Sweetwater Korean War Veteran Charlie Cassady.
A lifelong Sweetwater resident was posthumously declared an Ambassador for Peace on Wednesday in recognition of his service from 1952 to 1954 in the Korean War.
Lola Cassady accepted the honor on behalf of her husband, Charlie Boyd Cassady. Mr. Cassady passed in 2019. Mrs. Cassady described her husband as a man of deep conviction with endless love for God, his country, and his family.
“He was always happy and always had a smile,” she said, receiving a medal from the government of South Korea and words of gratitude at the Monroe County Veterans Service Center in downtown Madisonville. “His nickname was Hop-a-Long Cassady.”
Honors for Mr. Cassady were presented by Veterans Service Officer Andy Boyd, Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram, and Vet to Vet Tennessee president Randall Scott.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal is a special token of appreciation granted to veterans of the Korean War. Vet to Vet T
ennessee co-founder Ed Junod said the medal conveyed the South Korean people’s lasting admiration for America and its military. “This medal shows how much the Korean government loves you for your husband’s service,” he said.
Mr. Cassady joined the Army on August 26, 1952. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on June 23, 1954. As a member of the armed forces, Cassady earned a Korean Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
In private life, Cassady was a pastor, and he was employed for 54 years as a molder at Vestal Manufacturing.
Joining Mrs. Cassady in accepting their father’s decoration were daughter Teresa Mashburn and son Tim Cassady. “Thank you to everyone here today,” Mrs. Cassady said. “Every day I live, I find something he’s done. I thank God for having a husband like I had. Special thanks to Andy Boyd and each of you for making this day so wonderful for us.”
Lucas Boring – The Monroe County Buzz
