Submitted by John Harlow
The Dillon County South Carolina Veterans of the Year Organization held its annual dinner and program at Shuler’s BBQ Restaurant on January 15th. Commander Thom Thompson called the meeting to order at 6PM and 2nd Vice Commander Levern Hayes led those gathered in the pledge of allegiance.
Following the pledge of allegiance, Commander Thompson welcomed the Veterans of the Year and their guests. Mr. Ray Stephens and Mr. Travis Jackson of First Citizens Bank were recognized for the past and ongoing support to veteran community programs by First Citizens Bank and for sponsoring the dinner. Commander Thompson presented them both with a Veterans of the Year Challenge Coin.
The organization’s first order of business was to elect its officers for CY-2026: Elected were Commander Thom Thompson, 1st Vice Commander John Harlow, 2nd Vice Commander Levern Hayes, Chaplain Bobby McLean, and Sergeant-at-Arms Tommy Hayes Jr.
Commander Thompson asked Chaplain Bobby McLean to remember in prayer both the 2012 Veteran of the Year Mallory Scott who died on December 14th 2025, and the 2018 Veteran of the Year Harry Moore who died on January 14th 2026. 2nd Vice Commander Levern Hayes led a Bell Ringing Ceremony in memory of both Mallory Scott and Harry Moore, tolling the memorial bell 7 times in their memory. Past Commander James E. Lockemy spoke about the other 17 Veterans of the Year who have died over the years since the organization’s 1993 founding.
Commander Thom Thompson led a special presentation for the 1999 Veteran of the Year and Past Commander Judge/Major General James E, Lockemy recognizing his contributions in helping establish the Dillon County Veterans Square in 1989, and for his service as Commander of the DCSCVOYO from 1993 to 2021. In accepting the plaque, Judge Lockemy thanked the current commander, Thom Thompson, and remembered Past Commander Jim Chavis who died during his term in 2023, and Past Commander James Leslie who died during his term in 2022.
Chaplain Bobby McLean asked the blessing for the meal and Commander Thomspon recessed the meeting to the Shuler’s BBQ buffet line.
Commander Thompson called the meeting back to order following the meal and incoming 1st Vice Commander John Harlow gave a recap of the organization’s events for 2025:
– Memorial Day at Veterans Square – 5/26/2025
– Program Speaker Dillon Mayor Tally McColl
– Read the names of Dillon County deceased veterans Nov2024 to Nov 2025
– Placed a Memorial Wreath at the Memorial Wall at Veterans Square
– Recognized Army combat veteran Jimmie E. Daniels as the 2025 Distinguished Deceased Veteran
– Patriot Day at the Courthouse Steps – 9/11/2025
– Program Speaker Dillon County EMS Supervisor Michael Sapp
– Remembered the 2001 attacks at the Twin Towers in NYC, the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Shanksville PA, and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism
– Placed a Memorial Wreath on the steps of the Dillon County Courthouse
– Recognized Latta Firefighter and Combat Veteran Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Benji Long for his service to his country and his community as the Dillon County 2025 First Responder
– Ceremoniously replaced the Dillon County flag in front of the courthouse
– Veterans Day Program – 11/11/2025
– Program Speaker Mr. Thomas Dry Howie II, namesake of his uncle Thomas Dry Howie known as the hero of the Battle for Saint-Lô in WW-II France.
– Placed a Memorial Wreath at the Memorial Wall at Veterans Square
– Recognized Army Combat Veteran Tommy Hayes Jr. as the 2025 Dillon County Veteran of the Year.
– Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – 12/7/2025
– Program Speaker Representative Jackie Hayes
– Remembered those killed on that day that lives in infamy and those who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, and those who served from that Greatest Generation during WW-II
– Placed a Memorial Wreath at the Memorial Wall at Veterans Square
In closing the meeting, Commander Thompson commented on improvements made in 2025 at Veterans Square where County Administrator Tim Harper and City Manager Burt Rogers coordinated and oversaw adding 2 park benches, rebuilding the concrete ramps to the stage area, improving the small stone memorial marker located close to Main Street, and some needed landscaping improvements. He announced that the next meeting is scheduled for April 6th to plan the 2026 Memorial Day program. Chaplain Bobby McLean closed the meeting with prayer.
