Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army Veteran Joe Goodwin, Age 95 of Smithville, TN.
Died Feb. 12, 2019
Mr. Goodwin was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served in World War II and was a Prisoner of War.
A native of White County, Joe had been a resident of Smithville since 1958. Joe loved sports and was himself a high school athlete.
Joe enlisted in the Army on March 11, 1943 and was honorably discharged on December 30, 1945. He was captured in Germany on December 16, 1944 and liberated by allied forces on April 30, 1945.
For his service to the country, Joe earned many accolades, medals, and ribbons including, among others, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, an Eamet Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, the Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart, the Victory Medal, and a Prisoner of War Medal. Years later, Mr. Goodwin was awarded an honorary degree from Cumberland University, and also was awarded an appreciation letter from the American Legion for his bravery in the face of battle.
Over the years Joe attended many veterans and memorial day observances and, when asked to speak, would often give an emotional account of his horrifying experiences as a Prisoner of War.
Joe was a member of the American Ex Prisoners of War, American Legion, VFW, and a University of Tennessee VFL (Vol for Life). He was also a retired car salesman with Stribling Chevrolet.
We had a great 11.27 Mile walk this morning. We left out on a cold 15 deg. morning around 6am and headed to Northside Drive where we watched the sun come up. It was a beautiful morning. We then walked threw the Obed River Park and then headed up town to the War Memorial Park. Before heading home we made a stop in at the Grinder House Coffee Shop and had a great visit with a great friend who is also a Veteran. We then headed back to the house. We couldn’t have had a better day for our walk. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. It was amazing. We had 178 honks today. Thank you.
Army Veteran Joe Goodwin will not be forgotten !
