AFA Swamp Fox Chapter Honors Fallen Heroes at Memorial Day Ceremonies

June 17, 2026

The AFA Swamp Fox Chapter honors the sacrifices of South Carolina’s service members, past and present. On May 25, 2026, the chapter joined the Sumter and Shaw Air Force Base community in honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

Leading the Sumter County Memorial Day Ceremony as master of ceremonies was Col. David “Bush” Hanson, USAF (Ret.), president of the AFA Swamp Fox Chapter. Veterans, service members, families, and citizens gathered to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes. Over the past 14 years, Hanson has guided the ceremony with professionalism, patriotism, and dedication, becoming a cherished and respected voice of remembrance within the community. The Swamp Fox Chapter extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation for his nearly one and a half decades of continual service in the role.

In the days surrounding Memorial Day, the chapter, community veterans, and volunteers participated in numerous acts of remembrance—placing approximately 4,500 American flags across 42 veteran cemeteries and memorial sites throughout the region. The effort stands as a testament to the chapter’s enduring commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of those who served.

The Missing Man Table honors American prisoners of war and those missing in action. Each element carries symbolic meaning: the white tablecloth for purity of sacrifice, the single red rose for family and loved ones left behind, the lit candle for hope, the lemon slice for bitterness of captivity, and the empty chair draped in the POW/MIA flag

Cheryl R. Moye, vice president of the AFA Swamp Fox Chapter, reflected on the chapter’s statewide impact and the values that drive its work. “Under the exceptional leadership of Hanson, the Swamp Fox Chapter has built a legacy of excellence that has positively influenced communities across South Carolina for decades,” Moye said. “The chapter’s success is rooted in a dedicated and cohesive team committed to serving others with purpose and integrity. Our heritage is defined by unwavering support for veterans, Active-duty service members, military families, educators, and youth programs. Through these efforts, we strengthen our communities, inspire future generations, and help preserve our legacy, values, freedoms, and sacrifices upon which our nation was built.”

Through ceremonies, volunteer efforts, and year-round advocacy, the Swamp Fox Chapter continues to ensure that the sacrifices of America’s fallen are never forgotten.