In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather

📰 How to Contribute to the Marines' Toys for Tots Program

📰 From the Mountains to the Battlefields: The Life and Legacy of Veteran George Dillon

📰 Honoring a Hero: 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Milton Jones Celebrated in Veterans Day Ceremony
 

Spreading Holiday Cheer: How to Contribute to the Marines' Toys for Tots Program

The Toys for Tots Program, organized by the Marines, is dedicated to gathering new, unwrapped toys to give to underprivileged children during the Christmas season. This initiative aims to spread holiday cheer and hope across the United States.

Established by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991 as a non-profit organization, Toys for Tots offers information on donation locations and methods. Additionally, it provides details on volunteering opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute to making a positive impact.

Learn more about Toys for Tots in Knoxville here, on the Knoxville TN Toys for Tots website

From the Mountains to the Battlefields: The Life and Legacy of Veteran George Dillon

A retired Air Force veteran from Maryville, who served in three wars, is sharing his experiences for those unable to do so. George Dillon, a 95-year-old retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, grew up on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia without electricity or indoor plumbing. He reflects on his childhood as a mix of richness and poverty.

At 17, Dillon chose the military over working in coal mines. He joined the Army Air Corps, later part of the Air Force, and served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, starting his service in November 1945 and ending in April 1972. During World War II and the Korean War, he served as a medic, but it was in Vietnam where he experienced combat firsthand.

Dillon speaks about the fears and realities of war, emphasizing its profound impact. He believes that sharing these experiences is crucial, as keeping them inside can be destructive. His military career also led him to meet his wife, Benedetta "Betty" Dillon, with whom he was married for 60 years until her passing 17 years ago. They had five children together.

Proud of both his family and his country, Dillon cherishes memories from his service, holding onto items like his medic card, badges, dog tags, and uniforms. He views these as important reminders of the past.

Currently, Dillon lives at the Brookdale Sandy Springs Senior Living Community, where he serves as an ambassador, guiding new residents. Additionally, he has a hobby of collecting arrowheads, boasting a unique and diverse collection.

Honoring a Hero: 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Milton Jones Celebrated in Veterans Day Ceremony

Milton Jones, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, recently experienced a memorable moment when he shared the stage with Congressman Tim Burchett and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs at a ceremony held at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The event was part of a Veterans Day celebration where Jones was honored for his service. Both Burchett and Jacobs attended to officially recognize Jones' contributions during his military service.

Burchett emphasized the importance of acknowledging heroes like Jones, particularly in times of national strife. Jacobs shared his admiration for meeting veterans like Jones, noting the rarity and significance of interacting with members of the World War II generation.

Jones, who was born and raised in East Tennessee, played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II due to his expertise in the Army Signal Corps. Following his time in the Navy, Jones chose to return to his hometown, where he has resided ever since.

During the ceremony, Jones expressed his gratitude for the event and the presence of the dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the occasion for him. The ceremony not only celebrated Jones's past achievements but also acknowledged his ongoing legacy as a veteran.