A tribute to Charlie Harrell

To the Editor:

The Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279 in Woodbury is proud of our Commander, Charlie F. Harrell.

Charlie was born and raised in Cannon County, in the Short Mountain Community. He was a stand-out in the area of sports during his high school years. As an ideal leader and student, he was selected to attend Boys State in 1950. After graduation Charlie volunteered for service to his country, by enlisting into the United States Air Force. And, the irony of this event was that MSGT Hilton Stone, United States Air Force Recruiter, is the man who signed him up. So, now Charlie has the honor of serving as Commander of Post 279 named after his Air Force Recruiter.

While serving in Japan, Charlie was awarded the Soldier's Medal for Heroism. This is the highest award during peace time for Heroism. The Soldier's Medal (which is known now in the Air Force is the Airman's Medal). Charlie pulled a pilot out of a burning F-86 jet that had crashed and burst into flames while attempting to land at the Air Force Base in Japan.

Charlie returned home and worked at Alexander Chevrolet in Woodbury. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State College and married Dell Thomas. Charlie started his career in the insurance business. Later Charlie returned to Woodbury where he continued in the insurance business. He entered into a partnership with Cap McCrary, at McCrary Insurance Agency, for a few years before buying out Cap.

Charlie has been a leader in the City of Woodbury as an Alderman and Mayor of the City. He is also a proud member of the Woodbury Lion's Club. Charlie was a great force behind the J.F. Adams Memorial Library Project. He and Dell are big supporters of the Historical Society.

Charlie was elected as the Commander of American Legion Post 279 two years ago. He has served with great distinction during these two years. Because of his outstanding leadership, Commander Harrell, has continued to make major improvements in Post 279.

He has insured that our Post continues to be a family oriented Post. His leadership has focused on the four pillars of the American Legion, " Veterans, Americanism, National Defense, and Youth."

Under his leadership, the "Veterans and Concerned Citizens for the Veterans of Cannon County" organization for the past 23 years, was brought under the wings of the American Legion Post 279 for continued leadership and longevity for this truly outstanding annual program at the Cannon County High School and Veterans Day Parade to honor our veterans.

Charlie is a great asset to Post 279, with his leadership abilities and vision for the future. Charlie said that he is truly proud of Post 279, the elected and appointed officers who have done an outstanding job of running the Post, and the great Legionnaires of Post 279, and the Sons of Squadron 279.

Col. Jim Stone

Woodbury