Wednesday, November 1, 2000

I am Frank Hyde, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9949, Peachtree City. Phone 770-487-8304.

It behooves me and the members to publicize our benevolence. There are rare times it becomes necessary. This is one of them.

It seems that the scribe of our city feels that the V.F.W. should visit the schools and reveal our experiences during World War II. Many of you students have already heard us in your classrooms. I, personally spent two days last year at Sandy Creek High School, relating my times in the South Pacific. A Fayette County student spent some two hours a month ago filming my views on some conflicts of interest. It's most enjoyable to meet with these youngsters and they seem to want more of this information. One of our members, who was a prisoner of war in Germany, was chosen to speak to the students at a school recently. For those who aren't aware of procedure, we veterans must be invited to these schools. We do not push ourselves on them.

As for me, I must say that I am no hero. I was a 4F. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on Sunday, we boys all crowded the recruiting stations on Monday. I drove to Atlanta to join the Navy, only to be told that my blood pressure was too high and they wouldn't have me. I then dieted for six months to get into the Army, but they only took me as a medic. I spent two years in the South Pacific. No combat, but at times something as bad. We now have monthly programs of visiting the nursing homes here in Peachtree City and Fayetteville, with candy, fruit and other condiments that the disabled veterans there can enjoy.

We have just recently visited the middle and high schools here with the applications for the "Voice of Democracy" and the "Youth Essay" contests. There are savings bonds for the best essays. This is a yearly thing with us. Just a week ago we participated in the Classic road runners event here. There are other numerous events that we strive to assist in, and there is more we plan to do. I am now 78 years old, in dire need of two knee replacements (coming soon) and I am limited as to how much walking I can do, but I am hot to trot when I can assist in any program for our youth. Please be advised that here we are and ready.

Now for Steve Brown. If you need more information, I will gladly enlighten you.

It's my hope that the citizens of our town will not see this as a sign of bragging. We don't air our doings unless it becomes necessary.

Please remember Nov. 11. That's Veterans Day, the one time we wish to see you with our Buddy Poppies. All donations we receive will go to disabled veterans.

Frank Hyde

Commander Post 9949

Peachtree City

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