by Sheryl Hamilton for the FCT

The Nu Eta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held a Veterans Day Program and lunch on Nov. 9 at New Jerusalem Church in Russellville, Ala. Veterans and their families and friends attended the program where several veterans who attended the program received Certificates of Appreciation for their dedicated military service.  Retired military men and women present represented the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy. Sargent First Class Louvina Gross, RHS ROTC Instructor, gave details about the Army and when it came into existance. Rev. Otis Garner, who received a Purple Heart during his service in the Marines, addressed the crowd about his service.  Garner now has a grandson serving in the Marines.

Tiara Randolph, a member of the Army Reserve said “I chose to be a part of the military because of its benefits.  I felt like it could help to better my life.”

Several of the Army JROTC Leadership and Educational Students attended including Drake Glenn, a Cadet and RHS Band Member played “Taps” during the program. A Memorial Candle was lit to remember those who had sacrificed their lives as members of the United States armed forces.  Zeta Military Appreciation Week was November 9-15. A donation will be made to Operation Home Front and cards will be mailed to soldiers who participate in the Wounded Warrior Projects.

Some women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. You can find Zetas serving in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. Some sisters are in the Reserve and National Guard. Others have served in Egypt, Belgium and had tours of duty that allowed them to travel around the world.  Zetas all over America extend appreciation to our local heroes with a handshake and a thank you for serving our country.

The sorority’s Immediate Past National Leader, Sheryl P. Underwood served in the Air Force and later joined the Reserve. Zeta Lieutenant Commander Michelle Joachim serves in the Navy and received her Masters of Science Degree in International Military Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

“We stand ready to answer the call, not just for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, but for this great nation as well,” Joachim said.

The sorority does outstanding community service and would like to thank the community for its support. Mrs. Mary Wright is the National President of the sorority. Lacey Barber is the local chapter president. Sheryl Hamilton, Pamela Gilbert, and Chritta Swoopes spearheaded the Veterans Day Program.