05/27/2020
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:24 am
(Editor's Note: In the absence of our newspaper's traditional coverage of the Memorial Day Ceremony on the Bradley County Courthouse Plaza, Cleveland Daily Banner staff writer Larry C. Bowers presents a personal perspective on three of the community's most beloved soldiers.)
By LARRY C. BOWERS
The Memorial Day service this year, which would normally had been held Monday on the front steps of the Bradley County Courthouse Plaza, was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the cancellation, our community can still take a moment to pay tribute to former residents who paid the ultimate sacrifice in time of war.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on a trio of devoted veterans who have passed recently — three proud veterans who worked tirelessly to improve benefits and services for those who have served in the military.
They did not pass during a time of war, but succumbed to the frailties of old age and illness which whittled away at their health. Each was devoted to his fellow veterans, and continually searched for ways to improve their opportunities for a better life.
The three veteran advocates are the late Bill Norwood, Clarence "Cid" Heidel and Joe Davis.
Two of the three (Norwood and Davis) were natives of Polk County, and also held in high esteem by their friends and families in that community.
Heidel was a later arrival to Bradley County, who worked hard for local veterans through the American Legion Post 81, and his years as chairman of the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Home Council.
All three had a big part in the eventual location of the $47 million Bradley County Tennessee State Veterans Home in this community, which is now being constructed on Westland Drive in South Cleveland.
This Memorial Day is a good time to remember their passions, and contributions to our community.
Bill Norwood remembered
as Korean War P.O.W.
Norwood has been deceased the longest, passing away just over two years ago at the age of 87.
He was among the most distinguished of the community's older veterans, and was active and instrumental in a number of projects and programs for veterans.
He initiated the start of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, now held every Dec. 7 at Cleveland's Elks Lodge. The ceremony is now managed by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
He was heavily involved with The American Legion Post 81, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2895, AmVets Chapter 25 and the Bradley County Veterans Services Office. He also held a number of local, state and national offices through the years.
Norwood was among the nation's few remaining former Korean War prisoners of war, suffering a horrendous two years (28 months) in a North Korean prison camp.
He is well-known for relating his emotional experiences as a P.O.W., playing down the service and extreme sacrifices he made for his country.
Former Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, himself an Air Force veteran, said of Norwood's passing, "He was a hero's hero."
Norwood is honored with a memorial statue in the city's First Street Square, placed there by the city and a number of donations from veterans and veteran organizations. Davis was instrumental in getting approval for this tribute to his longtime friend.
Norwood was also honored by the state of Tennessee, with the U.S. 411 Highway bridge in Polk County's Reliance community named in his honor. The bridge crosses over Norwood's beloved Hiwassee River, where he grew up nearby.
Cid Heidel's passion
always to help veterans
The two-decade effort of the community to get a state veterans home for Southeast Tennessee's 50,000 veterans was a passion for "Cid" Heidel for more than a decade at the end of his time on Planet Earth.
Despite quaduple heart bypass, complications from that surgery, and then a struggle with cancer in his final months, Heidel expressed appreciation that he lived long enough see the veteran home's groundbreaking. He died shortly after that historic Aug. 21, 2019, ceremony.
He was an original member of the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Home Council, and served as council co-chairman, even through his late illnesses. He was co-chairman for a number of years with former Bradley County Commissioner Mark Hall, who now represents the 24th Legislative District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
The health of the U.S. Army veteran had declined steadily in his final weeks, but as he said so eloquently in regard to the veterans home groundbreaking, "It was long enough."
Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was among the first to comment on Heidel's passing with thoughts for Heidel's wife.
"I join my colleagues in praying for Polly (Paulette) Heidel, as we learn of Cid's passing. He was a good man, a good soldier, and a good friend. Cid served well throughout his life; serving his family, serving his county, serving his community, serving his fellow veterans, but most of all his beloved Polly."
Brooks went on to say, and repeated multiple times at the veterans home ceremony, "We would certainly not be celebrating the new facility if it were not for the stalwart and singular efforts of Cid Heidel. He is a community hero."
Cleveland Mayor Emeritus Tom Rowland, who was guiding the city through a vast majority of the time Heidel was involved with the veterans home effort, said, "Although he has been suffering for some time, it's still hard to believe (he is gone), because he was so active. As co-chair of the Veterans Home Council, he showed remarkable leadership."
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis also saluted the fallen hero.
"Cid Heidel: These two words are more than a name. They represent one who cared deeply for his community, worked tirelessly for our veterans, and who represented all that was good of the greatest generation."
Two others who worked closely with Heidel are retired Bradley County Veteran Services officers Larry McDaris and the above-mentioned Joe Davis.
"Cid was a fantastic leader, and I'll miss him, personally and professionally," McDaris said.
Joe Davis, who was to follow Heidel a surprisingly short time later, said, "Cid was adjutant at the American Legion Post 81, and when we established the Veterans Home Council he was selected chairman from 30 to 40 people on the council at that time. His skills helped us keep a handle on things over the years."
Although he was severely ill in a Chattanooga hospital, Heidel continued as council chairman, deemed appropriate by council members. It was in respect, and in deep recognition of his longtime service and dedication. Kim Dees, a good friend, was selected vice chairman at that time, and has since been named chairman.
Heidel was also recognized by Tennessee Commissioner of Veterans Services Courtney Rogers.
"Cid Heidel was a devoted advocate for veterans' issues in Bradley County," Rogers stated. "Our department is grateful for his service as a veteran of the U.S. military and to his community."
Heidel received the 2019 Raymond H. Miller Veteran of the Year Award. He could not attend to accept this prestigious honor on that Veterans Day, as he was recovering from heart bypass surgery.
In an interview some time before his death, Heidel said he was convinced the community would eventually get a state veterans home.
"When a group of elementary students raised money to donate to the effort, I knew the dream would come true," he said.
Joe Davis spent years
helping vets in VSO position
Davis, a decorated veteran who reached the rank of major in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, returned to Cleveland and Polk County when he ended his tour of duty. He spent 10 years assisting former U.S. soldiers and their families in the Bradley County Veterans Service Office, prior to his retirement in 2017. He died at his cabin on Parksville Lake last year.
Not only did Davis work tirelessly for veterans throughout the region, he also became involved in many other "special" projects.
He was instrumental in getting approval from the city of Cleveland, and area veteran organizations, for the granite statue honoring Norwood, which is located near a statue of Cleveland's namesake in 1st Street Square, Col. Benjamin Cleveland.
He was raised on a farm in Polk County's Conasauga community, and now rests in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.
In 2013, Davis also received the Raymond H. Miller Veteran of the Year Award, as did Norwood and Heidel. He also was appointed by the governor to Tennessee's Veterans Home Board.
He was instrumental in the formation of the Bradley County Cemetery at Fort Hill, and assisted each year in Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Bradley County Courthouse. He was serving as secretary of the Veterans Home Council at the time of his passing.
Bradley County Mayor [D. Gary] Davis said, "Joe made a difference. He worked to provide for his family and to make life better for others (especially veterans)."
"Joe Davis was a friend to many veterans, and I thank him for his patriotism and friendship," said Tom Rowland. "He assisted countless families of veterans over the years."
Cleveland Mayor [Kevin] Brooks added his sentiments.
"Joe Davis was among a select group in our community," Brooks said. "He was a veteran, and in this case he was a Vietnam veteran. Our citizens should be so very proud of men like Joe, and the many veterans who call our city and county their home."
The community can be proud of all its veterans on this unusual Memorial Day, not just Bill Norwood, "Cid" Heidel and Joe Davis. But truly inside this community, they represented the best of the best.
