FOUR OAKS – The Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce held a Veterans Recognition ceremony on November 14 at the American Legion Post 346 building. The ceremony began with Little Miss Four Oaks Princess, Emma Boswell leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Four Oaks Middle School Cardinal Choir directed by Crystal Barbour. Joan Pritchett, Executive Director of the Four Oaks Chamber announced the 2023 Award Recipients.
Mr. Dean T. (Tom) Britt received the Lifetime of Service Award. Mr. Glen Calhoun received the Dedicated Service Award. Each recipient received a plaque and a $250 award that they will donate to an organization of their choice.
Mr. Britt is a Vietnam era US Army veteran serving in both the United States and Germany. Mr. Britt was recently honored by the Mayor Vic Medlin and Four Oaks commissioners with a proclamation naming a day in his honor. He also received the title of “Honorary Major General” by former Mayor Linwood Parker. Mr. Britt provides valuable services not only to the Veterans of the community but to the whole Four Oaks community as well. His dedication has been a lifetime mission, and we honor him by awarding the Lifetime of Service award.
Mr. Calhoun is a Vietnam era veteran who served our nation as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He is the current Commander of the Four Oaks American Legion Post 346. Mr. Calhoun is an ardent supporter of the South Johnston Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he serves as a Level Two Volunteer. He helped organize the Corps’ marksmanship program as its principal marksmanship instructor. Mr. Calhoun is solely responsible for the building of its wall of honor display which is beautifully displayed in a main hallway of South Johnston High School. The wall honors past cadets who are now actively serving in all branches of our nation’s military services. There are many more valuable services that Mr. Calhoun dedicates himself to, making him the perfect recipient of the Dedicated Service Award.
After the award announcements, Jr. Miss Four Oaks, Emilia Claire Fogleman presented a $250 check to the American Legion Post 346 Auxiliary. The check was received by Mrs. Eleanor Britt of the Auxiliary. The money will be used to assist in purchasing items and shipping care packages to our serving military.
Pritchett, in closing remarks, asked that the event serve as a reminder that the freedoms we hold dear to us are not free – they are earned through the sacrifice and service of extraordinary individuals. Let us carry the spirit of gratitude from this gathering into our daily lives, honoring veterans not just on this day but every day, she said.
