I guess you could say the military has been part of my life since day one.
Literally.
I was born at Fort Rucker, Alabama in an old army barracks converted to a hospital. My dad, Bobby Stout, was serving in the Army and met my mother there and the rest, they say, is history. My first years were spent overseas in France, and when our family returned to the States, Dad left the Army but continued working at Fort Rucker as a Master A mechanic, helping keep those Army helicopters in the air.
I still remember the way his work coveralls smelled, the stained hands and his incredible work ethic. From him, I learned honor, respect, punctuality, keeping your word and protecting your family name and reputation. Codes he lived by.
So, even though he had traded his uniform for civilian clothes, he was still very much a part of the military community.
And so were we.
Growing up in a military community was pretty special. My friends came from all across the country and around the world. We were introduced to different languages, foods, customs, cultures, and traditions. We learned from each other about places far beyond our little corner of Alabama.
Local children and youth also benefited from an exceptional education, thanks in large part to the federal investment in schools serving military families.
I don’t think I realized at the time just how much those experiences were shaping me … and that influence continues to guide me.
Looking back, I know they helped shape who I am today, how I view the world, and perhaps most importantly, my understanding that despite all our differences, we really do have so much in common.
Years later, as a young reporter, I found myself assigned to cover Fort Rucker. Talk about coming full circle! This time, I was learning about the military from a different perspective, but my appreciation for the people who served and the families who supported them only grew.
A Family Tradition of Service
Military service runs pretty deep in our family.
I’m proud of my dad, my uncles Jack and Teddy Stout, my brother Daniel Stout, and my brothers-in-law who served our country.
And, of course, I’m especially proud of my husband, Billy.
Billy served as an Army captain and Ranger. But what makes me equally proud is the work he’s done long after his military service ended.
For the past several years, he’s helped veterans here in Johnson County navigate the process of obtaining benefits and services they’ve earned and deserve.
If you’ve ever dealt with the VA system, you know it isn’t always easy. Sometimes having someone willing to listen, make a phone call, fill out paperwork, or simply point you in the right direction can make all the difference. The Johnson County Veterans Service Office has returned millions of dollars back into our local community through their service.
I’ve seen how much that help has meant to veterans and their families.
And now, even though he is officially retired (for the third time) he will continue through his involvement with the American Legion Post #61, he continues to serve. Community service is in our DNA and I am glad he will continue to serve veterans.
I suppose that’s something I’ve learned from both my dad and my husband. Service doesn’t necessarily end when you take off the uniform.
Remembering Those Who Served
One of the things I enjoy about volunteering at the Museum of Butler is the opportunity to learn more about the people who called this area home and the lives they lived.
And there’s one place at the museum that is especially meaningful to me.
Whenever I walk through the American Veterans Memorial Garden, I always pause at the bricks honoring my dad, Bobby Stout, and my uncles Jack and Teddy Stout. (Thank you, Teddy for adding those bricks!)
I love sharing those bricks with visitors. It’s a small way of keeping their stories alive.
So much of the story of Old Butler centers around World War II, and the museum has some wonderful exhibits and tributes to the men and women who answered the call to serve.
Just imagine leaving your home in these mountains, traveling halfway around the world, and experiencing things you could never have imagined.
All to serve and protect your country and the people you loved back home.
And for many of those young men and women, the community they left behind would never be quite the same.
While World War II was changing the world, the construction of Watauga Dam was bringing tremendous change to Old Butler. The town they knew would eventually disappear beneath the waters of Watauga Lake.
That’s quite a story when you stop and think about it.
And it’s one of the reasons I believe so strongly in preserving these histories and sharing them with future generations.
A Community That Continues to Serve
Here in Johnson County, we’re fortunate to have veterans who continue giving back to the community long after their military careers have ended.
Our local Johnson County VFW Post 6908 is a wonderful example.
These folks have continued serving veterans and our community, even after Hurricane Helene destroyed their building in 2024.
Now they’re working toward building a new home, and this week we have several opportunities to honor our veterans and support their efforts.
Tuesday, November 10 — Happy Birthday, Marines!
Today marks the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps!
Tonight, a special celebration will take place at Doe Valley Farm, bringing together veterans and military families from all branches of service.
Reservations have already closed, but I wanted to mention this special occasion and wish all our Marines a very happy birthday.
Semper Fi!
Wednesday, November 11 — Veterans Day Ceremony in Mountain City
Tomorrow morning at 11 a.m., our community will gather at Heritage Hall Theatre in Mountain City for the annual Veterans Day ceremony.
I hope you’ll consider joining us.
You don’t have to be a veteran or have a military connection to attend. This is an opportunity for all of us, military and civilian alike, to come together and thank the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Wednesday, November 11 — Veterans Day Luncheon in Shady Valley
And our friends over in Shady Valley are celebrating Veterans Day, too!
Shady Rock School will host a special Veterans Day Buffet Luncheon from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and all veterans eat FREE! For everyone else, lunch is just $10.
There will also be live music by The Lewis Brothers and a little holiday shopping with Shirley Eldreth.
The luncheon will be held at Shady Rock School, 423 Highway 133 in Shady Valley.
What a nice way to spend part of Veterans Day—sharing a meal, enjoying some music, visiting with neighbors, and showing our appreciation for those who served.
And if you’re attending the Veterans Day ceremony in Mountain City that morning, you may still have time to head over the mountain for lunch!
Saturday, November 14 — Veterans Day BBQ Fundraiser
And here’s a great way to show your appreciation while enjoying some good food!
VFW Post 6908 will host a Veterans Day BBQ Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the CPL William C. Mosier Memorial Building, 1923 S. Shady Street in Mountain City.
For $20 a plate, you’ll enjoy whole hog BBQ (while supplies last), homemade baked beans, mac and cheese, fresh coleslaw, sweet tea or water, and Veterans Day cake.
There will also be a performance by Momma Molasses! WooHoo!
Payment is by cash or check only.
Proceeds will support VFW Post 6908 programs as the organization continues working toward rebuilding following Hurricane Helene.
So, if you’re looking for a way to say thank you to our local veterans, here’s a pretty good one!
More Than Just a Thank You
As I think about Veterans Day this year, so many memories come to mind.
My dad and his years with the Army.
Our family’s time overseas.
The friends I made growing up in a military community and the lessons I learned from people whose backgrounds and experiences were different from my own.
My husband and his commitment to helping fellow veterans.
And those memorial bricks at the Museum of Butler that remind me of the men in my own family who served.
I think about the generations of men and women from Johnson County and communities just like ours who left their homes and families to serve in places near and far.
Some came home. Some didn’t.
And many who returned continued serving their communities in ways that don’t always make the headlines.
We often say, “Thank you for your service.”
And we should.
But I also think we need to remember what those words represent.
Time away from loved ones. Missed holidays and birthdays. Sacrifices made by spouses and children. Friendships forged in places most of us will never see. And, for some, the lasting effects of their service.
My life has been richer because I grew up surrounded by military families. Those experiences gave me an appreciation for different people and cultures, but they also taught me how much we share as human beings.
And I think that’s something worth remembering, especially today.
So this Veterans Day, I hope we’ll do a little more than simply say thank you.
Attend the ceremony. Support our local VFW. Reach out to a veteran. Listen to their stories. And help make sure those stories aren’t forgotten.
To my dad, my husband, our family members, friends, neighbors, and every man and woman who has worn the uniform, thank you.
Your service, your sacrifices, and your stories matter.
Happy Veterans Day!
