The View 38002 November 2016

**************ECRWSS**** PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER inform. educate. connect. Arlington & Lakeland’s Community Newspaper theview November 2016 .com Showing Thanks to Those Who Serve Arlington, Lakeland Honor Veterans By Terry Louderback Area Veterans Day celebrations kicked off on Sunday, November 6 with the Arlington Veterans Day program in Depot Square. Now in its 12th year, the observation brings former and current service men and women together for remembrance and recognition. After the posting of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 452, Arlington Alderman Hugh Lamar, US Air Force, Ret., addressed the crowd regarding the future West Tennessee Veterans Home to be built in Arlington. To date, Arlington supporters have raised $74,000 since May 2015 in addition to a $150,000 pledge from the Town of Arlington. Lamar announced a new goal to raise $100,000 in local, community donations for the project, which will be located on the site of the Arlington Developmental Center, on Milton Wilson west of SR-385. The featured speaker for this year, 1st Lt. Bryan Hayes (US Army Ret.), shared his experience and his Arlington ties. A Brownsville native, Hayes attempted to join the US Army immediately after the September 11th attacks, but was turned away twice. In 2004, Hayes, by then a PE teacher at Arlington Middle School, was recruited and served in the Tennessee Army National Guard – 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Hayes continued to teach at AMS while he was activated and through two deployments to Iraq, 25 km south of Mosul. Hayes recalled getting care packages from Arlington churches and schools throughout his deployment. “I am still overwhelmed by the love and support from Arlington. It is truly a very special community that I am thankful to be a part of.” On Wednesday, Lakeland Elementary held a tribute to honor all the men and women that have served our country. Memphis Police Department Deputy Director, Mike Ryall, was the guest speaker. The Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 19 Staff Photo Flag Bearers representing the branches of the United States Military await the Arlington Middle School Band’s performance of the Marches of the Armed Forces during the Arlington Veterans Day Program. Servicemen and women from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are invited to come forward and receive recognition for their service during the playing of their service song. LES Glee Club sang, the AMS band performed, and there was even a parade that followed around the neighborhood. “This day is so special for everyone at Lakeland because we have many military families in our school,” said LES Teacher Carrie Douglas. “It is such an amazing day that honors them, as well as other veterans from all walks of life. Teaching our children the significance of this day is so important, and this day is definitely one where they learn so much about what it is to be a Staff Photo Above, Boy Scouts salute during veteran.” One honoree, 97-year-old WWII the Presentation of the Colors. veteran, Earl Bittenbender, received a standing ovation from the crowd when he stood proudly in his Navy uniform. Bittenbender flew B-24s in the Pacific during WWII and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Silver Star, and an Air Medal. Right, Lakeland School Board Member Geoff Hicks with WWII Veteran Earl Bittenbender, USN Ret. Photo courtesy of LES Christmas on the Square, 3:00 –7:00 pm in Arlington’s Historic District. Tree Lightening at 5:15. FREE 20 C o m m u n i t y Thanksgiving Service, 5:30 pm at Arlington High School. Open to the community; childcare available birth—3 years old. FREE. Inside this edition... Happenings, p.2 Business News, p. 4 School News, starts on p. 7 Views from 38002, p. 11-12