Vietnam Veteran Joe McElroy Receives Standing Ovation as Smyrna Honors Its Heroes

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By Mike Sparks | The Tennessee Ledger

Smyrna, TN — The Town of Smyrna gathered today to honor America’s heroes during its annual Veterans Celebration, a heartfelt event that stirred both pride and emotion among those in attendance. Smyrna once again “knocked it out of the park.” The ceremony was held at the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial.

The ceremony began with Town Manager David Santucci’s welcome, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Smyrna Fire Department Honor Guard. Charlie Goodleau of the Smyrna VFW, led the Pledge of Allegiance, gave some remarks and invited folks to stop by the VFW for lunch. While the Stewarts Creek High School Apollo Contra Ensemble delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Chaplain John Rydzewski then offered a prayer for all who have served and for those still in harm’s way. The National Anthem was conducted by Dr. Susan Kelly, Co-Director of Choirs at SCHS. America the Beautiful was sung by the Stewarts Creek Apollo Contra Ensemble.
Retired Staff Sergeant Robert “Keith” McElroy shared the history of Veteran’s Day.

The highlight of the morning event came during remarks by

Retired Staff Sergeant Robert “Keith” McElroy, a Pulaski native whose story and music career in the U.S. Army inspired the crowd, spoke of his uncle, Joe McElroy, who was shot and blown from an APV (Armored Personnel Vehicle) at just 19 years old while serving his country.

The audience was visibly moved when SSG McElroy asked his uncle to stand—revealing that Joe McElroy was, in fact, alive and present in the audience. Many, including myself, were pleasantly surprised; I had assumed his uncle had been killed in Vietnam. The moment drew tears and applause as the community honored a living veteran whose survival became a symbol of hope and resilience.

Road naming honors legacy of Sewart Air Force Base

I introduced myself to both Keith and Joe and invited them to lunch at the Smyrna VFW. While we were having lunch, I asked Joe what it was like growing up in Pulaski, Tennessee. He told me that after he returned to the U.S. after his recovery and on crutches, he went to an A&W restaurant and was refused service. I was impressed when he said he doesn’t drink and hasn’t touched alcohol since 1975. It’s sad that people—especially soldiers—were treated badly despite having served their country.
I will always remember when, a few years ago, former Governor Bill Haslam’s Chief of Staff,

Jim Henry, shared with me how he was treated when he came back from Vietnam—we were sitting at the Governor’s Residence at the time. Many may not know that over 58,200 young men, averaging 23 years of age, were killed in Vietnam.

SSG Robert Keith McElroy enlisted in 1981, just days after graduating from Giles County High School. Over his 20-year Army career, he served as a trumpet player, conductor, and NCOIC with seven Army bands, performing across the globe in South Korea, Germany, Bosnia, and Macedonia. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Silver German Armed Forces Achievement Badge.

After retiring in 2001, McElroy transitioned into civilian

life with MBNA (later Bank of America) and later worked in physical security management with Allied Universal in Dallas. Now residing in La Vergne, he remains active in veterans’ organizations, local music, and community service.

“Music will always be the vehicle, returning the soul to the innate innocence of our hearts,” R. Keith McElroy

Stewarts Creek High School Marching Band plays at President Donald Trump’s Inauguration 

The event concluded with “America the Beautiful” performed by the Stewart’s Creek High School Apollo Contra Ensemble, led by Dr. Brian Russell.

I couldn’t help but think of my friend and Stewart’s Creek High School Principal Dr. Clark Harrell, a retired Colonel in the Tennessee National Guard, and how proud he would be of these young men who I’m sure were inspired by Keith McElroy’s inspiring speech, the once-Pulaski High School  trumpet player who joined the military after high school.

The closing remarks were from Town Manager David Santucci, who thanked all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Smyrna’s Veterans Celebration once again proved that behind every medal and uniform lies a story of courage—and sometimes, miraculous survival. Many thanks to the Smyrna Honor Guard, Town of Smyrna staff, Smyrna Police and Fire Department, Smyrna Parks Department, Smyrna Public Works, Town Manager David Santucci, assistant Town Manager Todd Spearman  and Smyrna Mayor Mayor Esther Reed and others.