The Military Veteran’s Wall of Fame identifies the courageous and brave men and women who sacrificed their life and freedom to serve in the military. These amazing service members started from the rock, gravel, dirt and paved roads of Greystone, Flint Hill, Kittrell, Happy Hill, Townsville, Mobile, Manson and other suburbs in Vance County. Henderson Institute set the stage and prepared them for success. Henderson Institute where they learned old fashioned work ethics, how to take risks, refine their character and grow beyond familiar grounds.
Some traveled to the Air Force, Army, Navy. Marines, Coast Guard and the National Guard. Several of H.I. graduates became outstanding and highly respected military generals, officers, and non-commissioned officers. Several of them graduated and earned degrees from Military War Colleges, HBCU universities and other universities/schools.
When visiting the museum please, reflect on some of the distinguished and heroic veteran’s accomplishments. Hunter Hawkins, (class of 1898) was the first veteran identified while serving in the Spanish American War. Brigadier General Charles B. Jiggett (class of 1943) was a distinguished veteran that served in the U.S.A.F for over 30 years. Several black aviators were assigned to the Tuskegee
Airmen Airfield, Lt. Francis B. Peoples, (Class of 1935), Harold Webb, (Class of 1941), US Army and 1Lt. Wilson Bask Eagleton, II, (Class of 1938). Captain Kemp Tally, Jr, (Class of 1966), (U.S. Air Force) was the 1st African American to complete the Tactical Fighter Pilot Training Program and became a commercial
pilot for the airlines. Chief Melvin G. Smith, (Class of 1957),(US Air Force & Reserve) was the 1st African American to hold the title, Chief of Police, Henderson, NC. Another first was established in “2026” when the Henderson City Police Building was named in Smith’s honor.
We want to always remember our heroes and their journey. Some did not return home but they will always be in our hearts. May God continue to bless all our veterans…..“Lest We Forget”
*Please, visit the H.I. museum to receive more information about our veterans and other inspiring heros