The Bulletin Board: AMVETS celebrates annual banquet

AMVETS (American Veterans) Gaines and Morgan Post #17 and Ladies Auxiliary hosted their Annual Banquet on Saturday evening, July 9, 2016 at 6 p.m., at the Westside Community Center, 919 S. Persimmon Ave., Sanford; James E. Melton, Sr., Commander; Eartha D. Melton, Auxiliary President.

Bruce Scott was the Master of Ceremonies for this distinguished program.  Everyone stood as the 2016 Honorees, husband and wife team James and Eartha Melton, were escorted into the beautifully decorated banquet room. The City of Sanford Police Dept. Honor Guard Posted the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.  Singer-extraordinaire Cynthia Cassanova-Brown sang the National Anthem. 

Dr. Velma Williams, Sanford City Commissioner of District 2, gave Greetings and the Welcome.  Mrs. Georgia Mae Black acknowledged Past Commanders and Presidents for their service. Mr. Henry Byrd and Sergeant First Class Bruce Melton conducted the Remembrance Ceremony for Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action. Bishop Jimmie L. Blake, Morning Glory M.B. Church, gave the Dinner Blessing. 

Ms. Cassanova-Brown sang, “Wind Beneath My Wings” which she dedicated to the Honorees. Mr. Ralph Byrd presented a plaque to each Honoree, commending them for their dedicated service. Remarks were made by Georgia Mae Black, Chairperson; Ralph Byrd, Co-Chairperson; and the Honorees.

They thanked everyone for their continued support of AMVETS and their programs and projects, noting that proceeds from their fundraisers go directly back into the local community. They also made an appeal for new members to help continue the work of the AMVETS.  Everyone joined Ms. Cassanova-Brown in singing a medley of songs, “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” and “God Bless America”. D.J. Pete Carey provided music for easy listening and dancing as the event came to a close.

James E. Melton, Sr., Commander of AMVETS Post #17, is a Veteran of the United States Army. A native of Fitzgerald, GA, he relocated to Sanford in 1960. He was employed by W.H Roof, a subsidiary of FPL, and later with Rich United Corporation where he retired after 29 years.  

His military service included duty stations at Fort Dix, NJ; Fort Lewis Washington and Germany. He became a member of the AMVETS in 1969.  His dedication and commitment have afforded him the opportunity to serve at the local, state and national levels; including various positions as well as Commander, District II Commander, Dept. of Florida Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Coordinator and VAVS National Committee Board.  He is affiliated with other civic organizations, including Elks Celery City Lodge #542, American Legion and Sons of David #303 International Masons.

Eartha D. Melton, Ladies Auxiliary President, is a native of Sanford. She graduated from Crooms Academy in 1962.  She relocated to Rochester, NY where she studied nursing at Northside Hospital and was employed there. She later returned to Sanford and was employed at Seminole Memorial Hospital, Hill Haven Nursing Center, Siemens-Stromberg Carlson Corp. (28 years) and Seminole County Public Schools (10 years) before retiring. 

Eartha joined the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary in 1973. Her dedication and commitment have afforded her the opportunity to serve in different capacities including Ladies Auxiliary President; Ladies Auxiliary District II President; State Sargent-at Arms, State Scholarship Committee and State VAVS Representative.  She is affiliated with other civic organizations including Sweet Harmony Chapter #388, Order of Eastern Star; American Legion; Goldsboro Front Porch Board Council; and Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

James and Eartha have 4 sons, Rene; James, Jr.; Bruce (Sabrina); and Jonathan (Kierra); one daughter, Syberina (Sylvester, Sr.); 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

AMVETS Post #17 was established in Sanford in 1954. They Support military veterans and their families through a variety of programs and services, i.e., Paws With a Cause (Dog Assistance Program); Ronald McDonald House; John Tracey Clinic; VA Nursing Home and Domiciliary; Boy Scouts of America; Seminole County Public Schools Food Backpack Program at Wicklow and Hamilton Elementary Schools; Family Bereavement Support; Community Halloween Program; Easter Program; Veterans Families and Community Fish Fry; Thanksgiving Community Dinner; Child Welfare; Community, Hospital, Americanism and Scholarship Services; Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Martin Luther King Celebration.

Banquet Committee Members: Georgia Mae Black, Chairperson; Ralph Byrd, Co-Chairperson; Joyce Cummings; Roosevelt Cummings; Mary Hayes; and Davie Thompson.  Membership Appeal: to join AMVETS Post #17, contact Roosevelt Cummings, First Vice President, 407-463-4743.  To join the Ladies Auxiliary, contact Mary Hayes, First Vice President, 407-920-0069.

• On Sat., July 23, Seminole County’s Dept. of Community Services in collaboration with the Florida Dept. of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) will host its annual Back-to-School Bash from 8 a.m.-noon at the Sanford Health Office, 400 W. Airport Blvd. 

Attendees can expect to receive free haircuts, lunch and a variety of health services and health screenings, physicals, dental screenings, and immunizations.

Parents must bring valid identification, birth certificates for child(ren), and proof that they are enrolled in Seminole County Public Schools. For more information on this year’s Back-to-School Bash, call 407-665-2389.

- Sheralyn Brinson, The Bulletin Board, SBrinson@MySanfordHerald.com