Hennessee to speak during Memorial Day ceremony

BRIG. GEN. FRANK HENNESSEE

War veteran and Brigadier General Frank Hennessee will be the main speaker Monday morning during Warren County’s Memorial Day ceremonies at the airport.

A McMinnville native, Hennessee was McMinnville City High School’s class valedictorian in 1961. His high school career was highlighted by four years on the basketball and football teams. His senior year, he was captain of the football team.

After high school, Hennessee graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1965.

Following graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army where he commanded two infantry companies. One was the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and the other was the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

Hennessee commanded a battalion in the Berlin Brigade from 1981-84 and commanded the 3rd Infantry Regiment from 1987-89. He held a number of other prominent roles until his retirement from active military service in 1998. He currently serves as acting director of the United States Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home.

Hennessee is the son of McMinnville’s Jack and Frankie Hennessee. He is married to the former Carol Cameille Maetens and they have two sons and one daughter.

Memorial Day ceremonies begin bright and early at 7 a.m. with Charles Norton serving as MC. Jenny Jones will sing the national anthem and Winfred Casey will read a list of Warren County’s war dead.