The sixth annual Honoring the American Man Dinner and Recognition ceremony was held July 27 at the Sweet Home Veterans Club.
Six men were honored.
Honorees this year from Sweet Home were:
Jack Burk, who was honored by Jacqueline Richards.
She said, “Jack is a very easy man to get along with. He is my best friend, my lover and my protector. He plays dice and tries to make me smile. All in all, he is my partner, buddy, and pal.
“Jack was never in the service because of a burn accident, yet he worked for a company helping out during wartime.”
Stanley Gray, who was honored by his roommate, Lea Davis.
She said, “Stanley has served 25 years now in the National Guard. He has fought five national forest fires, served three tours of combat in Iraq, has had multiple deployments and multi-national training in Germany to help other countries, Thailand and England in the last 10 years. He spent two months in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
“He is very active in the Sweet Home VFW Club. He helps in the building maintenance, outside and inside building, drives the 1930 Franklin in local parades and helps put up the flags along Main Street and Long Street on special days.”
Davis said Gray also assisted the late Juan Ulep in his Rotary International projects that sent thousands of dollars in medical and school supplies to third-world countries.
Gray enjoys fishing, hunting, prospecting, pool and darts.
Charlie Shaw was honored by friends, who described him as “a kind man that helps many people in the community. Many people are unable to get to their doctor’s appointment, work or the grocery store. He is always there to help them out, even if it is money they need. He is a friend to anyone that needs a true friend.”
Earl Hendrickson, who was honored by Sue Tenbusch, his daughter.
“I feel I have the best dad – he worked all the time to take care of us. My dad never cussed and never hit us. My dad is so kind and caring. My dad will help anyone. He does not get angry. I never remember my dad not working. He never argued with my mom and never was against any one of us.
“One winter my dad made a sled and hauled all the neighborhood kids around. My dad was a foreman in a mill and anyone that worked for him said he was awesome. We took trips to the coast to see where my dad grew up. When we had the October Columbus Day storm, my dad played games with us by camp light.
“Every Friday night my dad and I go to the Sweet Home VFW Club and he sings karaoke and dances. He calls it “belly rubbin’.”
“He is almost 87 years old yet he is still a woman magnet. Most people call my dad Uncle Earl. He served in World War II.”
Keith Wolfe, who was honored by his wife Anita.
“I am nominating my husband Keith because he has done so much and impacted so many lives and the lives of my children and myself. He is so unselfish and giving and would do anything for those of us in his heart. We have been together for 7 1/2 years. He works very hard to make sure everyone is taken care of and puts their needs ahead of his own.”
The other honoree was Richard Alex Clark, of Salem, who was nominated by his daughter Maci.
“My dad is the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said. “He has always been there for me. He is the special person in my life. He is our family’s protector each day. He is one heck of a bowler. My dad is the best friend forever. He works very hard each day in his restaurant. He works hard to provide food and other things that our family needs on a daily basis. He is also one great entertainer.”
The event is sponsored and organized by Larry and Nancy Patton, owners of Trash to Treasures, who are also VFW members. It was co-sponsored by VFW Auxiliary. Sound was provided by Terry Shank of Sweet Home with Sound Around Town Productions.
Sponsors who contributed financially were Michael Hall, Dala Johnson and Dr. Adam Kirkpatrick dentistry, who helped purchase the patriotic plaques created by Arts Plus Sign and Design in Albany.
The dinner was cooked by Denise Lindsay and served by members of the AMVets and VFW, and a live auction was held, with proceeds going to the VFW Auxiliary. The Pattons donate the baskets and gifts for the auction. This year over $400 was earned.
Cheyenne Patton, granddaughter of Larry and Nancy Patton, sang three songs for the audience.
This year’s event was held in July instead of early June because of a karaoke contest held at the VFW during the month of June.
“Because the event was held in the summer time, attendance was a little lower, but it was still a great event,” Nancy Patton said.