The Murfreesboro Chapter of the AARP held its Veterans Appreciation Day event Tuesday (7/19/2011) at the St. Clair Street Senior Center. Local AARP President Bob Paredes welcomed those in attendance, and the Tennessee Army National Guard in Smyrna presented the colors. 

J. C. Smith, who served in the U.S. Army from 1973 through 1975, was the keynote speaker. He shared how as coordinator of Operation Stand Down Nashville, he helps veterans who face addiction, homeless and other social challenges. 

His personal story told of a time when he was a civil engineer with the U.S. Geological Servey (USGS) agency working at the Savanah River Deep Well Nuclear Plant about 50-miles south of Aiken, South Carolina. While drilling cores for radiation tests, an accident occurred and Smith lost several fingers. Since he was a recovering from addictions, physicians were not able to use sedatives. After amputation surgery, he was taken back to the motel to rest. He could see a nearby bar and knew that relief from the pain was just a few feet away. 

About that time, his motel phone rang and a very Southern voice identified himself as a local AA member who would be there soon to help. The pickup driving white male met this Black man and took him by the arm and led him to his truck. An hour and a half later, they arrived at a storage warehouse that was far down a dirt road with no phone lines in sight. Smith wondered whether he would live to see the rising moon that night. 

Suddenly, a group of elderly women set him in a lawn chair and started feeding him with homemade preserves, canned vegetables and other delicacies. This "king treatment" lasted for weeks--including the hour and a half ride from the motel in Aiken. 

It was the love that these people showed J.C. that let him know what he must do with his life. That is why he helps challenged vets in this area daily with Operation Stand Down. 

After J. C. Smith's moving talk, certificates were given to AARP members who had served in the military. Many were presented in person and some posthumously. Even grandchildren currently serving were honored. 

Then Judy Homan explained the meaning of the 13-steps in folding Old Glory. This was done as the Color Guard walked through each step. 

The local AARP did an excellent job with the tribute to veterans. For more information about that organization and to attend meetings at the St. Clair Street Center, phone 615-848-2550. The facility is located at 325 St. Clair Street.