Guardsmen Reunite at McKenzie Armory

McKENZIE (September 28) — Active and retired members of two units of the Tennessee National Guard gathered for a reunion Saturday at the Armory.

Approximately sixty guardsmen were present for the event to enjoy food and fellowship. Those members represent Co. A 4/109 Armor and Co. A/230th Eng. BN.

Two notable attendees were Charles Argo and Johnny B. Walker.

30th Brigade Commander Charles Argo was the oldest guardsman present at 86. He served out of the McKenzie armory from 1955-1972, retired in 1994 and resides in McKenzie.

1st Sgt. Johnny B. Walker was the longest-serving member present at 42 years, five months and 28 days. He served from his enlistment at age 17 in 1966 until his retirement in 2008. He also resides in McKenzie.

Notably, Walker was enlisted by Argo, who was enlisted by Walker’s father.

The reunion was the first since 2008 and was organized by the planning committee of Todd Walker (chairman), Richard Ozment (secretary/treasurer), Rickey Shell (sergeant at arms), James Tucker, Tony Bigham, Jerry Burcham and Charlotte Burcham.

Ozment told The Banner the death of fellow guardsman Charles Felts in March inspired the urgency for the gathering, but noted “This is not a reunion to remember those that are gone, but an opportunity to celebrate the ones that remain.”