woodard. He and his wife Judy moved to Limestone County a little over 4 years ago from North Carolina.

Don, a veteran, joined the Marine Corp and served from 1960-1964. He then enlisted in the Army where he rose to the rank of Colonel and continued to serve in the reserves. His military career spanned 36 years and he was a school principal for 34 years.

In 2007 Don’s wife passed away from a heart-attack. They have 2 children, Leah who lives in Madison Al, with her husband and their 4 children. This was said to be why Don and Judy moved to Limestone County to be close to the grand-kids. And their son, Scott is in the Army, stationed in San Antonio Texas and has 2 sons.

Don seemed to have enjoyed his visit at the Museum, (& I hope my interview), when we finished up our talk he gave me a star. This is a very special star, not a gold or silver star like they give in the Army, but a white star from a United States Flag. This star was once on a Flag that was to be destroyed due to its tattered condition. Before Don retires his flags, he retrieves the stars by cutting them out in a pentagon shape to give this special symbol to his friends, comrades and family.

I know I will always value this ‘Star’ knowing its special purpose and its honorable beginning. I will also remember the gentle man who gave it, and I appreciate his service to our country.  Before Don left he told me, “I know it is a cliché but I’ll always serve my "God, Family and Country"!

You are always welcomed at our Veterans Museum in Athens!

 

Teresa Todd
AthensPlus.com
January 7th, 2012