June 6, 2014

June 6 - 19, 2014

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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Special Feature The “Just For Me” Dance Recital Is Coming On June 14th...

The annual dance recital of Le Maseran’s “Just For Me” class is going to be held at The Dance Factory on Saturday, June 14th at 10 am...

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Superior Mosquito Defense: We Come…

Mosquitos Go!

By Ali Elizabeth Turner If you are like many folks, mosquitoes literally eat you for breakfast, lunch, and

Tourism Summer Food, Fun And Family!...

This summer we are all about the great outdoors! We are biking, grilling, horseback riding, singing, growing and just plain having fun!...

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Dog Barker

Dog On A Hot Tin Roof?... Last year I witnessed a woman leave her Schnauzer, trapped in her minivan, in front of the Chinese restaurant... Page 20

June 6 - June 19, 2014

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dinner, and make you miserable in the summer time. Because I am kind of a greenie, don’t like DEET, (the standard stuff Continued on pages 16-17

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June 6 - June 19, 2014

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

The Bowe Bergdahl Debate

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Jim Doyle Joel Allen Don Milton Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Story . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 24

June 6 - June 19, 2014

Do we have a deserter and possible traitor on our hands, or do we need to decorate this soldier? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think this might be the appropriate place to commandeer a phrase used

by Nike and just say, “You don’t know Bowe.” That would cover the waterfront for the moment, at least.

I am, of course, referring to the swirling controversy around the “release” of a soldier who had been held “captive by the Taliban,” and whose freedom was secured in exchange for, count ‘em, FIVE members of the Taliban held at Gitmo! One for five?!

Does that seem a bit unbalanced to you, even if they were not terrorists?

Is it at least reasonable to ask if we have crossed the line and are now officially negotiating with terrorists? And more importantly, why now?

I am not an expert on hostages, but my experience in Iraq gave me at least a bit of an understanding of what can happen when someone has been held for a long time. I experienced the joy of the return of both Jill Carrol and Douglas Woods, and the kid who kicked in the door and retrieved Woods is someone I know personally and I dearly love. I also mourned when the headless body of Margaret Hassan was found in Baghdad. A positive ID, for obvious reasons was never made, but no one doubts it was she.

Screwy things can happen to your head when you are in captivity, and because I

was in Iraq when kidnapping was at an all time high, on two different occasions I was required to take the training that soldiers take on how to survive being captured. It included how to resist being “flipped,” or “Stockholmed,” (being mentally overcome by one’s captors, and perhaps even siding with them through coercion and psychological warfare,) how to “rehumanize” yourself to your captors, how to communicate

with other captives, and even how to escape.

So, please indulge me for a moment as we navigate this mysterious minefield regarding the “safe return” of a soldier whose “health was deteriorating,” and let me tell you what a wild ride this has been for me. I was standing in line in the bank when the news broke that Bowe Bergdahl had been released. I had one pure moment of joy before I learned that the price tag had been 5 detainees from Gitmo. I sighed. This did not look good, but I was not going to get on board Assumption Airlines just yet. I made my deposit, and went on my way. The next footage I saw was of Bowe in Afghani garb, eating dinner. That was when

my blood began to go cold. I realize that what I am about to say is completely subjective, but out loud I said, “They flipped him.” He was just waaay too comfortable, but I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he had been subjected to any and all manner of tortures, I wasn’t going to be too hard on him that he had been “assimilated.” If I was looking at some soldier guy version of Patty Hearst when she had been

taken by the Symbionese Liberation Army, I’d still like to think that he had broken under duress. But I do not for one moment believe that the guy doesn’t know English any more. It’s just not linguistically possible to forget the mother tongue you spoke for nearly two decades, no matter how fluent you are in a second language.

Now we have testimonies of soldiers who served with this guy, and even went to look for him. Former Sgt Evan Buetow made it very clear that not only did everyone know that Bowe bailed, and went looking for the Taliban, but after Bergdahl’s “disappearance,” attacks on their FOB not only spiked, but were far more precise. Soldiers died looking

for him, and those who served with him are ticked, to say the least. Bowe is not their fave guy. To them, he is a “zero,” and not a hero.

While for any number of reasons they may be reticent to speak up, surprisingly, a military writer for Time by the name of Mark Thompson did an excellent job of calling for justice, if for no other reason than honoring those who died as a result of Bowe allegedly videoed staggering off the FOB drunk, “looking for Afghanis to talk to.”

“Military justice can be swift and merciless, although that appears unlikely in this case.

But the past cannot be erased, and it’s that legacy that gives the troops involved a markedly different view of Bergdahl and his rescue than that of most Americans sitting at home, paying scant attention to the nation’s only soldier missing in action in Afghanistan until Saturday. The reason, for anyone who has been in combat, is pretty simple. Soldiers never forget. Civilians rarely remember.”

And for the record, this civilian will take the word of a soldier like Sgt Evan Buetow over the Administration that brought you Benghazi any day.

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

Alabama Veterans’ Museum And Archives

3rd Annual Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show

June 14th, 2014 to benefit the Alabama Veterans’ Museum Building Fund

by Teresa Todd On June14th, the Alabama Veterans’ Museum, with the assistance of Ken Wilson of the Southeastern Saddle Club, will have their 3rd Annual Col. Sam Gibbons Memorial Horse Show at the Sheriff’s Arena on Highway 99 to benefit the Museum.

In 2012, Ken Wilson, a Tennessee Walking Horse owner and the manager of Southeastern Saddle Club, contacted Veterans’ Museum board member, Teresa Todd, about helping him to find a suitable non-profit to donate the proceeds from a TWH Show he was planning to have. When Wilson mentioned it was to be a Walking Horse Show, Todd didn’t hesitate to say she knew the perfect organization, the Alabama Veterans’ Museum. Todd explained the Museum had a board

member who recently passed away that was a TWH trainer, Col. Sam Gibbons.

He always encouraged the progress and endurance of this Museum.”

Mr. Sam dedicated most of his life to the Walking Horse industry and was the Show Manager of the national organization where they select the “World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse of the World.” The Celebration (short for Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration) is located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where Mr. Sam has been honored for his 37 years of dedication to the industry with a street named Sam Gibbons Boulevard.

Director Thompson said, “We have found the Horse Show to be our ‘niche’ we will use the proceeds toward our expansion fund.

We need to raise one million dollars to complete our building expansion project; this horse show will be one of several areas we use to work toward achieving this goal.”

Mr. Sam also cherished the Veterans’ Museum, volunteering many, many hours, helping with fundraising and serving on the Board of Directors and as the Museum’s Treasurer from 2002 until he

passed away March 22, 2010 at age 95.

As a result of Wilson’s conversation, the first Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show began June 22nd of 2012.

Mr. Sam was a World War II veteran. He served with the 79th Division, landing at Utah Beach on June 14, 1944 — “D-Day, plus 8” –– and fought across France, crossing into Belgium and Holland. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor along with several other distinguished citations and

awards.

Todd mentioned, “This year our Horse Show will be held on the 70th anniversary of when Mr. Sam and his division landed on Utah Beach in 1944. It is also the day we commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777, plus the United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on this date.

We hope to have a large veteran presence and will honor their service as well. Even though Mr. Sam never spoke much of his achievements or the honors he received, he wouldn’t mind having this horse show in his name.

The Horse Show committee is calling on businesses and individuals to assist by sponsoring a class. Each class will have ribbons and prize money given to the 1st five place winners – with 31 classes being held, a sponsor for each class is needed. The committee is also selling ads in the program that will be given out at the show.

Director Thompson, Teresa Todd or Ken Wilson are available to answer any questions and their contact information is below.

Please support your local Veterans’ Museum with any assistance you are able to give.

Ken Wilson

Email: kenwilson923@ gmail.com Phone: 256-777-4578

Sandra Thompson Email: sndy6732@aol.com Phone: 256-771-7578

Teresa Todd

Email: teresa@athensplus.com Phone 256-233-4568

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June 6 - June 19, 2014

June 6 - June 19, 2014

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Calendar of Events Spring tour of “Timeless Gardens - Traditional to Modern” June 7th

10am until 2pm. The tour includes traditional gardens in downtown Athens, including three church prayer gardens, a country garden, and four modern-day landscaped gardens in the Canebrake Subdivision.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Athens Limestone County Public Library. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Athens Limestone Public Library, Pablo’s, Pimento’s, Trinity’s and Crawford’s on the square. They may also be purchased from members of the Friends of the Library.

Flag Day Ceremony and Celebration Jun 13th

12 Noon, Ballroom, Sandridge Student Center, Athens State University 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL Join the Athens State Univeristy Alumni Association for a Flag Day Ceremony including music by members of Athens State Community Band with soloist Carissa Lovvorn. Guest Speaker: Jerry Barksdale This event is free and open to the public. Cookout after the program. For more information contact 256-233-8185

Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Jun 13th

Southern Gayles Golf Course 22230 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL This four-man scramble will start at 1:00PM. Registration is $240.00 per team with more than $1,000 dollars in cash prizes to be split with the top three teams. Proceeds from the tournament go to funding scholarships for Limestone County High School students. For more information, Barry Devine 256-233-8277 or 256-777-3810.

3rd Annual Sam Gibbons Walking Horse Show Jun 14th

Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame as they induct eight new members. Banquet begins at 6:00PM. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased at the AL-RSVP Office 409 West Washington Street Page 6

Painting Pizazz: Grumpy Cat Jun 17th

Alabama Center for the Arts, Room 208, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL. Enjoy a fun and creative night out with instructor Robyn Locke from 6:00PM-8:00PM. This class requires no previous paint experience. Course Code: CEI 714 CRN#5440. Pre-registration is required. Free is $35.00 includes supplies. Contact dbass@calhoun. edu or 256-260-2462 for registration and additional information.

Outdoor Survival Skills for ages 11-15 Jun 19th - 21st

Athens State Univeristy Center for Lifelong Learning, 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL. Students will join instructor James Lee Michael and learn the basics of building tents, dutch oven cooking, outdoor safety, and survival skills. Thursday is basic instruction at Center for Lifelong Learning from 9:00AM-12:00PM. Friday, parents need to transport the students to Monte Sano State Park, where their new skills will be put to test in an overnight experience from Jun 20th, 1:00PM, to Jun 21st, 12:00PM. Camp is limited to 12 participants. Fee is $65.00 Pre-registration is required. To register, please visit the Center for Lifelong Learning page or by calling 256233- 8620.

Singing on the Square Jun 20th

Downtown Athens, AL, 6pm. Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism for the 2014 season of this free concert series on the Marion Street side of the Limestone County Courthouse in downtown Athens, AL. For more information, please call 256-232-5411, or visit the Singing on the Square page.

6th Annual Ardmore Tractor/Truck Pull Jun 20th-21st

Limestone Sheriff’s Arena, Alabama Highway 99, Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans’ Museum and Archives for their annual fundraiser benefitting the expansion of the museum. Class sheet can be picked up at the Veterans’ Museum, 100 Pryor Street in Athens, or at Copier Doctor, 808 South Clinton Street in Athens. Admission is free and show begins at 5:00PM, gates and concessions open at 4:00PM. For more information contact the Veterans’ Museum at 256771-7578.

Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Jun 14th

Athens, AL. AL-RSVP can be reached by phone at 256-232-7207.

7:00 PM at John Barnes Park, 26425 Hamlett Street, Ardmore, TN 38449. Classes: Light Super Stock Tractors, Heavy Super Stock Tractors, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, 6200 TWD Trucks, 9300 Super Farm Tractors, P4=PSFWD Trucks Admission: $10.00 (each night), 6 & under FREE, No Rain Checks, No Refunds For more info call: Mike Magnusson, 256-468-4950/ Mike Zeitner, 931-6257858 orwww.lionwap.org/eclub/sites/ArdmoreTN

Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street Barbeque Cook-Off Jun 20th - 21st

Downtown Elkmont, AL. $125 team entry fee covers 20’x20’ space and all categories for this event. Prizes and People’s Choice Award Admission to be announced. For more information, call Larry or Susan Pylant 256-732-4493, email ldpylant25902@yahoo.com www.elkmontlionsclub.com.

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June 6 - June 19, 2014

Special Feature

The “Just For Me” Dance Recital Is Coming On June 14th

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The annual dance recital of Le Maseran’s “Just For Me” class is going to be held at The Dance Factory on Saturday, June 14th at 10 am. Le Maseran is a school of dance founded by Francita Meaux, who experienced a true calling to dance as a child of 10, is now in her ‘60s, and she is “still dancin’.” However, her dances are dedicated to the glory of God, and most recently she has developed a school of dance that is just for special needs kids and adults.

She has students with all kinds of challenges, Downs, Asperger’s, Autism, and the aftermath of physical and chemical brain trauma.

There really is only one word to describe the effect that the dance classes have on the students, volunteers, families, and observing friends, and that’s, “WOW!” Here are some of the improvements reported by parents in this past year. A girl with Downs has had multiple heart surgeries, and has always struggled with her weight. Both situations are a very common side effect of Downs, and her doctors were concerned.

As a result of the “Just For Me” class, she is not only moving, but has lost weight, and loves what she is doing.

An autistic child is interacting with other children in the class for the first time. A special needs adult named Sheri absolutely loves the class as well as the kids. She proudly told me, “They help me, and I help them.” She joined “Just For Me,” and the smile on her face says it all. She works very hard, and told me about a sign that hangs on the wall of the

June 6 - June 19, 2014

practice room that says, “If ballet were easy, everyone would do it.” She also attests to the physical results of dancing after recovering from her leg getting broken in an unrelated incident. “My leg is stronger,” said Sheri. About “Miss Fran” she had this to say: “Of course Miss Fran is the best.” And about Sheri, Miss Fran had this to say: “She is a great encourager to the little ones.”

So, how did “Just For Me,” (a true “niche market” dance school,) get started? Miss Fran told me, “You know, I have a spe-

Some of the members of “Just For Me” turgical dance worship, but she knew there was “something else” she was called to do. She felt strongly “the something” involved forming a special needs dance school.

She reached out to the Athens Public Schools, and received a great deal of help from the Special Education Department. “They hammered out the parameters and definitions, and I learned a lot,” she told me. Francita began through trial and error to find out what her students were capable of, and “Just For Me” began to take shape. Each child or adult student has a written file and assessment, which is helpful for both parents as well as the helpers.

Miss Fran is very quick to do two very important things: 1. Give God all the glory for the success of both Le Maseran and Just For Me, and 2.

Let people know that she could not do any of what she does without the help and support of Susan Fisher Nesbitt,

cial needs brother, and I have always had a heart for special needs people.” Her brother didn’t dance, but she feels that watching his struggles is where the seed to help the special needs community was planted. She already had started one dance school, called Le Maseran, which means “the Master’s Hands,” and had focused on li-

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owner of the Dance Factory, and “Fran’s Five,” the five young women who are trained dancers that volunteer their time to help with the “Just For Me-ers.” The five are Darby Calvin, Rebekah Thomas, Anna Thomas, Maria Valenzuela and Kayla Griffin. “They get up on Saturday mornings and come and help me,” said Fran, and in addition, they rotate helping on the weekdays after school.

Sadly, this year Darby is not going to be able to be at the recital because she’ll be ministering at a special needs orphanage in China. I could tell she was both excited about her trip as well as wishing she could be here for the recital.

As a way of saying thanks to her student helpers, Miss Fran will have each one of them dance a solo in the recital. While admission to the recital is free, Miss Fran will “pass the hat,” and give the proceeds to the helpers.

“Come on out and see what is possible,” says Fran. And, she added, “Come see and then let your child experience the joy of dancing.”

That is an invitation I am planning on accepting, and hope you will, too.

The Just For Me dance recital will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at 11 am at the Dance Factory, located at 1432 Freeman Avenue, Athens, AL 35613. For more information, please call 256-230-0479.

Admission is free.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Being The Branch Or Being The Fruit?

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Most often when we meet on Mondays, Mayor Ronnie has something to say about the sermon he heard the day before, or a thought that struck him from Sunday School. The title of this edition of Ronnie is not original with him, but the application is.

As believers we are taught that it is our responsibility to bring forth fruit, and it is. However, have you ever thought about the fact that if you are fruitful you are asking to be eaten alive? How about being a branch? So often we poopoo branches, but without them, there’s no fruit. And,

don’t forget, if you are going to be a branch that actually brings forth fruit, you are going to have to be pruned, and pruning hurts.

“We have to be grounded in our faith if our community is going to grow well and strong,” he said, and as always I am glad that statements such as these in our town don’t bring a knock on the door of the Mayor’s office from those that would remind him of the supposed definition of “separation of church and state,” and insist that City Hall be a “faith free

27th, all storm related debris must be brought to the side of the road, and metal must be separated from wood. FEMA will pick up about 80% of the tab, but there is both a protocol as well as a window of time that must be followed or the city will be eating the cost. zone.”

After we laughed about a number of things, he told me about something that is concerning him and that is that there are several department heads who are either getting close to retirement age or are having to retire due to severe illnesses. Anyone who has followed this column knows that one of his passions is developing leaders, those who love this town and unto whom he

would feel comfortable passing the baton someday.

He then mentioned Lineman Appreciation Day, which is officially recognized in Alabama as the first Monday of each June.

Mayor Ronnie is continually expressing gratitude for the hard work that linemen and all utility workers do, especially after storms, and considers them to be first responders. They have done an amazing job as part of the ongoing effort of dealing with $4.5 million dollars of damage from the April storms. “Disasters either pull you together, or pull you apart,” he said, “and in our case, it has pulled us together.”

He wanted me to be sure to mention that by June

This fiscal year is ending and the new one is beginning, “and it’s time to work on budgets and plan ahead,” he said. “One of the things we are going to have to look at is the construction of 3 new substations at a cost of 3 to 3.5 million dollars in order to handle the growth occurring in our city and county,” he added. As was recently mentioned, Limestone County is the 65th most rapidly growing county in the nation, and we need to handle that challenge well.

What does that look like?

Being a tree that is grounded in faith, a branch which provides shade and shelter, or fruit that provides sustenance, all are necessary to build a community, and the goal of doing that well is one of the things that makes Ronnie roll.

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Tourism

Summer Food, Fun And Family!

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611 This summer we are all about the great outdoors! We are biking, grilling, horseback riding, singing, growing and just plain having fun!

We start June off supporting a great cause. Take out your bike, get ready to absorb our beautiful scenic country side, and help others for the Bike MS: North Alabama fundraiser. On June 7th, take the 89-mile route of the Noah Bike Trail to raise money and awareness for research and support programs for those living in Alabama and Mississippi with MS. For those who prefer to get their enjoyment by walking, the Friends of the Athens-Limestone County Public Library will encourage us all to grow beautiful flowers and plants when you take their Spring Garden Tours on June 7th. The tour will feature traditional gardens in downtown Athens, three church prayer gardens, a country garden, and four 21st Century landscaped gardens. After the tour, you may want to enjoy the Saturday Farmers Market located at 409 Green Street or talk with car enthusiasts at Athens Cruise-In on

the Square. Later in the day, come out for the Gospel Talent Explosion at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Come enjoy the music as area gospel acts come together to compete from 5PM to 7PM. The beautiful cool June nights are the perfect setting to enjoy Singing on the Square in Downtown Athens. We will have our hometown favorite entertainer, Matt Prater, from 6PM-8PM on June 20th. On July 18th, Miss Anna Catherine DeHart from Missouri

Swift and Carrie Underwood.

The final series in the free concerts will come from Athens State University Community Band on August 15th.

The 6th Annual Ardmore Tractor/Truck Pull begins at 7PM on June 20th at John Barnes Park in Ardmore, TN. If the tractors get too loud, there is always food! The Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street Barbeque Cook-Off in Downtown Elkmont is being held on Jun 20th-21st. Contact

who currently is attending Belmont College in Nashville, will entertain us with some Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, in addition to modern Country stars like Taylor

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Larry or Susan Pylant for more information at 256-732-4493, or visit the www.elkmontlionsclub.com.

Here is the fun the kids have

been waiting for since last year: the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival at 309 East Forrest Street in Athens. June 26th–August 2nd the kids can come out Thursday-Saturday and enjoy the carnival from 6:30PM-9:30PM. Enjoy the rides for kids along with great concessions and bingo! The rides for young children are small ferris wheel, rocket ships, small swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachutes, large swings and the scrambler. For safety and maintenance reasons, no adult riders are permitted on any of the rides. Concessions available include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, French fries and sodas. Also available are crowd pleasers like cotton candy, dippin dots and funnel cakes.

If you need information about these or other events and attractions in AthensLimestone County, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411. Information is also posted on our websites - www.VisitAthensAL.com.

June 6 - June 19, 2014

Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

June 6 - June 19, 2014

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Page 11

Clean and Green

Open Burning In Limestone County

by Lynne Hart failing to comply.

In light of recent events, it seemed like a good time to share information on what the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) regulations say about the practice of open burning in Limestone County and across the State of Alabama.

According to ADEM regulations under section 335-33-.01 Open Burning, “Only vegetation and untreated wood may be burned. It is unauthorized to open burn heavy oils, asphalt products, plastics, vinyl materials, insulation, paper, cardboard, natural or synthetic rubber, salvage or scrap materials, chemicals, garbage, treated or painted wood, or any trash.” Exceptions may occur under certain circumstances; however, authorization must be obtained from ADEM. A list of acceptable open burning practices is included in the abovementioned section of the regulations. There are only a few that might pertain to homeowners; however, if you practice open burning of any kind, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with all of the regulations pertaining to this subject since fines can be in the thousands of dollars for

For safety, always remain at the site of the fire and have a water source nearby.

Be aware of burn bans When temperatures are high and conditions are dry, burn bans may be put into place to prevent wild fires. Before lighting an outdoor fire of any kind, be sure you know if a burn ban has been issued for the county in which you live.

Under a burn ban, no open burning of any kind is permitted.

Does burning trash make it “go away”?

furans stay in the environment for a long time. Contaminated water and food ingested by wildlife can cause cancer, deformed offspring, reproductive failure, immune diseases, and more. Humans can also be exposed to these pollutants indirectly just like wildlife, especially through eating and/or drinking contaminated fish, meat, and dairy products.

Burned trash does not disappear. Most people who burn their trash do not realize how dangerous it is to their health

and to the environment. When backyard burning takes place, pollutants are carried through the air for short and long distances, and then fall upon land, crops, or into bodies of water. Burning paper and cardboard seems harmless, but there are many chemicals added to these materials in the process of making them that are released into the air when burned.

Some pollutants such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and

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Backyard burning should be limited to leaves, fallen or trimmed trees, and other vegetation. All other trash should be placed in garbage cans for pickup or taken to the Transfer Station. Today’s landfills are heavily regulated

to insure that contaminants are not released into the environment.

If you suspect that something is being burned other than natural brush and vegetation, contact the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) field office in Decatur, Alabama at 256-353-1713 or go to www.

ADEM.state.al.us and click the “Complaint” icon.

Sources: EPA.gov ADEM.state.al.us

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com

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June 6 - June 19, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Deviled Eggs

by Shelley Underhill

In the U.S., it wouldn’t be a party or a get together with out these little devils. Heck, they even make glass dishes and plastic carrying trays form fitting for them!

Try these on at your next party or get together and

let me know what ya think. Enjoy!

Email your recipes and questions to shelleysdesk@gmail.com

What you will need: 1 dozen eggs; boiled, peeled, and cooled 3 tablespoons Blue Plate mayonnaise Mustard Tony Chachere’s to taste Slice eggs lengthwise remove yoke. Mash yokes into a powder-like mixture. Add mayo. If mixture is too thick, add a little more mayo. Use a DOT of mustard (not too much as it will over power the taste). Mix mixture until smooth. Use a teaspoon and dollop yoke mixture into empty egg whites.

Garnish with Tony’s.

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June 6 - June 19, 2014

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Page 13

Learning As A Lifestyle

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 I’ve been listening to a lot of Elvis Presley songs this week. You probably think Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On is a Jerry Lee Lewis song – it is. However, Elvis recorded it in 1970 on his “Elvis Country” album. In case you don’t know, (and I can’t imagine how you would not know,) Elvis Presley is the King of Rock and Roll.

He was a Southern boy born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee and began his music career there. He was successful in several genres and was the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music, with estimated album sales of around 600 million units worldwide.

(Reaves, Jessica. “Person of the Week: Elvis Presley”. Time. August 15, 2002) Hearts will flutter and hips will shake when Elvis Presley returns to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Monday, August 18. Scot Bruce is playing

Elvis and the Center for Lifelong Learning is going to be there.

The CLL is sponsoring an Academic Traveler trip overnight to Montgomery to see the show and visit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. “The Alabama

Shakespeare Festival, located in Montgomery, is a fully professional regional theatre that produces around ten productions each season in association with Actors’ Equity Association, The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and United Scenic Artists union. Productions of Shakespeare are at the artistic core of the company. Broadway musicals, children’s productions, American classics and world premieres round out the annual offerings at ASF.” (www.asf.net) Our group will leave Athens about 9:00am on Monday, August 18th and travel to Montgomery, stopping for lunch and to check into the hotel.

We will be staying at the Courtyard Marriott right beside the ASF. We will tour the Festival grounds and visit the Gift Shop and have time for dinner and the show. We will return to Athens on Tuesday morning. For a detailed itinerary, call Diane Sauers at 256-233-8261 or visit our website (www. athens.edu/CLL) for more information. Make your reservation early. Final payment is due July 7.

If Elvis is not your thing, we are also planning a Academic Traveler trip to Belle Chevre and Arrington Vineyards in August. Our group will leave the Center at 9:30 on August 5th, traveling to Elkmont for lunch and touring at Belle Chevre, an award winning goat

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cheese fromagerie. Then, we will travel on to Arrington Tennessee for the Vineyard tour. “Arrington Vineyards opened its doors July 1, 2007. Since then, they have been providing a “wine country experience” of award winning wines set among the picturesque rolling hills of middle Tennessee.” (from www.arringtonvineyards. com)

The Academic Traveler program at the Center is funded by participant fees. In order to hold an event, we must have a certain number of travelers enrolled and all fees must be paid by the deadline.

Please make your reservations early. Detailed itinerary is available online or call us at 256-233-8261.

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Cover Story

Superior Mosquito Defense: We Come… Mosquitos Go!

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

in many bug sprays that are applied to the skin,) and am not at all fond of the itchy welts left on my ankles courtesy of the carnivorous critters, I have taken to trying to stay indoors at peak mosquito “feeding times,” which are typically between dusk and dawn. Recently, however, I became aware of a franchise located in North Alabama called Superior Mosquito Defense, and thankfully it looks like my days of being a wimp just might be over.

Before I talk about their services, however, it would be good to be

reminded about just how dangerous mosquitoes can be. In recent years, we have heard about the West Nile virus, which can cause encephalitis, (swelling of the brain,) and in some cases, death. There are several types of mosquito-borne encephalitis strains, and some can also affect horses. History tells us that it was only a little over a century ago that Dr. Walter Reed and Dr. Carlos Findlay were credited with discovering that mosquitoes caused Yellow Fever.

Other mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, (which is in some cases associated with hemorrhagic fever,) and

heartworm in dogs.

While most of the time a mosquito bite is merely uncomfortable, it is far better to not get bitten in the first place.

To that end, Superior Mosquito Defense offers several services, all of which fit into the stringent environmental guidelines that are required for outdoor pest control. Franchise owners are certified, and the technicians are carefully trained. They can treat everything from residences, to outdoor restaurants, parks, venues for weddings and parties, and can also provide flea and tick control. Their services

are described below: The Barrier Shield Program The Superior Barrier Shield Program is their most popular program, kills mosquitoes on contact, and is guaranteed to continue to eliminate and repel mosquitoes for 21 to 25 days.

To achieve this, the experts at Superior Mosquito Defense have taken the traditional “barrier” method, added a few extra techniques, (along with their proprietary solution,) and as a result have perfected their Superior Barrier Shield Program.

The result is that you no longer need to avoid your yard, or use

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annoying bug repellent sprays, citronella torches or candles. You can just enjoy mosquito-free outdoor living! They start by identifying and treating the mosquito habitat around your home and dramatically reducing the population.

They then apply larvicide to the breeding grounds on your property. The next step is to locate the areas where mosquitoes hide as they wait to strike again. Then, your specialist applies a mist of Superior Mosquito Defense’s proprietary product, which is formulated to kill as well as repel mosquitoes for 21-25 days. After the mist is applied, they place biological mosquito dunks in areas where standing water

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21-25 day cycle of the traditional solution).

This organic repellent is not quite as effective as the traditional mosquito control solutions. However, depending on your own yard and the needs of you and your family, it may be right for you.

Of course, if you’re not 100% satisfied, they will make it right by applying another spray as soon as possible.

Commercial Applications

is prevalent, such as bird baths, tire swings, air conditioning unit drips, and low lying places in your yard that hold water after it rains.

This is a key factor during annual control.

Lastly, your mosquito control specialist will return every 21-25 days throughout mosquito season to reapply your Superior Barrier Shield.

Because they become familiar with your specific property, they can always provide customized service and treatments.

The Organic Spray Program Superior Mosquito Defense offers a 14-day, all-

natural spray, which kills adult mosquitoes on contact and has a twoweek repellent effect.

Their Barrier Spray Systems also have a repellent effect, but primarily work by killing adult mosquitoes on contact. The opposite is true of their organic spray.

The insects are literally repelled or confused by the smell of this solution.

Fortunately for our customers, the human nose will detect only a mild odor that dissipates within a few hours of the application. Since this organic solution breaks down more quickly in the environment, it needs to be applied every 14 days (as opposed to the

Mosquito Defense services are available for parks, pools, seasonal outdoor picnic and sports facilities, schools, day care centers, golf courses, campgrounds, and many other commercial venues. The commercial application program helps you keep your area of business or public space free from mosquitoes which can drive away customers and visitors. Both the barrier system and the organic system can be used in a commercial context.

the people attending) with a barrier treatment from Superior Mosquito Defense. Everyone in attendance will appreciate your thoughtfulness in seeing to it that they are comfortable and able to fully enjoy the special occasion. Preferably the application is made the night before, but it can be applied in the morning on the day of the event.

Superior Mosquito Defense also has a program whereby you can receive free applications for referring their services to a friend. Below is a testimonial of a woman who is thrilled with the product, and has recommended to her friends: “Dear Superior Mosquito Defense, I am amazed that I can enjoy my yard mosquito free! The mosquito guy came to my house the day promised, was very friendly and treated my yard in the morning and the same night I was outside with the grandchildren playing.

No Mosquitoes! Really amazing! I was so used to living with these awful insects and could never enjoy any outdoor time. I can go out in my yard whenever I want and not worry about any mosquitoes, ticks or fleas. I will use your service every mosquito season! Thank you for your referral program also. I have received 2 free treatments from the neighbors that I referred to you since they are using your service.

Expect to be giving me a lot of free treatments in the future!! Thank you!

Call them today for an appointment, and take back your yard as well as your comfort and safety!”

- Sandra A., Decatur, AL

Superior Mosquito Defense

256-773-0517 iHateMosquitos.com

Special Events Superior Mosquito Defense offers one-time spray treatments for special events, allowing you to enjoy mosquito-free outdoor parties, barbeques, family reunions, weddings, picnics, or any other outdoor holiday event. Nothing ruins a special outdoor gathering faster than swarms of annoying and biting mosquitoes! Civic events, pool parties, games and any outdoor entertainment now can be enjoyed without the annoyance of mosquitoes and other biting insects.

You can protect your special event (and

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Health and Fitness

Chronic Back Pain

by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.

Common Causes of Back Pain: •Sedentary lifestyle: exercising less than 30 minutes a day three to five days per week is considered sedentary.

•Sitting: hips, shoulders, and back are basically immobile.

Remember the old saying “if you don’t use it you lose it.”

•Age: stress from bad posture, a poor workplace setup, and the wrong sleeping habits over the years all add up. Aging also causes degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.

•Prone sleeping (lying on your stomach): in this position, the laws of gravity and the give in the bed will encourage your back to arch down towards your stomach.

•Anterior weight (big belly or pregnancy): this increases the daily load your spine carries. Increased weight causes the soft tissues and muscles surrounding the

spine to work extra hard.

Extra weight throws off your spine’s natural alignment

•Spend less time sitting.

For every hour seated, spend 5 to 10 minutes walking, stretching, etc.

(More than a walk to the refrigerator or the copy machine.) This is an important in addition to the regular daily exercise that you need.

•High heel shoes: this causes the body’s weight to be centered forward, on or in the toes. This goes against gravity and nature. It causes stress on the muscles and on the vertebrae of the spine.

•Wear high heel shoes less often, or better not at all.

•Congenital or developed anomalies: something we are born with, that is not within normal limits. An anomaly can be found in many area such as bone, muscle, ligament, tissue or organ. Very often congenital anomalies can be an inherited trait.

•Postural deviations: these include excessive anterior pelvis tilt causing lumbar lordosis (swayback), excessive posterior pelvis tilt (lack of adequate lumbar curve), kyphosis (rounded upper back and shoulders), forward head, or scoliosis.

•Sleep on your side or on your back with knees supported to encourage a pelvic tilt.

•Lose weight if needed.

Join a Weight Watchers™ group, talk to a certified Health Coach, or a Registered Dietician.

•Use proper lifting techniques. If you do not know these or need a refresher, check out various available Youtube videos.

•Lifting technique: start with a wide base, squat bending hips and knees only, maintain good posture, lift slowly by straightening hips and knees, and hold the object lifted close to your body.

of thighs), and hip flexors (muscles around the hip region) regularly.

For additional information about exercise and weight loss for chronic back pain, contact Janet Hunt. Janet is a certified Health Coach and certified Personal Trainer.

•Muscle strain: usually caused by lifting incorrectly or twisting in an unusual way.

•Muscle imbalances: strong hamstrings and very weak abdominal muscles.

Recommendations to reduce chronic low back pain •Regular exercise including strengthening of the Rectus Abdominus (commonly known as “abs”) and oblique muscles (“lovehandles”). Stretching the Erector Spinae (muscles that allow you to move your lower back), hamstrings (backside

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Dog Barker

Dog On A Hot Tin Roof?

by Joel Allen

Last year I witnessed a woman leave her Schnauzer, trapped in her minivan, in front of the Chinese restaurant. She was getting her nails done and it was really hot outside.

The dog barked and barked. Someone dialed the Athens Police and they responded promptly. The officer who arrived noted that the dog was locked in the vehicle and no airconditioning was running. The windows were slightly opened with the doors locked.

The woman, seeing the officer at her vehicle approached the officer.

He asked her why she had her dog locked in the van on a hot day like it was. She stated she left a water dish with water in the vehicle. The officer pointed out that the vehicle was extremely hot and that no dog should be confined like this. He let her off with a warning.

That being shared, the hot season has returned.

That means taking the extra precautions for our “Canine Family Members’” safety. As I have stated before, cars with dogs in them and the windows up get a free broken window. At

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least that was the bumper sticker I saw last year. Be warned, even if the air-condition is working, the vehicle could still break down and blow heat instead, thereby causing the poor dog trapped in the car to heat stroke and possibly die. Then what will be said? “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to?” or “I forgot about the dog?” If that be the

case, it is most likely a human child could be easily forgotten by that person(s) and I shudder to think that.

Ever heard the saying, “Look back?” I saw a poster saying that and it depicted a woman looking at her parked car to ensure she left no child or pet behind in the car.

Let’s talk about some other things to consider. Ever been to the beach without sandals? Remember how hot the sand was? Ever walk across asphalt or hot tin during a really hot day? That burned didn’t it? When I get Zues out on the hot asphalt, I can tell he wants to get to the store www.athensnowal.com

or indoors quickly because he starts lifting his feet.

There are times I see dogs in the back of trucks standing on hot metal looking uncomfortable. These are simple things that we as humans don’t really consider. Next time it is really hot, try this experiment: place a raw egg on the hot metal and see if it cooks. If the egg cooks then common sense indicates that the dog’s feet are getting cooked too. Here is a suggestion: try placing a mat down for the dog(s) to protect their feet or allow them to lie down.

Here is something else to think about: shade.

Try planting trees.

Elms are notorious

for good shade. It is approximately 20 degrees hotter in direct sunlight than in the shade. In my opinion, doghouses are not considered shelter from the heat. Being inside a building of any kind with no ventilation is extremely unsafe for anyone.

Beat the heat! Drink WATER! “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211 June 6 - June 19, 2014

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Medical Update

Emotional Freedom Technique: A Household Tool

By Don Milton

Have you ever been in a situation when you have been stressed and either pinched the bridge of your nose, pressed your temples, covered your eyes with your fists, or smote your chest? Since the discovery of pressure points and the fact that we are highly electrical beings, such instinctive actions make perfect sense in view of the need to clear out excess negative energy and deal with a difficult situation well.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a healing tool that should be integrated into every household. It can provide quick relief for common problems that we all experience such as anxiety, depression, physical pains, or weight issues. Without the involvement of drugs, surgery, or other traditional therapies, EFT is safe for adults and children because there are no risks or side effects.

Its origins lie in acupuncture, a Chinese healing method that uses needles on energy meridians in the body. Instead of using needles, in EFT the practitioner users fingertips to repeatedly tap on similar energy pathways.

Acupuncture was devel-

research in this area for a number of years and has a great web site documenting results from using EFT with vets at www. stressproject.org. In my practice I have seen good results in using the technique for this particular set of problems. EFT treatment for vets certainly deserves more exploration. Not providing proper care for our returning warriors results in suffering, loss of life, and broken homes. EFT is a simple, affordable option for giving vets a healthy way to integrate back into a normal civilian life. oped to treat physical issues, and EFT takes it a step further by integrating emotional healing.

By focusing on a problem while tapping on energy meridians, the underlying emotional issue can be released.

EFT operates on the premise that all negative emotions are caused by an imbalance in your energy system. By correcting that imbalance, the emotional distress releases instantly. EFT can also provide relief from physical pains, even where there is no obvious connection to underlying emotional issues. EFT is able to

resolve problems when traditional therapies have failed because it relieves the core issue behind the problem.

Emotional Freedom Technique is perfect for families because it requires no special equipment, it’s easy to learn, and it can be applied to any common dilemma. Adults can use it for business, chronic pain, weight loss, lifelong emotional struggles, and the worries that we all have. Kids can use it to help them with school work, friends, sports, and anxieties over a move, doing to the dentist, or loss of a pet.

I have been involved with various energy healing techniques since 1992, and have been a full time EFT coach since January 2005. In my practice I have been able to help many people resolve everyday problems in their lives.

I have one client who

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works in a nursing home and uses the technique on a regular basis to stay calm and centered. She has also begun to treat some of her coworkers for their stress.

Additionally, she can use EFT for residents to ease some physical pains and various emotional upsets that occur regularly.

Another client has a four year old daughter who was traumatized by a severe thunderstorm at the age of two. I instructed him to do some tapping with his daughter the next time there was a thunderstorm that scared her. He reported back that she immediately calmed down and has not had a problem with thunderstorms since.

Combat veterans often experience great results with EFT when treated for issues regarding trauma, PTSD, and addictions -problems that are all too common among this population. Dawson Church has been devoted to doing

When EFT is used on a regular basis to resolve common problems that crop up in any family, it becomes a valuable tool, just like the household first aid kit. Many of us have gotten disgruntled with our current healthcare system, and I know that people are looking for a less costly, more effective solution. EFT is a holistic solution that will solve the underlying cause of a problem instead of just masking it. Once the method is learned, EFT is free and can be used anytime in your own home for great results.

Don Milton is a holistic practitioner who specializes in emotional freedom coaching. He can be reached at don@ donmilton.net or (205) 822-5962. For personal coaching, go to www. donmilton.net and to learn EFT for yourself, go to www.eftvideotutorials.com.

June 6 - June 19, 2014

Security Savvy

Pool Safety

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 Now that summer is here I believe this is important enough to reprint.

We all need to cool off in this heat. Let’s all be sure to stay safe at the same time.

When people have a pool party, they think about the food the music and even the mosquitoes but we forget about basic safety in and around the pool.

•Keep a cell phone and a first aid kit where it can be easily accessed near the pool.

•Have a parent or even hire a babysitter (preferably one trained in CPR and first aid) to act as a pool monitor, especially if there are going to be a lot of children. Keep in mind that many adults don’t know how to swim either.

You are the pool owner.

You set the rules, so don’t be afraid to ask.

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•Don’t allow children or adults run and horseplay around the pool. A slip and fall can be enough to cause serious injury.

•Make sure that all electrical cords are a safe distance from the pool area. Watch out for where the grills or barbeques are in relation to the pool. The cement around a pool along with suntan lotion and big beach towels can be dangerous items around open flames.

•Keep large floats out of the pool as they can obstruct the view of the pool.

•Don’t allow diving in the pool. People can misjudge and suffer serious and lasting head and neck injuries.

•When the pool is not in use, set a pool alarm or lock the gate to avoid anyone using your pool without supervision.

•Make sure that all pool chemicals are always secured.

•If a storm starts coming in, get everyone out of the pool. It can be hazardous to swim while it is lightening outside.

•Check your pool drain cover. Make sure it’s one of the new caps so that children can’t get stuck. The drain is powerful and could hold a child underwater (check with your pool supplier).

at least four feet high with a childproof gate lock.

•Check your pool house and check all wiring. Also, check for leaks as it was a cold winter.

•People think that if you equip your child with arm floats that all is good. NO! You should still watch your child at all times. Floats are only to help with swimming, not to be used as a flotation device.

•You should install a foursided fence around the pool

•There are thousands of injuries and deaths caused by

•Have your pool lights checked to see if there is any exposed wires or rust.

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complacency regarding pool safety. Don’t become part of the statistic.

•If at all possible, enroll your child into a formal swimming class. This will give some peace of mind.

•Enjoy good friends, good food, music and laughter.

Summer is here and gone so quickly. Please do it safely.

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Jerry’s Journal

Gary Elmore, American Hero - Part 3

by Jerry Barksdale

Dawn broke cool and wet on November 8, 1965. Pfc. Gary Elmore threw back the damp poncho from his body, shivered, knuckled sleep from his eyes and scratched mosquito bites on his ears. He had slept fitfully.

The jungle was wet, dark and the air thick and putrid. No sunlight penetrated the triple-canopy trees that were home for chattering monkeys, croaking frogs, exotic birds and buzzing insects.

The queasy feeling that rested in his gut the previous day was still there, even more so. Fear was growing. He checked his body for leeches.

Bravo Company was waking.

Paratroopers roused and slapped at mosquitoes and swore.

“Another day, another dollar,” said one.

“Yeah, all we do is hump through this stinking jungle and scratch,” another trooper replied. “I’ve a good mind to file a complaint with General Westmoreland.”

Elmore grinned slightly. He loved these guys. They were his family. When he had been given the option to remain stateside after breaking his ankle or go to “’Nam,” he chose the latter and had never regretted his decision.

He tightened the laces on his paratrooper boots as his doctor advised. This gave more support to his weak ankle.

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 503rd Infantry had dangerous work to do today – locate and kill Viet Cong. Elmore checked his M-16. It was fully loaded with a 20 round clip, and he had another 600 rounds stored in his rucksack.” He re-bent the pins on his hand grenades to prevent them from falling out.

At 0730 hrs, (7:30 a.m.) Company Commander, Captain Lowell D. Bittrich deployed two rifle platoons consisting of 44 men each to range out a half a mile or so from base, and search for

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two reported Viet Cong cache points along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The jungle area known as the “Iron Triangle,” was sparsely populated and honeycombed with enemy tunnels, bunkers and spider holes.

Charlie Company had previously moved out at 0600 headed in a northwest direction toward Hill 65.

Elmore’s 3rd Platoon, 1st Squad pushed through the dense, tangled foliage, eyes alert for movement, ears attuned for any strange noise.

The only sound was the squeak of rucksacks, occasional slap at mosquitoes, and the grunt of men as they proceeded higher toward Hill 78. Elmore was tense. Charlies could pop out of a spider hole and shoot a man in the back and disappear without being seen. You didn’t see Charlie in the jungle.

The first you knew he was present was staccato firing of an AK47.

Suddenly, Elmore heard firing in the distance on his left. Shortly before 0800, Charlie Company had run into a sizable enemy force dug into the south face of Hill 65, armed with machine guns and shotguns. They had walked into a killing zone. Elmore and the two rifle platoons were pulled back, and Bravo Company was ordered to wheel left and go to the aid of Charlie Company. They were now fighting for their lives and about to be overrun at Hill 65.

The rata-tat-tat of enemy machine guns, the roaring boom of shotguns, and the answering fire from M-16s grew louder. A hot firefight was under way. In a letter written by Captain Bittrich to Clarence Elmore two weeks later, he described what happened next.

A sizable Viet Cong force was attempting to completely surround Charlie Company, when Bravo reached the scene and made contact. Bravo fought its way through the Viet Cong force and tied in with Charlie Company’s right flank. Both companies were about to be surrounded. The paratroopers fought for their lives.

Two companies – some 176 plus men – heavily outnumbered were fighting 1,200 Viet Cong.

The fighting was vicious. To prevent being surrounded, Captain Bittrich decided to scale Hill 65, high ground and a good place to take a stand. “It appeared to be now a question of securing our own force,” he wrote. “The fight to take Hill 65 developed into hand-to-hand in an extraordinary dense jungle area. The fight was close and the paratroopers used bayonets.” It was belt buckle to belt buckle, so close that desperate Americans could smell the enemy, but couldn’t see them until face to face. Bravo Company took Hill 65 and reached Charlie Company’s right flank. The battle intensified. Charlie Company was about to be overrun. A third company was called in to assist. Bravo counterattacked and broke the encirclement twice. Captain Bittrich called in artillery fire on the Viet Cong. Exploding white phosphorous shells scorched the foliage and set enemy fighters ablaze, causing their ammo and grenades to explode. It was a hellish scene.

Screaming Viet Cong ran toward Elmore’s platoon trying to escape the incoming artillery, their flesh on fire. Elmore, according to Captain Bittrich, was in the “hottest portion” of the battle. His platoon was holding the right flank of the company and led the attack to stop the Viet Cong encirclement.

Shortly after noon, his throat parched, heart thumping and adrenaline gushing into every cell of his body, Elmore heard the sound of bugles.

“HERE THEY COME AGAIN!” a trooper yelled.

A hoard of Viet Cong charged through the dense jungle and was suddenly in Elmore’s face, AKk47s blazing. Bullets snapped past his ears. The Paratroopers fought like demons. Some were hit and fell over dead. It looked for certain they would be overrun. Then Elmore caught a bullet. He was bleeding, but alive. The Viet Cong fell back, leaving their dead and wounded strewn on the ground.

Elmore was bleeding, reloaded his M-16 and caught his breath.

Around him lay dead buddies.

Thank God he was alive.

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The Viet Cong charged again for the third time in a suicidal wave.

It was there in the beautiful green jungle with the acrid stench of cordite in his nostrils and 10,000 miles from home, that Gary was shot in the head. He died fighting for himself and his buddies. Gary, “Winky Dink” Elmore had come to full measure. He died a hero’s death.

The Viet Cong made five successive assaults and were repelled each time. Only three of the 18 men in Gary’s squad survived.

The Viet Cong were defeated in detail. The following morning, a body count was taken and 48 paratroopers were dead, and 82 wounded. The Viet Cong took a beating, with 403 dead and a multitude wounded.

“I can but sum up my feelings for Gary,” wrote Captain Bittrich, “and those other magnificent American soldiers who gave of themselves for their country in their actions by quoting the words of a reporter after discussing the action with Sp 4, Jerry Langston, a member of their unit.”

“There were 18 good men to start with, now there were only three.

The others,” Langston feels, “they will at least go to heaven, they had already been to hells.”

Two days later, Gary’s father received a Western Union telegram notifying him “that your son Private First Class Gary L. Elmore died in Vietnam on November 8, 1965 as a result of a gunshot wound to head…”

Gary Elmore achieved an unsought recognition. He was the first Limestonian to die in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, back in Detroit, Gary’s younger sister, Diane Meffer came home from work in good spirits. She resolved to write a letter to Gary. She had a lot to tell him, and wanted to clear up their misunderstanding. The last time they had spoken was when he had invited her to his going away party and she refused to attend, telling him, “You’re not my brother.”

It was just a sibling squabble and

she loved him very much. Now, she would set matters right. She sat down and began writing, but kept getting interrupted. Her letter was going slow.

“Finally, it was bedtime,” says Diane. “So I set the letter aside, and I was walking down the hallway toward the bedroom and thinking, heck, he’ll never get this letter anyway, and I thought, now why did I say that?”

“About two in the morning my sister called and told me that Gary had been killed. I was in total shock, I just didn’t believe it,” says Diane.

After funeral services in Livonia, Michigan, Gary’s body was brought to Athens and buried in the soil that he had trod as a boy. “Tears flowed freely Friday morning,” reported the Athens News Courier. “As the sound of a young soldier played Taps on a trumpet, echoed through a crowd estimated at 400 as the body of a 23-year-old former Tanner High School student who is believed to be the area’s first known victim of the Vietnam War was lowered into the ground.”

Paratrooper Shelby Huey, assigned to the 173rd, S. Vietnam as a radio telegraph operator, got access to the list of dead and wounded. “I knew he got killed right away,” he said, dropping his head. “I always smile when I think of Elmore.” Then he adds, “The American soldiers are the most resilient bunch in the world. They will roll.” Huey spent 10 years in the Army, then went to work for the Resolution Trust Corps. “I was up to the Limestone County Courthouse to file a UCC statement and turned around and saw Gary Elmore’s plaque on the wall. It gave me cold chills.”

Gary Elmore was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” for heroism; Military Merit Badge, the Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Purple Heart.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Post number 511 in Athens is named in his honor.

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