Front row, from left, Clinton Riddle, James T. Taylor, Irvin Boatwright, Raymond Weaver, Andy Forrester, Luis Velez and Joe Kochis. Back row, from left, Paul Harwart, Victor Irvin, Anthony Heath, Doug Stephenson, Raymond McCranie, Terona Chivers, James Smith and Roger Taylor.
After five years of being inactive, the SGT Alvin C. York Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association conducted a Re-Activation Ceremony at Wally’s Restaurant in East Ridge and installed officers for 2013.
The officers include Nero J. Tucker, National Board member and chairman of the Vulcan Chapter, Huntsville, Ala. and James Smith, charter member of the original Chattanooga chapter uncased the colors in the re-activation ceremony.
The following officers were installed by Mr. Tucker: Chairman: Douglas Stephenson; Vice-Chairman: John Woodham; Secretary: Andy Forrester; Treasurer: Roger Taylor; One Year Trustee: Raymond Weaver; Two Year Trustee: Paul Harwart; Three Year Trustee: Terona Chivers; Sergeant-At-Arms: Victor Irvin; and Judge Advocate: Joe Kochis.
The local chapter was originally organized in 1985 and served the interests of airborne and glider qualified veterans for over 25 years. An honor guard representing the chapter has participated in Veteran’s and Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Cemetery and at the Alvin C York Historical Park, Pall Mall, Tn. and in various military parades. The 82nd Airborne Division Association Certificates of Recognition have been presented to JROTC students for excellent achievement in military studies.
All military qualified airborne personnel of any branch of the Armed Forces are invited to attend monthly meetings at 1900 each second Tuesday of the month at the VFW Post 4848 at 1491 Riverside Dr.
For more information, contact Chapter Chairman, Doug Stephenson at 432-2715 or by email: drstep@aol.com and visit the chapter website at: www.chattanoogaairbornevets.com.