Left to right: Dewey Large, Bonnie Weatherford, Ralph Neal, Bill Robinson

We had the honor of visiting the Ben Atchley State Veterans' Home today with my parents and other members of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization Smoky Mountain Chapter. The purpose of the visit was for the local Ex-POW Chapter to present a gift to the veterans residing there.

A while back, my Dad asked me about the possibility of getting some framed prints of the mountains to give to the new veterans' home as a gift from his Ex-POW club. He thought it might help brighten their day a little. It took me a while but I finally made good, and gave him four framed prints (representing the four seasons) for Christmas on the condition he had to give them away.

Local ex-POW chapter Commander Bonnie Weatherford made the arrangements, and my Mom and Dad met up with her and local chapter member Bill Robinson at the Veterans' Home today for the luncheon presentation.

Left to right: Don Abernathy, Doris Neal, Ralph Neal, Bonnie Weatherford, with TSVH Dir. of Activities Ginny Howe

We were very impressed with the Tennessee State Veterans' Home and the staff there. The facilities are bright, beautifully decorated, and immaculately clean. Everyone we spoke with feels honored to "serve those who served." The 140-bed facility, which opened in 2006, is full, and there is a waiting list of 400 veterans. We spoke with several women residents, some of whom are veterans themselves and some of whom are spouses or widows.

The folks there seemed to appreciate the gift from the local ex-POW organization, but the real gift was for us to meet some of the "greatest generation" in residence there.

Among the many veterans present for the luncheon, we spoke with William Campbell, who was a sergeant at the Battle of the Bulge. Most of his 25-man unit was killed or captured, but he and five others managed to get away. Mr. Campbell is 91 years old. The Mrs. spoke with Mr. Kelly and a female army nurse who were also both at the Battle of the Bulge, and J.B. Flynn, a WWII veteran of campaigns in Europe and Africa who was on his way to the Pacific when the war ended.

We also met Don Abernathy, Dewey Large, and Ralph Galyon, who are residents at the Veterans' Home and are all WWII veterans and Ex-POWs themselves. My Dad, Ralph Neal, is also a WWII veteran and Ex-POW who was captured by the Germans at the Rapido River Crossing.

Local ex-POW chapter member Bill Robinson is a Vietnam veteran. He was a crew member on an Air Force helicopter that was shot down on a mission to rescue a downed fighter pilot. He was captured by the North Vietnamese and spent eight years as a POW at the "Hanoi Hilton." (Bill was recently featured on WBIR's Service and Sacrifice series honoring veterans.)

Local chapter Commander Bonnie Weatherford's late husband was also a WWII veteran and ex-POW, who escaped just a couple of weeks before his POW camp was liberated. She said the ex-POW organization had done a lot for her husband, and that's why she volunteers her time and energy to support the organization.

The group is mostly made up of WWII vets, and their numbers are dwindling. When my Dad joined several years ago there were approx. 100 members in the local chapter. There are now 14.

The American Ex-Prisoners of War national organization, working with state and local chapters, provides support and helps ex-POWs work their way through the maze of VA benefits. I know from personal observation that the organization is a tremendous help to ex-POWs, both emotionally and financially in terms of helping them get the benefits they deserve.

The Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans' Home is a great asset for East Tennessee and our veterans. We were honored to meet some of them today, and look forward to visiting again. The residents really seem to enjoy visitors (one asked if we were going to sing for them), so if you have a program or presentation you think they might enjoy, consider giving Director of Activities Ginny Howe a call.

Left to right (background): Dewey Large, Don Abernathy, his daughter, Doris Neal, TSVH Administrator Doug Ottinger, Ralph Neal, Bonnie Weatherford, (unknown), Ginny Howe, Ralph Gaylon, and Bill Robinson

Left to right: American Ex-POW Organziation Smoky Mountain Chapter members Bill Robinson, Ralph Neal, Doris Neal, with Commander Bonnie Weatherford.

As we were leaving, the Mrs. chats with this gentleman who brings his German Shepherd to visit his mother and father who are residents at the home.

(note: click any image for larger view)