Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard Legacy Page

It was with deep sadness today that we laid to rest Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard member, Robert Vance, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City Tennessee. Robert lost his battle with cancer but joined with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in Heaven, in final victory.

If you recall a few months ago Robert was honored by the then Mayor of Carter County Tennessee, Russell Barnett, for his service to the Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard and to our great country as a whole, serving as a United States Marine.

Robert came to the group a few years ago. He was a kind and humble man doing all that was asked of him standing proudly in his service jacket at nearly two hundred funerals over the past few years. He never once refrained from asking fellow members on how we were doing, never once failed to reach out his hand in friendship, never once failed to listen to what we had to say nor did he ever complain about the 33 miles he drove one way to just get in the area to attend a service for an honored veteran. He was a true friend in so many ways, selfless, and determined to make a difference.

Now, his battle with cancer over, we know that his final victory is the reward of standing tall with Jesus in heaven, free of pain and affliction that he never once complained about.

Rest in peace dear friend, one of the Few and the Proud, now serving in the Corps of the Lord.

Rest in peace, AMM3c Earl Ellis, retired Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard member who passed away today, 21 October, 2020.

Earl served for over 50 years as an active member of the Elizabethton VFW and American Legion Honor Guard units first joining the VFW unit after WWII.

Earl served on the USS Yorktown, CV-10, as the ball turret gunner in the rear of a Grumman Avenger Torpedo Bomber. Enjoy this video of Earl, speaking for the first time with one of our current members, Eric Montgomery, about his experiences during the war.

WWII Veteran Earl Ellis - USS Yorktown Torpedo Sqdn 9 - Grumman Avenger Ball Turret Gunner Interview What was initially a live facebook video back in May of 2017, I've added some details and photos within this spur of the moment interview with Aviation Machi...

On Friday September 11th the Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard paid tribute to one of our team members, Pfc Robert Vance, USMC, who has been recently diagnosed with a serious medical issue. Mayor Rusty Barnett presented a plaque commemorating Bob's service to the Community and our Nation before sitting down for dinner with members of our Honor Guard Team.

Following Mayor Barnett's presentation, a custom made shadowbox made by one of our team members was presented to Bob to further honor Bob. PFC Vance has performed every duty within the team; Folded Our Flag, Presented Our Flag, Sounded Taps, Called the Commands of the Firing Line, and Fired Volleys from our M1 Rifles.

Thank you Bob and be well!

After several months of not being able to conduct committal services to our honored veterans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Carter County Tennessee Honor Guard resumed limited services beginning today. Limited to private services in local cemeteries, burials at the Mountain Home National Cemetery continue to be on the restricted list at this time. May God continue to bless America.

As we remember those that fell in battle this Memorial Day weekend, let us remember our unit members who passed away that now lie peacefully among the heroes that gave that last full measure.

Photos from the 2018 Wreaths Across America

Photos from the grounds of Mountain Home National Cemetery taken during the Fall.

Photo taken December of 2018

Photos taken over time with snow on the grounds of the Mountain Home National Cemetery