Times staff writer

Part III

Greetings from the Whittemore Home in the Cold Springs Community of Macon County, Tennessee. Brave men worth remembering they say, of those that served and bled on that fateful day, in 1950 in South Korea peace was then won, now we commemorate those fighting American sons.

Last week we left you with a brief summery of the tours and itinerary of Bro Billy G. DeVasher in South Korea. In this last part we conclude this trip of the return of the Korean War Veterans.

Many awards and honors have been received by this humble servant of God and each one is even more humbling than the one before. this is a mere mortal man who acknowledges where his strength and courage lays and gives all praise, honor, and glory to the source itself, to Jehovah God his Father above.

DeVasher received several metals after his first stint in the military service that he joined on the very day of his seventeenth birthday eager to serve his country. After the Korean war ended Br. DeVasher received five battle stars for the five battles he fought in to help bring freedom to South Korea.

In the year of 2000 at a special ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, DeVasher along with other U.S. Marines teammates were h onored. It was in this special service that a Marine Corp. Commandant pinned the "Silver Star", upon retired Marine Billy G. DeVasher in Washington, D.C. He was also told at this ceremony by the U.S. Marine Corp. Commandant that he was going to give DeVasher a higher rank that of Gunny Sergeant. DeVasher could not believe that he could be given a raise in rank fifty years after he was out of the military! How's that for service!

Then in the fall of 2002 DeVasher received an invitation along with several other Marines by the Korean Veterans Association to visit South Korea courtesy of the South Korean Government. Though he passed what seemed insurmountable odds God was quick and faithful to intervene them all swiftly. Soon he was on his way and the war torn country that he had left behind in the 1950's was once again in sight. But the country he left behind all those years ago was no longer there except the desolate Northern part of Korea that is still under Communist rule even today.

Then on October the 29th of the year of our Lord 2002 retired Marine Billy DeVasher received the "Korean War Medal" and a Certificate of Ambassador for Peace," which reads...

No.: 02-465

"Ambassador For Peace"

Official Proclamation

Mr. Billy G. DeVasher

It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.

We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation.

In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is my privilege to proclaim you an, "Ambassador for Peace" with every good wish of the people of the Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.

29 October 2002

LeeSang-Hoon

General, ROKA.RET.

Chairman

The Korean Veterans Association

It was a very humbling honor bestowed upon this gentle man of which he accepted with the grace in which it was given. His life has been so full I wonder what he will be blessed with next. But whatever it is, I am sure he will be very deserving of it.

Not long after his trip back DeVasher attended the Marine Corp. Ball that was held in Nashville, Tennessee on November the 10th 2002 at the fabulous Music City Sheraton Hotel. DeVasher's remarks about the ball was it was really a ceremony! He plans to order a new suit of Marine Corp. dress blues, since when his tour was up in the 1950's he was a few pounds lighter, so he will be in style or fashion for more upcoming Marine functions.

Until then he will do the job for which the Lord called him to do which is spreading the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be His light in the world. this seventy-four year old man still runs forty five minutes to an hour or so everyday. So full of life and the love of God is he that he befriends all who the Lord uses to cross his path.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and if that be so the sparkle in Bro DeVasher;s eyes radiate the joy of the Lord that lays within his heart. An excitement that bubbles over and spills out on those about him as you are caught up in the joyous jubilation transforming this world to a bit of heaven on earth.

And so we close this section on Bro DeVasher. As God has blessed your life so let Him continue to bless it as you continue to serve Him. A service unlike the military it being one that you can never retire from until the day that we are called from the battlefields of life to return home and in that day to view our Hope and Glory, our Savior Jesus Christ where we will then trade our cross for a crown and walk the war torn lands no more.

Already we have spotted the tiny white snowflakes that mark winters approach in the form of snow and tomorrow's forecast is calling for the possibility of some accumulation of the same. Personally, I enjoy watching the fluffy white puffs floating down from skyward. My husband tells me to move to Alaska, but as with all good things, you could get too much of even that for I look for God's beauty in all seasons, not only the winter season! But as with every year i do wish for a white Christmas each time I wrap a present or address a Christmas Card. If that be the kid in me so be it. I hope I have a child like heart filled with joy and excitement forever! All Scrooges can just go on with their bad selves. I'll enjoy the season. I might even build Frosty or Crystal if the clouds yield and I so incline!

Already the first Christmas decorations grace the Cold Springs Community. The first to be out this year is at the home of Kris and Joy McClard's home. The tree with twinkling lights flashing a colorful scene stands in their front yard hailing in the Yuletide Holiday Season soon to be followed by others of such same nature and themes.

With Thanksgiving Day, or Turkey Day, as some call it, now over it is full steam ahead as we sail on into the Christmas Holiday Season. With our ships or buggies filled with many a precious cargo, nuggets and jewels found just the right gem for each loved-one and friend alike we dash forward on the Yuletide slide counting down the days until Christmas. Please remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and let us give generously to those less fortunate. One such project to place your gift is the Coat Drive for the Needy. I am sure each one of us could find either a coat, a jacket, or sweater to give or perhaps a scarf, gloves, boggin, or hat. Any sort of outerwear will be given and distributed among those that have not to keep them warm and toasty this winter season. The Lafayette Methodist Church is collecting these items until the December the 14th 2002 Open House Coat give-away.

May God bless all who give and receive form this good will gesture.

Well friends, as you busily prepare for the fast approaching holiday season, be sure to take the time to attend the church of your choice this Sabbath. Until next week, keep the faith!