Walter A. Corley Jr. Memorial First Responders Recognition Luncheon reaches 40th annual 

WARNER ROBINS — The Sacred Heart Assembly 179 Knights of Columbus hosted their annual Walter A. Corley, Jr. Memorial First Responders Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, May 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Walter A. Corley Jr. is a former Knight of Columbus and a former Marine who worked on Robins Air Force Base. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and also coached Little League in Warner Robins for many years. 

Corley was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and as a Knight, he held positions such as Grand Knight in his council and Faithful Navigator in the Fourth-Degree assembly. 

The Principle of the Knights of Columbus Fourth-Degree is patriotism. Out of this principle, Corley wanted to salute and honor police, firefighters and EMS with a Public Safety Dinner which is now the First Responder Recognition Program in 1983. He died on July 11, 1994. 

“Thank you Walter for establishing this great tradition,” Master of Ceremonies Knight Paul Travitzky said. 

Travitzky pointed out an empty table in the middle of the room known as the Table of the Fallen. 

He explained the meaning of the Table of the Fallen and said the table is round to show the everlasting concern for the men and women we have lost. 

“The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call of duty. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of a life of each of the missing and their loved ones and friends of these Americans who have gone before us. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, the symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing,” he said. “A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who died protecting our safety and security. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those lost and their families. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our missed. The glasses are inverted to symbolize their inability to share this event.” 

Travitzky said they are honoring 165 peace officers, 72 firefighters, and 21 canines who have died nationwide in the last two years. Six officers, two firefighters, and one canine were from Georgia. 

“In this golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, our first responders are never forgotten and never forsaken,” Travitzky said. “Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sang heedlessly in the west, but where the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be peeling forth the friendly message, to our active members.” 

Edward Armijo gave the keynote speech at the luncheon. Armijo grew up in a military family, spending time in Spain and many cities in the U.S. According to his biography, he attended Moreno Valley High School where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating in 1976, he joined the United States Air Force and served for 24 years as he retired in 2000. 

Armijo then moved to Centerville in June of 2000. In 2001, he accepted a job offer at Robins Air Force Base. He recently retired after 24 years dedicated to Civil Service employment. 

Armijo founded the Eagles Springs Neighborhood Watch in 2001. They have worked closely with the Centerville Police Department, helping reduce criminal activity. 

Armijo currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Centerville, where he has been an elected official for nine years. 

“He truly enjoys serving others and is proud of his role in being part of the many accomplishments that Centerville has achieved. These include the Centerville Fire Station, Public Works Facility, Center Park and the upcoming, new and improved, Centerville Recycling Center,” Travitzky said. 

Armijo is a part of the Centerville Lions Club, the Enlisted Association, Centerville Boy Scout Troop 400, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Rolling Thunder GA 3. Armijo is also a part of the Knights of Columbus Georgia State Council District Deputy, supporting five councils from Warner Robins, Kathleen, Thomaston, Dublin and Vidalia. 

Armijo said it is an honor to be in the presence of such outstanding professionals. 

“Looking out at the audience, I see heroes to be recognized today, ones that have demonstrated above and beyond the call of duty, fireman, police, Georgia State Patrol, 911 dispatchers and Emergency Medical Technicians,” he said. “All of you have one common thread and that is to preserve human life. Together, you form a public safety community that is second to none.”

One thing Armijo enjoys about this event is the opportunity to make new friends. 

“It was always an ice breaker that helped us to learn more about each other. My favorite is where we all share something about you that no one may know,” he said. “What is it that you would share when you greet a person? I encourage you to share with one another interesting facts about yourselves as you would be surprised how friendships began.” 

Armijo said being recognized by the Knights of Columbus Assembly 179 and their leadership represents their appreciation for the first responders. 

“When I hear the names who have passed called out and the bell is rung, remember their ultimate sacrifices,” he said. “Let us keep their families and our First Responders and families lifted in prayer, Thank you for your service and dedication. May God be with you.” 

These local first responders received an award for going above and beyond in their service to the community.

City of Warner Robins 

• Police Department: Officer David Houck
• Fire Department: Engineer Lee White

City of Centerville

• Police Department: James Hill
• Fire Department: Firefighter Harvey Barr

City of Perry

• Police Department: Officer James Smith 
• Fire Department: Firefighter Keanu Kirk 

Robins Air Force Base

• 78th Security Forces: MSgt. Mario Valerio 
• Fire and Emergency Services: Captain Patrick Gilbert 

Houston County

• Sheriff’s Department: Deputy Thomas Archie
• Fire Department: Firefighter Ryan Aman
• Houston EMS: Paramedic Sarah Griffen
• Houston County 911 Center: Dispatcher Abigail Wolfert

Georgia State Patrol Post 15

• Honoree: TFC1 Alfred McCoy

The luncheon received sponsors for the first time. Those sponsors include: 

• Danny Reed Construction 
• Chick-Fil-A of Warner Robins 
• Lynn Realty Group 
• Houston County Nurses Honor Guard 
• Robins AFB Chief’s Group 
• Knights of Columbus Council 4371
• Knights of Columbus Council 14488
• Dr. Titus Taube
• Angelo and Mary Zigrino
• Deadline Production
• The Thompson Twins