Corporal JC Hardemo, and Sergeant Marvin Price)
On Saturday, February 9th, the Charmettes Incorporated of Broward County held their Third Annual Cancer Research and Scholarship Fundraiser- A Supper Club Gala. The theme was “Honoring our Unsung Military Heroes.” Three of West Park’s own were honored: Sergeant Vernon Nelson, Corporal JC Hardemon and Sergeant Marvin Price.
Sergeant Nelson received numerous medals, two Purple hearts and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He married Frankie Whiting in 1973 and today has four children and ten grandchildren.
After thirty one years of working at the Post office, Sergeant Nelson retired. He is a current member of the Veterans for Foreign Wars Post 8195. His hobbies are golfing and fishing.
In 1942, Corporal JCHardemon joined the 92nd Buffalo Soldier Infantry Division during World War II. This division was re-activated for duty less than a year after Pearl Harbor and was made up almost entirely of Black soldiers from the south. Although his birth name is JC, the military changed it to James Charles.
Corporal Hardemon’s military tour included Casablanca, Africa, Rome, Italy and Germany. On the day the Germans surrendered, the 92nd Division had lost almost one fourth of its men through causalities. Three hundred and thirty had been killed in action, 2,215 wounded and 616 were missing in action. Corporal Hardemon received an Honorable Discharge on January 20, 1946.
After his discharge, JC purchased 40 acres of farm land southeast of Plains, GA and donated 5 acres to his family to build a church. In 1949, he met and married the now deceased Carrie Pierce. Wanting a better life for his wife and children, he moved to Broward County in 1955.
In 1957, JC became a Deacon at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in West Park. Today he is still a Deacon there and attends the West Park Senior Citizen program every day where he was crowned “King” at their annual Prom. At 91 years old, he still takes brief walks and loves to dance.
Sergeant Marvin Price was born in a little town in South Georgia known as Marlow. In June of 1968 he joined the United States Air Force. He has served in Japan, Korea and Alabama as a Crew Chief (Jet Engine Mechanic) on F-4 Fighter Jet plans that flew Sorties into Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in October 1974.
In January 1972, he moved to West Park where he has been President of the Carver Ranches Homeowners Association for the past 14 years. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8195 and has held numerous positions. Sergeant Price married Betty Young and has been blessed with two children and one grandchild.
Today he enjoys his retirement by volunteering with the senior citizens in West Park, golfing, fishing and travelling.
Congratulations to our three unsung military heroes of West Park!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
