VA honors veterans with Last Roll Call

The sound of the gong reverberated around the room as the names of veterans were said aloud and that person’s picture, or name, were shown on a screen.

At the end of the presentation, Nelson Mainor, an employee at Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, hit the gong several times before stopping and letting the sound fade into silence. Calvin McNeal, who had only moments early helped with the folding of an American flag, stepped to the side of the auditorium and played “Taps.”

The VA held its most-recent Last Roll Call ceremony, an event that is held twice a year, on Jan. 31. The one in January is held to honor the VA’s veterans who have passed away between July 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025. On Friday, the VA, along with family and friends, remembered and honored:

Ervin Austin (U.S. Army), Joseph Daszkiewicz (U.S. Army), Paul L. Dixon (U.S. Army), Ray S. Ellerbee (U.S. Air Force), James E. Hunter (U.S. Army), Jimmie L. Johnson (U.S. Army), Jacob Lott (U.S. Army), Howard B. Lowell (U.S. Army), Lewis W. Pratt (U.S. Air Force), Walter P. Smith (U.S. Navy), Gerald L. Spressard (U.S. Army), Joseph F. Thomasson III (U.S. Army), Edison Young Jr. (U.S. Army), Curtis L. Wadley (U.S. Army), Willie L. Turner Jr. (U.S. Army), Edward A. Williams (U.S. Army), Curtis B. Atkinson (U.S. Army), Jerry Fincher (U.S. Army),Paul D. Hobbs (U.S. Army) and William A. Evans Jr. (U.S. Army).

“We are here for one single purpose and that purpose is to make that final roll call,” said Chaplain Donald Retemiah. “Today we are making that final roll call, and it is significant because we are remembering those who are not here with us physically. They are with us in spirit.”

Chandra Miller, executive director of the CVMC, admitted that they gathered for this event with heavy hearts. She said it is a solemn moment to remember the veterans who have died at the CVMC.

“Each name we hear represents more than just a person,” Miller said. “It symbolizes a life of service, sacrifice and dedication to the principles we hold so dear. These individuals answered the call of duty during the times of war and peace. They demonstrated unwavering courage and enduring commitment to the freedoms we cherished.” 

Miller asked everyone to remember the family and friends the veterans have left behind.

“Your strength and resilience continue the legacy of these brave souls,” she said. “You served, too. You stayed home, waited and loved. As we recite their names, let’s take a part of their spirit and hold on to it.” 

When they have a chance, they were encouraged to share about their veteran’s impact through their stories. 

“Those are treasured memories to inspire us,” Miller said. 

“May we find inspiration in their courage and dedication to serve our communities and our country. To our departed heroes, we say ‘thank you’ for your service. You have left a legacy that will never fade, and you will forever be in our hearts and minds.”