By John Harlow
On 1/30/2025, the Dillon County South Carolina Veterans of the Year Organization (DCSCVOYO) held its annual dinner.
DCSCVOYO Commander Thom Thompson welcomed those attending and introduced the guest speaker Army Major Rodney Bunyan. Major Bunyan is the Senior Army Instructor for the Dillon High School Army JROT C program. Commander Thompson thanked him for the support given by the DHS Army JROTC cadets throughout the years at the patriotic programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day held at Veterans Square. Major Bunyan was given a DCSCVOYO Challenge Coin for Excellence in recognition and appreciation for his past and continued leadership to the DHS JROTC program and its ongoing support of the DCSCVOYO.
Following dinner, Commander Thompson took time to remember DCSCVOY for 2002 Jerry Huggins who died on 12/22/2024. A memorial bell was rung in his memory and testimonials were given. Afterwards, a memorial rollcall of other DCSCVOY members who have died was made:
Benny and Lola Covington, George Pullie, Charles Ellen, James Crawford, Gerald Harrelson, Bill Huggins, Joe Griffin, Carroll Hendrix, Carroll Allen, Bill McLeod, David Stricker, Eddie McDuffie, Robert Snyder, James Leslie, and Jim Chavis.
The following DCSCVOY members were elected to serve for 2025:
Commander Thom Thompson – 2nd Term
1st Vice Commander Asa McDuffie – 2nd Term
2nd Vice Commander Levern Hayes – 2nd Term
Chaplain Bobby McLean – 2nd Term
Sergeant-at-Arms Pam Moore – 1st Term
In his closing remarks, Commander Thompson thanked the Veterans for their military service, and for the work they have done for Veterans and their families over the years. He also acknowledged the support given to our Veterans by The City of Dillon, Dillon County, Lake View, and Latta, and the community at large. He said, “Men and women of Dillon County have served in the military since before the founding of our county and we are thankful for their service to the Nation.”
The DCSCVOYO was founded in 1993 to recognize a Veteran each year for his or her efforts to help Veterans and their families. Navy Veteran Justin Foxworth was named the 2024 VOY at the 2024 Veterans Day program at Veterans Square. In 2025, DCSCVOYO will hold patriotic programs on Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day.
Pictured at top: John Harlow, Pam Moore, Asa McDuffie, Bobby McLean, and Thom Thompson
