Chaplain's Corner
Dear Fellow Members 44th Engineer Battalion Association;
Spring News Message
Greetings!
Hopefully this message finds you all in the best of health doing these beautiful spring days. The Winter Months has come and gone. Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
Deuteronomy 11:14: then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and olive oil."1
Isaiah 44:4: "They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."1 New life emerges, akin to grass and trees flourishing in spring.
May you continue to enjoy the things that God has blessed you with and receive more in abundance.
Sincerely
Bishop. Dr. Johnny L. Hicks
Chaplain
44th Engineer Battalion Association
Obituaries
Korean War Veteran, 44th EBC - C co, 1950-1951 member #244 Robert E. Anderson
Robert Eugene Anderson Sr. passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Vayden Anderson; mother, Bertha Anderson; brothers, Elbert Anderson, Thomas Anderson; sisters, Dora Pendleton, Ruth Taylor, Ann Elmore, Betty Hutchins, Juanita Anderson and his wife Rena Anderson who passed soon after Robert.
He is survived by daughter, Theresa Paris (Roger); son, Robert Eugene Anderson (Sherry); sisters, Dora Pendleton, Ruth Taylor, Ann Elmore, Betty Hutchins, Juanita Anderson; brothers, Elbert (Guy) Anderson, Thomas Anderson; grandchildren, Tina Murray (Kallenberg), Chris Murray, John Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Ashley Anderson; extended family, Ronnie Mitchell and Peggy (Mitchell) Atchison.
Robert E. Anderson (Gene) as everyone called him was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Born one of seven children to Vayden and Bertha Anderson. He attended Tuscaloosa High School then joined the US Army during the Korean Conflict where he was captured and became a pow but later escaped. He finished his service and returned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he met Rena McClelland and married and became father to Theresa Anderson (Paris) and Robert Eugene Anderson (Bobby) and Papa to Tina Murray (Kallenberg), Chris Murray, John Anderson, Jennifer Anderson and Ashley Anderson. Also, great grandchildren Hudson Kallenberg, Vivien Kallenberg, Kylie Flowers, Hailee Anderson, Jaxon Anderson, Ari McCoy, Josette and Bella Moreho. He was a faithful servant to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And served proudly as deacon to his church Little Sandy Baptist Church for 64 years. He was a true patriot to his country which he loved. And loved his family dearly.
Andrew Griffin 44th Engineers Co A 1972 to 1989 member #407
CW3 (Ret) Andrew Griffin, Jr., 74, of Waynesville, MO, a retired United States Army Chief Warrant Officer, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, in his home.
Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife: AeKyong Griffin of the home; four children: Angela Griffin of Alexander, AR, Amy Griffin of Little Rock, AR, Jerome Griffin of Little Rock, AR and James Griffin of Waynesville, MO; nine grandchildren: Deante Gaskins, Jaylon Mosby, Jasmin Mosby, Jordan Griffin, Kyra Griffin, Myles Khabeer, Omarion Talbert, Amia Griffin, and Alyza Griffin; four great grandchildren: Gianna Mosby, Kai Washington, Aaliyah Mosby and Kiyomi Washington; six siblings: Hazel Walker of Little Rock, AR, Elizabeth Smith-McKinney (Tyree) of Little Rock, AR, Beverly Wade (Guy) of Little Rock, AR, Dwayne Griffin (Tracina) of Kansas City, MO, Darren Griffin of Bryant, AR, and Carlton White (Dinora) of Lawrenceville, GA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
SGM (Ret) James Franklin Wewer Member #204
James Franklin Wewer, the son of Joseph Herman Wewer and Mildred Catherine (Bonderheide) Wewer, was born on June 9, 1938, in Barling, Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Subiaco, Arkansas, and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Paris High School in Paris, Arkansas.
Just three months after completing high school, James joined the United States Army. He served faithfully for 29 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant Major. Throughout his distinguished career, James fought in two wars and received numerous awards and commendations, including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star and 1 Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal-with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal-9th Award, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-3d Level, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-6th Award, and Sharpshooter Qualification Badge-M16.
In 1966, James met Hye Cha Kim, who would become the love of his life. They were married on November 12, 1969, in Seoul, Korea, and together they welcomed their son, Jimmy.
James was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood multiple times: first in 1967, then in 1968, 1971, 1978, and 1983. After purchasing their home during his last assignment, he and his family decided to settle in the Waynesville area.
After retiring from the Army, James worked at Sellers-Sexton dealership, driving cars for several years. He enjoyed spending his free time trout fishing with military friends and other companions. James was deeply involved in his community, holding membership in several organizations. He was a 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason, belonged to Plato Masonic Lodge #469, and participated in the Joplin Valley of Scottish Rites. Additionally, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans lodge and the Francis J. Lynch VFW Post #3168.
James Franklin Wewer passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Missouri. He was 87 years old.
James is survived by his wife, Hye Cha Wewer, and his son, Jimmy Wewer of San Antonio, Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister.
Although James is no longer with us, his dedication to family and country will forever remain in our hearts.