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Retired Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks Honored
September 14, 2015
Former area Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks was honored with a retirement reception Sunday by VFW Post 7016 and the American Legion Post 90 at the American Legion Hall in Atmore.
Hanks assisted countless area veterans and the families in his 27 years of service. He has also been a familiar face at veterans-related events at area schools, usually in a very patriotic flag tie or shirt.
In 1971, in the midst of the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
During a ceremony earlier this year for National Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day, Hanks said he did not talk about the Vietnam War for a long time. “I didn’t figure anybody wanted to hear about it.”
He related the story of his “Freedom Flight” home following his tour, and of the business woman sitting next to him on that plane. Her reaction to being seated next to a returning solider from Vietnam and what she said to the stewardess still resonates deeply with Hanks.
“I want a different seat; I don’t want to sit by a baby killer,” she said loudly.
“That hurt me more than anything, because she couldn’t understand how much I love kids. and it hurt,” an emotional Hanks said, as other veterans in the audience were visible moved.
“Words cannot describe how much it helps the healing process for you to have something like this for our veterans,” Hanks concluded as he thanked the organizers of the welcome home ceremony. “I’ve got news for you. I am a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. Any I am proud of it, and I’m proud to be an American.”
Hanks is a 1969 graduate of Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill. He has been married to his wife Gayle for 45 years; they have two children and five grandchildren.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
18 Responses to “Retired Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks Honored”
Congratulation Mike from one EWHS 69′ to another you have made us proud so happy for you and Gayle enjoy.
Mike did an outstanding job and is already missed. My
Mother in law has had a couple of strokes and also
Has Parkinson’s and doesn’t always understand everything . Mike would always be very patient and take the time to explain everything to her several times until
She finally understood it . We greatly appreciated the time he took with her .
Way to go Mr. Hanks!!! We love you!
Mike you will be a hard act to follow and our veterans have lost a invaluable resource. I have encouraged many veterans to approach you for assistance with the confusing and cumbersome VA system over the years. You truly cared and your dedication was evident. May you now enjoy your well earned retirement!
Way to go Mike! I always knew you could do good things. Congratulations!
Thanks to all that attended Mike’s reception yesterday to congratulate him.
A big congratulations to Michael, for a job well done. He was very dedicated to every cause concerning veterans and always gave his all. I am sure that there will be many that miss him already.
I remember the morning he left for Viet Nam. I was a child that did not understand all the ramifications of a brother that left for war, but he did. He handled it like a man and somehow it molded him into a true patriot.
I am so proud to call that patriot my brother.
Congratulations, Mr. Mike. I have had the honor of knowing you as both a service man and a dear friend of the family for many years. You are kind, funny, and definitely have a love of children! You helped in bringing up many! My love to you and your family!!!!
Congratulations, Mike! Thank you for your years of service both on the field of battle and following as a VA representative. The Fullers love you. Enjoy your retirement!
Sure going to miss your help. No wonder they call you THE BOOK!
Sure wish you, BR and I could get Tater and shoot some more quail. Great memories!……………….
Congratulations, Mike! Your devotion to the veterans of this area has not gone unnoticed.
Congratulations Mike. Hope I will soon be able to retire also, although you know you are 9 days older than me. EWHS Class of ‘69.
Congrats Mike. You are truly a blessing to everyone who knows you and to our community. Thanks so much for your service to our community and country. Well deserved…. The Clouds
Mr. Hanks is already sorely missed.
He was /is always there for the veterans of this area.
They do not get any better than this man! I am so proud to call him “Daddy.” Thank you for your many years of deeply committed service to veterans all across Alabama. The Fraziers love you!
Tab and Family
……………………..and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Mike Hanks have always been a great VA service officer, a family member used to have to see him several times a year and he was always so nice to us and knowledgably. Always looked out for the Veterans.
Congratulations, Mr. Hanks! You have served our area well. Thank you for all of your efforts and time.