CHAPTER CHATTER
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
TAPS FOR JAMES BERRY *RIP*
James "Haywood" Berry, former Korean War P.O.W., passed peacefully at the age of 87 in his sleep on December 24,2016.Born in Madison, VA, James grew up the youngest child of Benjamin Haywood and Betty Garr Berry.
While enlisted in the US Army, “Haywood” was serving honorably in Korea when he was captured and held prisoner for 33 months. He endured incredible physical and emotional torture, and starvation at the hands of the enemy.
On Saturday December 31st, twenty- three members of Chapter 313 travelled to Preddy Funeral Home in Madison, VA, to attend the funeral service for James which was conducted by Pastor Josh Shifflett. It was a solemn occasion as each member paused and saluted our departed brother.
Also attending was James “Ed” Ellis and his VFW Honor Guard team who performed the nine-gun salute and members of the Military who provided the Flag and Taps ceremony. James was laid to rest privately at Payne Chapel Cemetery in Bunker Hill, WV. For the full obituary, please refer to the “In Memoriam” section of the Chapter website. www.svc313kwva.org.
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Rev. Raleigh Watson
As I write this column, we have just learned of the death of James Berry on December 24th, in Ruckersville. Most of you know that James was one of our Former POW members. His association with the KWVA was very important to him, and he attended meetings very
regularly until health problems interfered.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but service will probably be in Madison. We will advise when we know more and I hope some of us may attend. Ralph Martin has undergone a biopsy and some surgery, but is "on the mend", and hopes to be at our next meeting, and would appreciate a phone call, and of course a phone call to any of the following would be very nice if you have a moment – they always like to hear from us and are not able to attend many of our meetings:
Millard Pippin – home – 540-667-1876
Charles Boyce – cell – 304-263-0811
Bud Robertson – cell – 540-877-9132
Don Jones – home – 540-869-1958
Ralph Martin – home – 540-877-2819
Leonard Laconia – home - 540-667-1716
Mystery Member of the Month
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Answer found on page 7