Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
WWII Army Veteran Austin Choate, Age 97 of Jamestown, TN.
Died Feb. 10, 2022
He was born on Sept. 21, 1924 in Fentress County. He grew up as most do living in this area, hunting, fishing, and working on the farm and going to school as much as he was able to do as he helped his family on the farm. As a young man he met and married a sweet little girl named Nola Alma Stephens on Sept. 12, 1944 at Ft. McPhearson, GA. Together they made a home, helping their neighbors where needed.
Austin joined the US Army Transportation Corps 153 Port Company Theaters, having fought in WWII. Austin would not talk about the things he delt with while he was in the Army but he saw so many places around the world such as, Asiatic Paciffic, New Guinea, Leyte, Luzan, Japan, Occupational Duty, (Kyushu, Honshu, Tokyo, and Yokohama). He would win awards and ribbons for his place in the US Army, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Phillippine Liberation Medal, WWII Victory Ribbon One Battle Star, Overseas service Bars, Rank at the time of Discharge was T/4/ Austin was discharged with honors on June 26, 1946 in Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He was able to return home to be with his wife and loving family and worked on the farm. He also worked as the Road Superintendaent , ran a small grocery store for a short while, and has been doing things for the good of others here in Fentress and Overton Counties alike. People all around have stated Austin Choate and his wife Nola are some of the finest people you would love to encounter if you get a chance to do so.
He is buried in the Fentress Memorial Gardens
We had a great 5.58 Mile walk today. We walked by Lake Holiday and then walked up to the War Memorial Park down town and then back home. I want to thank Austin’s granddaughter Ashley for walking with us today. The weather was perfect. I want to thank all those who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 133 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you !
WWII Army Veteran Austin Choate will not be forgotten !
