Odell Anderson & Barbara Massey Reece with Chattooga County WWII Veteran Hoyt Williams in 2020

Veterans in Chattooga County have two good friends and advocates who are always looking out to honor those who have served in our nation’s armed forces.  Mrs. Odell Anderson, who moved back to her family’s farm in Subligna after retirement, and former State Representative Barbara Massey Reece of Menlo, work tirelessly to make sure that local veterans receive recognition for their service.

While State Representative, Barbara Reece was known in Atlanta for being a spokesperson for veteran’s issues.  While serving as a state legislator in 2010, Reece stood on the floor of the Georgia House in support of a resolution to honor Vietnam War veterans.  Reece said at the time, “Georgia’s Vietnam Veterans patriotically served this great nation.  They deserve our upmost respect and appreciation. It’s an honor to recognize these fine veterans for their selfless service and courageous acts.”  Also, while serving in the General Assembly, Reece organized veterans events for constituents in Chattooga and Floyd Counties.

Odell Anderson has worked alongside Reece and has advocated for veterans in our area at the local, state and national level.  She worked closely with former Georgia United States Senator Johnny Isakson, serving as his veterans affairs’ liaison.  In 2016, Anderson was recognized for her tireless work for veterans by receiving an honorary commission from then-Governor Nathan Deal as a Lt. Colonel of the State of Georgia.

Last week, WZQZ News spoke with Ms. Anderson who said that with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to hold events for our county’s veterans.  But, she and Barbara Reece are still actively working on ways to honor local veterans.  Anderson said that she was not certain when or if a veteran’s celebration could be held this year due to the pandemic.  She added, “There are ten World War II veterans, that we know of, that are still living today in Chattooga County. We want to make sure that we honor all of the veterans of the ‘Greatest Generation.'”

Ms. Anderson said that some World War II veterans may have moved into the county to receive care in their later years that she and Ms. Reece are not aware of.

If you know of a World War II veteran that lives in Chattooga County that has not been contacted by Ms. Anderson or Ms. Reece in the past, we would ask that you pass their contact information along to us here at WZQZ by emailing: chattooga1180am@hotmail.com so that we can forward that information to our local veterans advocates.