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AVR seeks assistance to serve

Tue, 02/11/2020 - 1:16 pm
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    One of the three tributes, honoring deceased veterans in a funeral ceremony, is the folding of the American flag. It is presented to one of the serving family members. Contributed photo

There is a group of men in Young and Stephens Counties, veterans from all branches of the armed forces, who have dedicated their service to the nation’s military veterans and their community. They are members of the American Volunteer Reserve, a Veterans’ Service Organization who seek no payment nor accolades, only to provide services to their deceased military veterans and their community.

James Manley Denton served in the US Army finishing his term as E-5. He currently holds the rank of Sergeant Major in the AVR and has served since 2004. Denton said, “It a privilege to honor a deceased veteran. Their families are so appreciative and that encourages me to do the little that I do. The pay is not much, but the reward is great.”

There are two duties in which the AVR conducts.

Jon Walker served in the US Navy. He is Brigadier General in the AVR and has served since 2005. “I joined because the concept of honoring veterans at their passing seemed like an incredible privilege and honor. The three tributes: firing a rifle salute, the playing of Taps, and the folding of the American flag and presenting it to the family takes seven minutes, but the effect on the family lasts forever. These grave side honors, along with carrying the colors in local parades constitute the two-fold mission of the AVR.”

The AVR are the first to lead a parade and they are the last group a deceased veteran will be remembered by.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Feb. 12 edition of the Breckenridge American.