Soddy-Daisy First Baptist Church members Linda and W.V. Roberson welcome North Hamilton area veterans to a free meal inside the church's new gym Nov. 11.
Photo by Katie WardU.S. Army veteran W.V. Roberson, of Soddy-Daisy, wishes to recognize fellow North Hamilton veterans with a free meal Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Soddy-Daisy First Baptist Church's new gymnasium.
Thirty volunteers will serve a meal prepared by the ladies of the church. The menu will include chicken fillet, ham, green beans, creamed potatoes, corn, slaw, homemade desserts, sweet tea, lemonade or water.
"We want all veterans to come," said Roberson, a member of SDFBC. "We had 300 veterans attend last year. I'm hoping for 400 this year. I will roll out the red carpet for the GIs to walk on."
He said Soddy-Daisy High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets will welcome veterans with a sword salute.
Roberson began serving the free meal last year on Veterans Day. He said it will continue to be an annual event supported by local Soddy-Daisy business owners and individuals.
"I do this to show appreciation to veterans for what they have done for this country," said Roberson. "They have met their call and given up the routine of daily lives to assure citizens can continue to have freedom in this country."
Roberson said Soddy-Daisy First Baptist Church has several World War II and Vietnam veteran members.
"We would not be here today and have the freedoms we have today if it were not for them," said Roberson.
As a resident of Soddy-Daisy since 1947, Roberson graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army 71st Artillery B Battery 2nd Missile "Hawk" Battalion from 1960-1962.
Now 74, he continues to give back to his community despite battling wars inside his own body for many years. Since serving in the military, he has undergone many surgeries, starting in 1989 with a bladder cancer battle that lasted until 2003. He fought against melanoma skin cancer in recent years as well. Now in remission, he battled heart trouble last fall, but still chose to serve fellow veterans a free meal. This year he will not only be celebrating his fellow veterans, but also being healthy for the first time in years.
SAYING THANKS
To learn more, contact W.V. Roberson at 332-2823 or 240-1413. Guests attending with veterans must pay $4 each to eat, but veterans eat for free. Veterans should bring a cap, identification card or paperwork to prove they are a veteran.