Dale Dyer receives Distinguished Service Medal

​ BLUE RIDGE GA - Aldous Huxley once said, “The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” This could very well describe Fannin County's own Dale Dyer. Dyer is known in Blue Ridge, a small mountainous town in the north Georgia “his contributions to the community, and his courageous efforts as an Army Air Corps pilot to preserve freedom in World War II. (He) has co-authored Facets of Fannin County, as well as help, establish the Fannin County Historical Museum.” Monday, August 5, 2019, the Inola at Blue Ridge (https://inolablueridge.com/) High Hope Chapel became the setting for Dyer to be given The United States Presidential Service Center Distinguished Service Medal. BRMN spoke with Larry Dyer, son of Dale Dyer before the ceremonies began. He stated he only heard about the event Friday night. “I have no idea why we are here and neither does dad.” A brief introduction was given Stormy Mongiello, a Navy veteran and wife of Martin Mongiello. She told the crowd the purpose of the gathering was to honor Capt. Dale Dyer for his WWII service as well as his dedication to this county. Rev. Victor H. Jordan, Rector of St. Luke's Anglican (Episcopal) Church in Blue Ridge led the congregation in prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by Ryan Norton singing the National Anthem. Mongiello, MBA, MA, MCFE, CEO and CMO at The United States Presidential Service Center Foundation Trusts and US Presidential Culinary Museum mentioned a not-so-known-fact about Dyer's military service. He stated no media attention given to the fact there “was a detonation of a nuclear bomb here in the United States.” This occurred on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico. It was this specific operation that bombers such as Dyer went on to place them at strategic points which aided in ending WWII. Without further ado, Mongiello placed the gold medal around Dyer's neck. The prestigious medal has Serial Number 1806. Dyer, a meek smile beaming from his face, was well surprised at his gift as he sat looking at the medal he had just received. Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener looked on from the audience along with family and friends who had gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion in the life of the near centenarian Dyer. He was overcome by emotion when the medal was placed around his neck by Mongiello. Moments later he addressed the crowd in his humble way thanking everyone for attending. But most of all his thanks was to the Lord for a good long life filled with many memories and good friends he has met along the way. A reception was held afterward in the home of Rick Skelton and Susie Council. Skelton is the owner of Skelton Development which recently acquired the property. Dyer is the epitome of the medal's standards. “The medal is awarded to those serving to make society better.” (https://www.theinnofthepatriots.com/en-us/museum/presidential-service-center) Dale Dyer – Veteran of Foreign Wars, a husband, father, historian, loved and respected by all who have crossed paths with him since he came to Fannin County in 1947. For many, he is affectionately called “Mr. Fannin County.”