Page 29 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2025 _V2

Volume 102, Issue 3 29

WARNER ROBINS CHAPTER #526, Daniel E. Kitchens, Secretary.

Our Chapter is proud to partner with
the Department of Defense initiative to
recognize those veterans who served
during the Vietnam War, whether they
served in country or not. This effort
has been spearheaded by Brother Matt
Brogan, a member of our Chapter and
present Master of Tyrian Lodge No.
111 in Warner Robins, GA. To date
the chapter has presented 117
certificates of recognition and lapel
pins to deserving veterans in middle
Georgia. We were assisted in this
effort by three distinguished veterans.
General Thomas F. Grabowski began his distinguished, 37-year military career in 1985. His service includes
serving as the Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. In this role, he oversaw 3,000 Airmen in
various capacities, including two flying wings and multiple cyber and intelligence squadrons. Prior to this he
served as the Air Force Deputy of Total Force Integration at the Pentagon, focusing on the optimal force mix
across U.S. Air Force missions. Brigadier General James Sehorn volunteered for combat duty in February
1967. On 14 Dec 1967, the General was shot down over North Vietnam and spent the next 5 years and 3
months as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. On 14 March 1973, he was released and returned to active
flying duty in the C-141 Starlifter. Over the duration of the rest of his career, he served in a variety of
command positions and finished his career as the Director of Operations for the United States Air Force
Reserve. SSgt William (Bill) F. Smith, began his military career in 1958, with the North Carolina National
th
st
Guard. In July 1965 he was sent to Vietnam and served under Col. Harold (Hal) Moore in the 1 Battalion, 7
Calvary in the battle of the Ia Drang Valley Vietnam in 1965. The rest is history. The official program to
recognize these veterans expires in April of this year, but under the guidance and support of our Chapter
President, Brother Charles Cather, we will continue our efforts until every eligible veteran is recognized or
until our supply of awards is exhausted.