KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Domtar unveiled a new Veterans Wall today during a special ceremony held at the Kingsport Mill. The wall will serve as a tribute to the mill’s employees who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The event was attended by Domtar employees, their families and guests, as well as local dignitaries. Miles Burdine, president and CEO of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and colonel (ret.) with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, provided remarks, along with Cody Woods, field representative for U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01).
David Collea, field services supervisor at the Kingsport Mill, is one of the employees whose military service photo now appears on the new patriotic display.
“Being included on this wall with my fellow veterans is truly an honor,” Collea said. “It means a lot to see our military service recognized in such a meaningful way. I’m grateful to work for an organization that values and respects the sacrifices we have made. Thank you, Domtar, for making us feel seen and appreciated.”
Friday’s ceremony also featured the Kingsport Mill’s $500 donation to Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands. The contribution will assist the non-profit organization with transporting area veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the national memorials.
“All of us at Domtar are grateful for this opportunity to honor our employees who have served or currently serve in our country’s armed forces,” said Troy Wilson, Kingsport Mill manager. “This new Veterans Wall provides us with a tangible way to remember their service and devotion to our nation. It will be a year-round tribute to their integrity and sacrifice on our behalf, and remind us of the freedoms and privileges that have resulted from their willingness to serve.”
The program also included a Missing Man Table Ceremony, led by Sam Jones, Sullivan County commissioner and president of the Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council. The ceremony is a solemn remembrance of fallen servicemen and servicewomen, Prisoners of War and Missing In Action (POW/MIA). In addition, the Dobyns-Bennett High School Air Force JROTC opened the event with a ceremonial folding of the American flag.