Beech Tree News Network

It is once again time to recognize all of our veterans for their service to the United States of America with the 34^th annual Veterans Breakfast. This year the Butler County Chapter NSDAR has chosen to recognize father and son, Mr. George Willis Givens and Donald Givens, for their distinguished service.

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George Willis Givens, born November 27, 1922 in Butler County, has lived in Butler County except three years that he was in the military.  Mr. Givens had his Basic Training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and advance training at Fort Irwin, California.

In the service he was PFC in the US Army, with the Weapon Battalion 199 AAA automatic weapon.  Battery B.  From January 26, 1943 to January 15, 1946, he served in South Philippine Liberation, Western Pacific, and Asia Pacific Theater.

He was awarded: Asia Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

After returning to Butler County in 1946, he married Mary E. Miller Givens.  They had five children - Donald, Eunice, Marvin (deceased), Kenneth, and Michael (deceased). George farmed after returning from the military until retirement.

Donald R. Givens, SP4, U S Army served March 1968-1974.  His basic training was at Fort Campbell and Advance Training at Fort Polk. He served in Vietnam from August 1968 to August 1969 with the 101^st Airborne Division, 1^st/327 Infantry Company E (Tiger Force) as radio operator. After Vietnam he served with the 5^th of 14^th Army Division at Fort Hood, Texas

For his service Don was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Rifle National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign medal with three Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star.

Donald lives in Butler County with his wife Anna and is retired from Warren Rural Electric.  He and Anna enjoy traveling to visit folks in North Carolina. They attend First Baptist Church in Morgantown.

All veterans are invited to attend the breakfast on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held at Butler County High School in the commons area.

Some other local Veteran recognition activities to be held during November include the following. All veterans are invited to all these activities. The VFW Auxiliary, Post 5837 will host a dinner for all veterans on Friday evening, November 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Butler County Extension Office (formerly Pamida). The annual Veterans' Parade will be held on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. There will be transportation available for the veterans to ride in the parade. The Green River Chapter NSDAR will host a reception for all veterans after the parade at Morgantown Elementary in the cafeteria. The Butler County Veterans' Day Program to honor all veterans will be held on Monday, November 11 at 9:00 a.m. in the Butler County High School gymnasium.  Be watching local news media for other activities to be held.

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Story submitted to Beech Tree News.