~ Jim Whittington ~
receiving a prestigious
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
award

from Ms. Martha Gaddis

DAR Community Service Award
the citation:

Over the years there was a gradual erosion of health benefits promised members and retirees of the United States Military. The government had not lived up to its promise of free healthcare for life for military retirees.

Msgt Jim Whittington of Laurel organized the Military Retiree Grass Roots Group who rallied into action.

With the aid and sponsorship of freshman Congressman Ronnie Shows, the results was "Tricare for Life", a medical entitlement for Medicare eligible military retirees and dependents. This bill helped in organizing and mobilizing veterans across our nation in contacting their Congressman concerning their promised benefits.

Since November, 2001 all retired military veterans and dependents are receiving these medical benefits.

It is with great pride that the Nahoula Chapter, Mississippi Society, Daughters of the American Revolution presents Msgt James R. Whittington, US Air Force retired, the Community Service Award.

Jim Whittington and Ms. Martha Gaddis

The Plaque:

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. CERTIFICATE OF AWARD presented to James R, Whittington Msgt USAF, ret for EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE Dated September 17, 2002 Signed by: Miriam Vance, Chapter Regent/State Regent, NSDAR and signed by: Nancy Schirm Wright, National Chairman, Community Service Award Committee

The acceptance speech:

 It is with great honor and humbleness that I accept this prestigious award Today. I would like to thank the daughters of the American Revolution for Bestowing this award on me today. It is especially meaningful in view of present world events taking place today.

The "DAR" has since 1890 been the backbone in perpetuating the memory and spirit of men and women who achieved American independence. Even today, they are still the driving force behind this objective.

 Their motto has always been "god, home and country," and their goals have always been and still are to maintain and extend the institution of American freedom, foster true patriotism, and love of country in securing all the blessings of liberty.

 Speaking of patriotism and liberty, I still get an awesome feeling, when I hear the "star spangled banner" or "god bless America" or hear the "pledge of allegiance" with the words "under god" we are indeed blessed to be in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

 Although honored with this award, I do not feel deserving of it. I cannot accept solely because there was many involved in our endeavors. I was one of many involved in our grassroots efforts to "restore military benefits" earned and promised to us by the U.S. Government.

I can't name them all but at this time, I would like to acknowledge just a few who have worked tirelessly to fight for what was earned and promised to those that served over 20 years of active duty.

First and foremost, my very dear friend, Floyd Sears. Without Floyd, I probably would not have even been involved. I don't have the words to describe this individual. Then there is Col. George (bud) Day, Medal of Honor recipient and leader of the Class Act Group. You can't say enough about this man. Gen. Dick Murray and Col. Chuck Partridge from the national organization known as NAUS. Jack Hollinsworth, Boyce Allen, Don Bishop, John Vann, David Vann, Doug Dukes, Floyd Felts, Jim Engelage, Ed Lawton, Jim Ayers, Tom Dooley, Pete Peterson, Ward Coston, Ed Gilstrap, Merle Scoggins, Lonnie Vessel, Vern Martin, and Don Waterworth. There are countless others but time does not permit naming all.

 Then there is the local pine belt chapter of TROA that was always there, like all the rest, to offer their guidance and counseling. There is Fred Vance, Doc Wiggins, Dewey McKee, Charlie Rawls, Bob Walker, Jim Bell, Keith Horne -- just to name a few from the local chapter of the TROA.

Lastly, regardless of our efforts, without a starting point, there would not be what we, the retired military call, Tricare for life and partial restoration of earned benefits.

Congressman Ronnie shows was the catalyst. He along with Congressman Charlie Norwood, Senator Tim Johnson and the late Senator Paul Coverdale submitted non -- partisan legislation to restore the "broken promise". Those of us that are on the Internet were kept abreast on a daily basis, the status of this legislation by Phil Alperson, legislative director for Congressman Shows.

Based on the above, you can readily see and understand this was not a "me" effort but a "team and we" effort and I might add that team consist of about 1.9 million retirees and their families

 Again, I would encourage the DAR to continue in your deep-rooted tradition of support of the military, past, present and future. I would like to thank the Daughters of the American Revolution for this great honor, and I will forever remember this day in my heart. In closing, and used in conjunction with your national motto, the military also believes in God, Duty, Honor, Country

Merle Whittington (Jim's wife) pinning on the award

Bob Walker, Merle Whittington, Jim Whittington, and Miriam Vance

Jim Whittington, and Bob Walker

Extracted from:

Laurel Leader-Call - ONLINE

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

DAR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - The
Nahoula Chapter, MSSDAR, presented the DAR
Community Service Award Tuesday to Laurel's Msgt. Jim
Whittington, US Air Force retired, to honor his work
securing medical benefits for retired military veterans and
their dependents. Among those present for the ceremony
were (l-r) Bob Walker, vice president of the Laurel
Chapter of TROA (The Retired Officers Association);
Merle and Jim Whittington; and regent Miriam Vance.
[Photo by F. Paulette Boone (Staff Photo)]

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