Halifax Police Chief David Martin presented Grayson Gosney with a

walking stick on Monday evening, remembering his years of hard work for

the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930ís. (SOMcL photo)

 

Ninety-four year old Grayson Gosney was honored on Monday evening by

members of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors and Town Council

members of both South Boston and Halifax for his contributions to the

community, as well as for his work with the Civilian Conservation Corps

(CCC) back in the 1930ís.

Halifax Police Chief David Martin introduced Gosney, saying that he had

related the story to him of how he had joined the CCC back in 1933, as

a First Aid Specialist, working on various projects. Those projects

included work on the Appalachian Trail which passes through the

mountainous western part of the state. Staunton River State Park is

another result of the work done by the CCC which this year is

celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Martin presented Gosney with a gnarled walking stick as a remembrance

of his years of work on tough projects for the CCC which was

established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to

astronomical unemployment across the nation. The program put two

million individuals to work on various projects which enhanced the

value of the countryís great natural resources, including planting over

600,000 trees.

In addition to his work with the CCC, Gosney, who has been a lifelong

resident of Halifax County, he has been a scoutmaster for a local Boy

Scout troop, and has served as a volunteer in the Salvation Army for 56

years and as a member of the Halifax County Rescue Squad for 36 years.

He has served his church for 87 years and was a magistrate for the

County for 27 years.

Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode was also here for Gosneyís

recognition, thanking him for his years of service and presenting him

with an American flag that has flown over the Capitol.