We are but moments of sunlight fading into the grass. –The Youngbloods
There are times I get embarrassed when people thank me for my service. While I appreciate folks recognizing my time in uniform, I can’t but think of those who were never thanked, especially those who served long ago or who died before anyone had the chance to express gratitude.
In a cemetery just off Broom Straw Road lies the grave of a young Marine.
Sergeant (SGT) Freddie Haltiwanger grew up in the Chapin/Little Mountain area. His sister, Mrs. Shirley Mitchell, remembers him as being, “Quiet, easygoing and having a beautiful smile.” As an only sibling, Shirley watched over her younger brother, “We were very close. As a child he couldn’t make the ‘S’ sound so he called me ‘D.’ It is a name I go by even now and it is even on my license plate.” As a young man, Freddie Jr. moved in with his sister before following in his father’s footsteps and joined the military. Freddie Sr. had served in the Army in Korea, and Freddie Jr. decided to join the United States Marine Corps.
On October 23, 1983, Hezbollah detonated a suicide bomb killing 241 U.S. military personnel, including 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers in Beirut, Lebanon. The attack remains to this day the single deadliest day for the U.S. Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. State Department). Sergeant Freddie Haltwinger Jr. was one of the casualties.
Initially, the Haltiwanger family were not sure of Freddie Jr.’s status, Shirley explains, “We suffered from October 23 to October 31st because we did not know if he was alive or dead. On Halloween they drove up in the front yard and brought his dog tags and we knew it was over.” For Shirley, it was “…the saddest worst day of my life. I keep a little shelf just for him that has his picture, Marine picture, and Purple Heart. He will be the first one I look for when I get to heaven.”
Thankfully, the Chapin American Legion, local churches and Boy Scout Troop 815 have come up with a plan to remember Sergeant Haltiwanger and many veterans buried in the Chapin area.
For years, locals purchased and placed wreaths at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America, but this year American Legion Post 193 decided to honor the hundreds of veterans buried in our own community. Spearheaded by Post Adjutant Steve Goulet and 1st Vice Commander Rich Neilen, the Legion partnered with Boy Scout Troop 815 and local churches in this endeavor. Mr. Goulet explains, “Currently there are nine local churches / cemeteries participating, each with a veteran liaison. At 12:00 p.m. on December 14th we will Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and to teach the next generation the value of freedom. We want to ensure every Veteran in Chapin has a wreath placed at his or her grave.”
For some, like veteran and retired pastor Paul Allen, the project strikes a personal note, “ In our church cemetery lie the remains of Major Jeffrey Graham who died while serving. He went to football games with my youngest son when in high school and was close to our family.”
Local author and retired Army Colonel Tom Fincher adds,” Most of the veterans highlighted in my book, “No Ordinary Lives – The Life and Times of Chapin Area World War II Veterans” are buried in Chapin church cemeteries. Some were German POWs. I believe there are three graves of Revolutionary War veterans in the St. Peter Lutheran Church cemetery.”
Retired Sergeant Major Gene Powell is a member of the Chapin American Legion and Scout Troop 815 who will be selling wreaths at the pumpkin patch outside Our Lady of the Lake on Amicks Ferry. He says they have identified over 500 veteran graves in the area, some dating back to the Revolutionary War. Mr. Powell explains how, “Each wreath is $17, and if bought through the Chapin American Legion or Scout Troop 815, that organization receives $5.” As always, Bolin Boland’s Ace Hardware has stepped up to support by agreeing to store the wreaths until the wreaths will be laid upon the graves of those who served.
Remembering her brother, Mrs. Mitchell remarked, “It’s painful that nobody seems to remember anymore. It’s like these young men went somewhere and died and that’s it.” Mrs. Mitchell, this Christmas the Chapin community will ensure that your brother, Sergeant Freddie Haltiwanger Jr., and other veterans will not be forgotten.
If interested in placing or purchasing a wreath, visit the website of one of the participating churches, Troop 815 (Troop815.org) or the Chapin American Legion Post (https://americanlegionpost193.com). All are welcome to attend the opening ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on December 14th in the parking lot between Our Lady of the Lake (Amicks Ferry) and the Chapin Community Church accessible from Broom Straw Road and Old Lexington Road. Point of contact is Mr. Steve Goulet at adjutant@americanlegionpost193.org
Participating churches are:
Chapin Christian Community Church www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCCHSC 47
Lake Murray Presbyterian Church – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCLKMR
Mount Zion Baptist Church – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCMZBC
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCMOLC 29
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCLADY 64
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCSFOA 17
St. Johns AME Church – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCSJAC
St. Thomas Lutheran Church www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCSTLC 53
St. Peters Lutheran Church – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCSPLC 98
Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church- www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SCMHLC 112
