Christmas ball honors military

Pride and patriotism filled the room as Air Force veteran Jim Todd sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” at the recent Wake Foundation Military Christmas Ball.

Hosted at the Holiday Inn of Poplar Bluff, veterans and their guests stood with pride which, along with patriotism, filled the evening’s activities.

Patriotism was the thread that ran through retired Missouri National Guard Brigadier Gen. Charlie Kruse and retired Col. Douglas C. Rose Jr.’s addresses to the group.

“Patriotism is on the rise in this country,” Kruse said. “And thank God for the pride of this room full of heroes, who stepped up for the greatest county in the world.”

Kruse, Rose and foundation originator Robert Wake reminded those in attendance that while patriotism is on the rise, it always was popular in Southeast Missouri.

“Thank you to all the veterans and the spouses and families for every sacrifice they made,” Rose said.

Vietnam War US Army veteran Roy Lee, escorted his wife Mona at their first Military Christmas Ball.

Because of Mona Lee's recent knee replacement, the couple missed dancing to popular music provided by the Jerry Ford Orchestra.

“Everything was very nice and elegant,” Mona Lee said. “The band was top notch, the food was delicious and the decorations were beautiful.”

Roy Lee is active in the Vietnam Veterans Association 1056. While he is retired, Lee works as an ambassador at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, and greets those who come into the main floor.

Roy Lee went to Washington D.C. As a guest of on the Honor Tour and the couple will participate in more Wake Foundation events, Mona Lee said.

Other upcoming foundation events include:

Veteran’s Valentine Concert with Chris Jansen on Feb. 13 at the Black River Coliseum.

The Des Moines Honor Flight is slated for March 18 and the veterans “Cherry Blossom Festival” Honor Flight is scheduled for March 25-27, with the group leaving from Cape Girardeau.

The VA Veteran’s Winter Sports Clinic is March 9-April 5 in Snowmass, Colorado.

The fifth annual Fundraising Gala is April 26 at the Black River Coliseum.

For more information about the Wake Foundation and its events, contact Wake at 573-281-6165 or email dwightsr63@gmail.com.