Patriots Celebration with Don Graves and Rick Irving
Patriots Celebration with Don Graves and Rick Irving, Myers Jackson USMC Veteran and America’s Auctioneer is the Photographer. The celebration took place at Cafe Republic in with many fans and supporters in attendance.
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Indeed some of those in attendance were: Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth Mayoral Candidate Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Sheriff and United States Air Force Veteran Bill Waybourn, and Gold Star Parent’s Retreat president and co-founder Terry Burgess. Photographing the festivities was U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Myers Jackson. The event hosted by Roll Call Fort Worth at Cafe Republic was celebrating the birthdays of two American heroes. U.S. Marine Corps Veterans and Iwo Jima survivor Don Graves and U.S. Army Veteran and photographer Rick Irving.
As a matter of fact, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price presented Don Graves with a key to the city. Upon gifting it to him she whispered to him that he is one of only 8 people have received a key during her term. The 96 year old Don graciously accepted it. Additionally, during the event, Terry Burgess of Gold Star Parent’s Retreat gifted Don and Rick with beautiful “Throws of Love” from Donna Hogue. Donna carries on the mission of “Throws of Love” in honor of her husband, 1st Lieutenant Robert E. Malone, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam in April of 1968.
Don Graves Iwo Jima Survivor
To begin with, Don Graves was serving with the United States Marine Corps when he was dropped off on the beaches of Iwo Jima. Although not in the iconic flag raising photo, Don was mere steps away. As well, he knew the soldiers raising the flag. Today, Don Graves travels to events sharing with school children and adults his experiences in the military. His recollections are told with such passion grasping the attention of patriots both young and old. During the event Don sang “God Bless America”.
Rick Irving Man of the Year
Also celebrating a birthday was Rick Irving. Rick is seen at many veteran events with his camera in hand snapping smiles, hugs and hand shakes. The Army veteran’s dedication and devotion to veterans was recognized by the Fort Worth Airpower Council. To the tune of their awarding him the 2020 Man of the Year. In addition to the birthday celebration, Roll Call and Cafe Republic were honoring Rick’s Man of the Year award.
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