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On Saturday, March 28, the Polk County Vietnam War Era Veterans Group, along with their families and invited guests, gathered for their monthly meeting at Jerry Nelon's barn, located on his 150-acre farm in the Green Creek community between Forest City and Columbus, adjacent to the Tryon International Equestrian Center. There were approximately 175 attendees.
Jerry Nelon served with distinction and pride as a Combat Engineer in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry during the Vietnam War. A deeply patriotic man, he proudly displays a large painting of the American flag on the side of his barn. He has previously hosted several reunions for Vietnam-era veterans and their families. The purpose of the Vietnam Era Veterans Group is to provide fellowship and form an informal alliance among those who served in the military during the Vietnam War period of the 1960s and 1970s.
The event was organized by Jerry, his wife Robin, and the group's founder, William Arledge, who served as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps during the war. A dedicated team of volunteers helped prepare for the gathering by cooking and arranging the barn for the breakfast.
A personal friend of Jerry's, First Lieutenant Patrick "Clebe" McClary III (USMC, Ret.), a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and renowned motivational speaker, was scheduled to serve as the keynote speaker. Unfortunately, Mr. McClary was unable to attend due to a health issue.
The event began with a warm welcome from Jerry, who thanked attendees and recognized the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, including Maggie and "Bud" Butler, Billie and Toby Jenkins, Kathleen Crocker, Lane Nelon, Brooke Rathbone, Easton and Owen Carney, William Arledge, Luke Whitner, Charlie Bramlett, and Mike Daniel.
Following Jerry's remarks, a current Army Reserve chaplain, Jess Foster, offered a blessing and prayer for those currently serving in the armed forces. William Arledge then delivered welcoming remarks and recognized those who contributed food, goods, and services to support the event.
William invited veterans to identify their branch of service. While the largest number present had served in the Army, the loudest applause came from those who served in the Marine Corps. He also recognized the oldest and youngest veterans in attendance--the oldest being 85 years old and the youngest 33. Guests who had traveled the farthest were also acknowledged, with veterans attending from North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Tennessee, as well as from across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina--highlighting the event's wide-reaching appeal.
Following these remarks, Jerry made a special presentation recognizing William Arledge as the founder and leader of the Vietnam Era Veterans Group. Jerry's wife, Robin, then presented William with a handmade quilt she had crafted. The quilt bore the inscription: "Made for William Martin Arledge for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, E-4, Combat Engineer." The red, white, and blue star design beautifully symbolized William's service and dedication to the nation.
A moving video followed, depicting Jerry's early life growing up on the farm, along with memories of his service in Vietnam. The video captured both the hardships he endured and his deep love for family, compassion for others, and enduring patriotism.
At the top of the barn steps, an impressive chainsaw approximately eight feet in length was displayed. Inscribed on its blade were the words: "Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, The Old Guard, Army Vietnam." Jerry shared the story behind the saw, recalling how he and fellow soldiers discovered it among stolen supplies hidden under ponchos during a patrol in Vietnam. He described how the saw was disassembled and carried out piece by piece before eventually being shipped back to the United States. Jerry noted that such a large saw was necessary for cutting massive mahogany logs--some over seven feet in diameter--to clear paths through the jungle.
A highlight of the veterans group breakfast and meeting was the buffalo run. For years Jerry has been building a herd of buffalo that now numbers over 100 bison. Each year, he opens the gates to a lush, newly seeded pasture, and the herd charges forward with remarkable energy--evoking images of the great bison herds that once roamed not only the American plains. Guests were allowed to get close to the buffalo with a gate as a barrier, to feed them and take pictures. The event was also recorded by a drone that flew above.
After the running of the buffalo, guests were driven and/or drove back to the barn to fellowship. There were many small groups who shared stories and experiences with each other about their service in the military, as well as admiring the personal memorabilia of Jerry that was present around the barn.
Many attendees expressed their intention to return for next year's gathering.
A video of the event is available on YouTube by searching: "Polk County, NC Veteran Breakfast - 2026 - Nelon Knoll Farm - Bison Farm."
For more information about the Vietnam Era Veterans Group or upcoming meetings, contact Terry Cash at 864-314-1708 or by email at sailorprofessor@yahoo.com.
