Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1511985
Page 8 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Wednesday, November 22-November 29, 2023 To celebrate the start of Winterfest powered by Stuller Power Solutions, Tryon International Equestrian Center is bringing a dazzling Firefl y Drone Show to the Tryon Stadium at 7pm on Friday, November 24. The movie, "Elf" will be shown at 5pm before the drone show. Events are free; parking is $10 per vehicle. Part of the proceeds go to local charities. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon Drone Show and "Elf " at TIEC Veterans, family and friends gathered on November 10 in Lake Lure in observance of Veterans Day with a theme, "Service." Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett welcomed the veterans to the annual event and thanked them for their support. "Those who live in freedom will always be indebted to those who helped preserve," she said. "We owe veterans an incredible debt that can never be fully paid." The Lake Lure Police Department posted the colors and Katherine Johnson sang the National Anthem. Pastor Kevin Anderson, USN (Ret.) from the Fairfi eld Mountains Chapel led the invocation. Guest speaker was Col. Ken McAlear, a 29-year Veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He is a 1965 graduate of the Air Force Academy; a 1978 graduate of the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he earned a Master of Military Art and Science degree; and a 1985 graduate of the National War College. Colonel McAlear was a Command Pilot and a squadron commander, a wing commander, the Chief of Airlift Forces Division at the Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon, and the fi rst Deputy Director of Operations for the U. S. Transportation Command. He was the acting Director of Operations at the start of Operation Desert Shield, responsible for the initial movement of personnel and equipment for all participating U.S. forces engaged in operations in the Middle East. Among Colonel McAlear's awards and decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and an Air Force Commendation Medal. However, the awards that mean the most to him are the Distinguished Flying Cross and the four Air Medals he received while fl ying 127 combat missions in the C-130 during the Vietnam War. Colonel McAlear has been married to the former Virginia Ryan from Tipton, Oklahoma for 56 years. Other music was presented by the Lake Lure Classical A c a d e m y ' s ensemble, led by Peggy Hill. An Armed Forces Salute recognized all branches of the military service. Following the program, Rumbling Bald Resort served a free buffet breakfast to all veterans. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon Col. McAlear addressed the audience. Veterans honored at "Service" ceremony The Lake Lure Police Department posted colors. Lake Lure Classical Academy's ensemble presented music. NC A&T University visited the Agribusiness Center and was impressed with what is offered. 2+2 transfer agreements are underway for graduates in AAS Agribusiness and AAS Equine Business at Isothermal Community College. This full transfer allows graduates to earn a four year bachelor's degree in two years. Agriculture is the largest industry in North Carolina and in the USA. Shown above (left to right) are: Lisa Spoharski Higgins Instructor, Dr. Antoine Alston with NCA&T University, Kim Wawzysko Equine Business, and Tramell Forney, Conservation Specialist. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photo Contributed. Agribusiness Center visited