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Hogansville’s Memorial Day Service was held on Monday at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. The service was planned to take place at Calvin Hipp Veterans Memorial Park and across the street, however, due to the rain it was moved indoors.

The invocation was given by Rev Edmond Coffey, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Hogansville council member Kandis Strickland. Mayor Jake Ayers also spoke, welcoming the veterans and attendees.

The longtime organizer of the event, Commander and Chaplain George Bailey presided over the event. Bailey is a member of Post 152, a former councilmember in Hogansville and served during the Gulf War in the United States Army.

Bailey said that Reverand Robert Leek and Reverand Edmond Coffey gave a moving rendition of the national anthem. After the welcome speeches, Bryan Barfield introduced the special guest.

This year’s keynote speaker was Stacy Brown Hummer. Hummer, an Iowan native, served in the United States Air Force from 1991 to 1997. She joined soon after Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm known as the first Gulf War.

Hummer was trained as an Inflight Air Refueling Specialist and cargo loadmaster on the KC-135R Stratoanker. She also served as a training manager for her squadron and worked in the scheduling office. Hummer’s accolades include 10 different awards during her time in service, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with a star, the National Defense Service medal, the Community Service award and more.

After six years with the Air Force Hummer decided to settle in the area with her son, Zach Brown. She studied health and nutrition at the University of North Dakota Community College as well as Business Administration at Southern Union State Community College.

The pilot stayed busy working in non-profit management, human resources, and television. Hummer volunteered with the Red Cross for 11 years working on training and experience in local and national disaster response. Apart from work, she serves as the President of the LaGrange Women’s Club, a member of American Legion Post 75, and a facilitator for Reboot Recovery, faith-based trauma healing courses for veterans and civilians.

Commander Lanny Braswell led the recognition of Veterans and their families. The service ended with the ceremonial Taps, performed by McKibben and Sons Funeral Homes.