Barnesville Memorial Day Program Planned
Barnesville American Legion Post #168 announces the upcoming Memorial Day Observance for the community. The program will take place at Veterans’ Plaza at the corner of E. Main and N. Arch Streets from 11:00 am – 12:00 Monday.
“When you look out over that crowd, a small town like this, and you see 250 people coming to mark this event, it does your heart good, and everybody’s proud of it,” Dave Bunting, post trustee, said.
BHS grad Roger Johnson, US Navy and National Guard veteran, will be the featured speaker at the program.
Johnson spent five years in the Navy stationed in San Diego on the guided missile destroyer USS Waddell where he was a gunner’s mate missile and fire control technician. During this time, he attained the rank of E 5/Petty Officer Second Class.
Following service, he completed aviation training, obtaining airplane, helicopter and helicopter instructor licenses.
From 1983-2001, Johnson was a member of the Ohio and Indiana National Guard units. During this time, he completed and graduated from the Army Rotary Wing Flight School where he was awarded Aviator Wings.
When he retired from the Army National Guard, he was a UH-1 (Huey) Instructor Pilot at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four and Master Aviator.
Outside of service, Johnson worked for a German helicopter manufacturer, as a line pilot for an Indianapolis hospital and was employed for 25 years as chief pilot for Duke Energy performing the annual power line patrol on 64,000 miles of lines.
Today, Johnson is a resident of the Malaga community. He serves the community as president of the Barnesville State Theater Company.
Program
Opening Prayer – Corey Powell
National Anthem – Peyton Steed and Linkoln Jendrusik
Welcome – David Bunting, Trustee of Barnesville American Legion Post #168
Remarks – Carol Decker, Barnesville American Post #168 Auxiliary
Remarks – Dale Bunting, former mayor of Barnesville
Featured Speaker – Roger Johnson
21 Gun Salute – Honor Guard
Taps
Closing Prayer – Corey Powell
Attendees are welcome to join post members at a meal immediately following the program at the American Legion Post Home at 317 East South Street.
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