David Scott, Staff Writer
The 16th annual Gatesville Military Appreciation Fish Fry was held recently on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Gatesville Civic Center. The event was sponsored by the City of Gatesville, the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce, and the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department.
A social time was held for military personnel from Fort Cavazos between 6 and 6:30 pm followed by an address by Reverend Dr. Dewey “Buddy” Wheat, Jr. of The Presbyterian Church of Gatesville. A salute and thanks was given to members of the military by Mayor Gary Chumley.
More than 500 military members reportedly attended after being bused in from Fort Cavazos.
Mayor Chumley, along with Hillside Medical Lodge Director of Public Relations, Susie Meelbusch, presented Cpt. William Johnson, Lt. Brandon Berlinrut, Sgt. Xylon Stevenson, SSG David Tracy, and SFC Jeremy Whisler with certificates of appreciation for their participation with Hillside Medical Lodge residents in their Valentine’s Day celebration called “Army of Love.”
Major General William A. Ryan III, Commander, First Army Division West at Fort Cavazos, then spoke to the soldiers before the fish fry meal began.
