The occasion was the American Values Luncheon Wednesday at the Anniston City Meeting Center. The honorees were Patty King, Melvin Walker and John Wheeler. The event also served as a fundraiser for Boy Scouts of America chapters in Calhoun and Cleburne counties.
Joe Serviss, chairman of the local Friends of Scouting Campaign and Scouting council board member, said, “This was our fourth American Values Luncheon and they are just getting better every year.” He added that the honorees were “top notch.”
We agree.
The civic institutions supported by King, Walker and Wheeler are at the very core of our community.
Wheeler is a retired bank executive who is active in the Spirit of Anniston, United Way, Anniston Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Donoho School, the Anniston Industrial Board and Rotary Club.
Walker retired after 30 years of service in the U.S. Army. While in uniform, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He has been involved in Scouting as a volunteer since 1973; that includes his current role as Cubmaster of the Haven United Methodist Church’s Pack 336. He also is on the board of directors of Interfaith Ministries.
Besides her role as president and CEO of Sunny King Automotive Group in Anniston, King devotes her time to Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, the Public Education Foundation of Anniston, the Knox Concert Series, Calhoun County Relay for Life, United Cerebral Palsy and other worthy causes.
Serviss said the local Scouting district is nearly at its fundraising goal for the year. He credited luncheon co-chairs and members of the local council’s board of directors Phil Webb and Jim Nolen for the success. Serviss said others wishing to make a contribution can contact him at: joeserviss@aol.com, 256-435-1776 or 256-235-0849.
The featured speaker Wednesday was Bobby Humphrey, the great running back who enjoyed a long career in the NFL following his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide. On that day in Anniston, Humphrey was sharing the spotlight with three all-stars on our local team.
