TRIBUTE TO THE MILITARY by Silvija Hellbusch

TRIBUTE TO THE MILITARY

Pictures and story by Silvija Hellbusch

Military heroes, past and present, were honored on July 3^rd with a musical and video presentation at the Vista Stake Center. The Patriotic Choir of the stake, directed by Debbie Allen of the Vista 9^th Ward and accompanied by Garth W. Smith of the Vista 8^th Ward, presented six patriotic hymns, with the audience of about 250 joining in on some of the verses. Boy Scouts from the Vista 3^rd Ward presented the flag, and Rowena Greenwood and Diane Smith of the Vista 8^thWard sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A touching tribute was paid to members of the audience who had served or were serving in the different branches of the military, as they were asked to stand while the choir sang each of the anthems of the five branches.

Retired Marine Colonel Dayne G Gardner (Fallbrook 2^nd Ward) presented a tribute to Colonel Jack R Jones, who passed away on May 1, 2010. Jones served in the Marine Corps at various posts and stations around the world for 21 years. He served in WWII and Korea and was awarded the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and six Purple Hearts. In his honor, Michael Wiley, a Corporal in the Marine Corps and a member of the Vista 6^th Young Single Adult Ward, played the traditional TAPS on the trumpet. President Jones served as the first Stake President in the Vista California Stake, as well as in the San Diego Mission Presidency, and the San Diego Temple Presidency. He served as an educator at Potter Junior High School in Fallbrook after his military retirement. His wife Dorothy and children David Jones and Jody Lowell still live in Fallbrook in the 2^nd Ward.

Retired Marine Colonel Skip Curtis (Vista 10^th Ward) hosted the program, and retired Army 1^st SGT Jon C Gregory (Fallbrook 1^st Ward) was the narrator. Diane Varner of the Vista 6^th YSA Ward also accompanied the choir on the Baritone, and Barbara Adams (Vista 3^rd Ward) was a soloist for “God BlessAmerica.” Two display tables were set up with military memorabilia and models.

The Vista Stake is honored to have three retired Marine Colonels in their stake boundaries. Pictured, they are, from the left: Ron Hellbusch, Skip Curtis, and Dayne Gardener.