Pearl Harbor Survivor William Braddock featured in Pensacola News Journal
The Meaning of Memorial Day
Vivid Memories of a Pearl Harbor Survivor
Memorial Day Values Shared by Area Veterans
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Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored at Blue Wahoos Armed Forces Day
Pearl Harbor Survivors Special Guests
Our Pearl Harbor Survivors were honored with a ride around the baseball field, introductions and an opportunity to throw out the first baseball at the May 18th Armed Forces Day Commemoration during the Wahoos-BayBears baseball game in the new Bayfront Stadium in Pensacola. Bill Braddock, Jay Carraway, Frank Emond, Jake Gallowa, and Jim Landis were welcomed by the cheering crowd. The late George Mills, who passed away in December, 2012 was also remembered.
Following the presentation of Colors, Holly Shelton, our founder and co-organizer sang a touching rendition of the “National Anthem.” Twenty family and Pearl Harbor Initiative team members came together to honor our heroes.
pearl harbor survivors Thank pensacola
Pearl Harbor Initiative Receives Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Award
Pearl Harbor Initiative co-organizers, Holly Shelton and William F. Phillips, were honored at the Pensacola Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for their efforts to spearhead one of the most patriotic events to come out of Pensacola in many years – taking six Pearl Harbor Survivors to the 70th Commemoration Ceremony of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. The Pearl Harbor Initiative organized a group of volunteers who developed a community-wide effort to raise awareness and the funds needed to make this trip possible.
The Freedoms Foundation National Awards are
- awarded to those who promote, through words or deeds, an understanding of responsible citizenship and its relationship to a free society
- given in recognition of the civic achievements of Americans from all walks of life and the achievements of teachers, administrators of public, private and parochial schools in developing the interest, intellect and civic literacy of young adults
- designed as an incentive to encourage others to emulate the deeds of recipients from all across the nation.
Pictured: Pearl Harbor Survivors, Jim Landis, Bill Braddock, Jay Carraway; Founder and Pearl Harbor Initiative Co-organizer, Holly Shelton; Connie Brown, VP of Youth Programs, Pensacola Chapter, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge; Co-organizer, William F. Phillips, Lt Col, USAF (ret), CAPT Michael Clapsadl, USN (ret), Master of Ceremony, and Pearl Harbor Survivors, Cass Phillips and Frank Emond. Missing from our group of travelers is our recently departed, George F. Mills.
Pearl Harbor Initiative thanks the pensacola community for their love and support
Documentary Airs at Zelica Grotto Hall
Many thanks to the members of Zelica Grotto for sponsoring a spaghetti dinner and airing of our documentary, “Pearl Harbor, One Last Goodbye” on January 17, 2013. Over 225 members, families and friends arrived with an appetite for spaghetti and history. They were satisfied with both.
After dinner, three of our Pearl Harbor survivors, Jim Landis, Bill Braddock and Cass Phillips, were introduced. The noticeable absence of our survivor, Frank Emond, was forgiven when it was learned that he had gotten married the night before!
Liz Watkins, producer of the documentary introduced the video and presented a memorial dedication to our recently departed Pearl Harbor survivor and trip instigator, George F. Mills. We love and miss him. All of our affiliations would not exist if not for his idea to return to Pearl Harbor for “One Last Goodbye.”
Pearl Harbor, One Last Goodbye – The Documentary
“Pearl Harbor One Last Goodbye”
Starting in June of 2011 Liz Watkins, along with founder Holly Shelton and co-organizer retired Lt. Colonel Bill Phillips worked tirelessly organizing and raising funds for 6 Pensacola Fl. area Pearl Harbor survivors to return to Pearl for the 70th anniversary of the attack. After funds for the trip were raised and donations were gathered this one time initiative was able to make the dream of these heros from the “greatest generation” to say one last goodbye to their fallen comrades come true. Along with 12 support personnel Watkins Productions accompanied these WW II veterans and documented the entire trip.
Over one year in the making and more than 40 hours of video – this documentary chronicles a few of the remaining Pensacola, Florida Pearl Harbor survivors on their emotional journey to Pearl Harbor for “One Last Goodbye.”
”Pearl Harbor, One Last Goodbye”
Watch these previews to get a flavor for the story.
“Pearl Harbor, One Last Goodbye”
Own your copy of this piece of History. Order today.
George F. Mills, Pearl Harbor Survivor
George F. Mills
George Frederick Mills, 1920-2012
George F. Mills, Pearl Harbor Survivor, 92, of Pensacola passed after a brief illness December 26, 2012 at Covenant Hospice Inpatient, W. Fla. Hospital, Pensacola, FL.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, October 3, 1920, Mills spent much of his childhood in California. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1938 through WWII’s end, made Chief, then attained the rank, Lieutenant (jg); proud until the end of his “Mustang” status.
Along with Pearl Harbor, he served In the Pacific, Philippines & Aleutian Campaigns. His post-Navy career as a Federal Civil Service Weapons Operator Manager for the Air Force saw action through the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Mills was preceded in death by parents, Verne L. Mills, Edith Perley Mills, siblings and loving wife, Veronica D. Mills. Surviving are his children; Fred Mills, Jr., Pensacola, Terry R. Mills, Centralia, WA, Diane M. Nelson, Canaseraga, N.Y., grandchildren Ramona McGill & D.J. Nelson & his beloved poodle, Ace.
He is revered and terribly missed by many special friends whose lives he changed & caregivers Holly Shelton, her husband, Don Snowden, Pearl Harbor Survivors Ch.138, P.H.I. Co-Organizer, Lt. Col. Bill Phillips, USAF, (Ret.) & volunteer crew of www.PearlHarborInitiative.com, the successful journey for closure Mills & five other survivors made which sprang from his wish to say “One Last Goodbye” to fallen Pearl comrades & lay the ghosts to rest at the attack’s 70th anniversary Dec., 2011; www.PearlHarborOneLastGoodbye.com
Mills’ life will be celebrated at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors Friday, Jan. 11th at 2 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery, Shelter Area – A. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Hospice, W. FL Hospital, 8383 N. Davis Hwy., 3 N., Pensacola, FL. 32514. Lewis Funeral Home of Milton is handling.
George Mills at Veterans Day Parade 2012
George’s 92nd Birthday
Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored
Pensacola Honors World War II Heroes.
Hundreds of patriots crowded into the atrium at the National Naval Air Museum on Friday, December 7th to pay their respects to Pensacola’s World War II survivors. Eight of our Pearl Harbor Survivors were among the heroes of that great conflict who were present.
George Mills, Bill Braddock, Frank Emond, Jacob Gallawa, Jay Carraway, Jim Landis, Dale Hendricks, Cass Phillips, as well as widows Angie Engel, Dottie Graziani and Mary Ann Glaeser waved and smiled when introduced.
“I’ve been coming to this memorial program for 19 years, first with my husband Fred and after his death, in his honor. This year’s presentation was the best ever,” said Mary Ann.
Tate High School’s Jazz Corale and Band provided 1940′s entertainment as MC CDR Robert Pisz led us down memory lane featuring photographs of local heroes and their families. Dr. Sydney Phillips, local author, and World War II hero gave the keynote address.
Pensacola Honors our Pearl Harbor Survivors
Coming Soon! Pearl Harbor Honor Flight – One Last GoodBye
Seventy years ago several thousand young military men and women were enjoying a peaceful Hawaii Sunday morning. Out of the sky fell bombs and torpedoes in an attack that changed the world. We have worked with the Pearl Harbor Survivors Assn., Chapter 138 to document their return to that place in order to say “One Last Goodbye” and to honor their fallen friends and comrades. Get ready to read about the adventures of six nonagenarians as they relived December 7, 1941 in “Pearl Harbor Honor Flight – One Last Goodbye.” We are proud to share their story in this book.
Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored in Parade
Pearl Harbor Survivors Ride in 2012 Veterans Day Parade
Many thanks to the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council, Inc. for honoring our heroes to in the 2012 Veterans Day Parade in Pensacola, FL. They had the pleasure of riding in antique autos driven by the Antique Model A Ford Club of the Panhandle. Riders and drivers had the opportunity to share memories of times past.
Harry Simoneaux, Sr. Passes
Harry Simoneaux, Sr. Truly an American Hero
We sadly report that a member of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 138, Harry Simoneaux, Sr. passed away September 18th.
Thanks to his family, we can share
information about Harry’s life at http://www.ds-rim.com/simoneaux.html.
During his time in the Navy, he survived 26 major battles including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
During the four years of the war, Harry Simoneaux, Sr. had five ships, made Chief in four years, and earned 8 medals, one combat ribbon with two silver and three bronze stars.