Exchange Club Honors Veteran During Patriotic Month
Columbus club marks One Nation Under God Month with a talk from retired Army Colonel George William Heath.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Military
The Columbus Exchange Club heard from retired Army Colonel George William Heath about his military service during a Thursday meeting held as part of One Nation Under God Month. The National Exchange Club recognizes November each year for the observance.
Why it matters
The observance is intended to strengthen individual and moral responsibility and heighten awareness of America's religious heritage. Local clubs use the month to hold patriotic programs that connect residents with the country's history of service.
Heath's service spanned nearly 30 years, from 1958 to 1989, covering both active duty and reserve status. Details of his specific assignments beyond his early advisory role in Vietnam were not included in the presentation summary.
The players
George William Heath
Retired U.S. Army colonel who served on active duty and in the reserves for nearly 30 years, including early advisory service in Vietnam, and who later worked on civil engineering projects in Saudi Arabia.
National Exchange Club
A national civic service organization that recognizes November each year as One Nation Under God Month and encourages local clubs to hold patriotic programs.
Columbus Exchange Club
The local chapter of the National Exchange Club that hosted the presentation by retired Army Colonel George William Heath during the observance.
The details
Heath spoke to the Columbus Exchange Club about his military service and his post-military career, which included civil engineering projects in Saudi Arabia. He was among the early advisors sent into Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star for valor.
Timeline
1958 to 1989: Heath serves on active duty and in the reserves.
November: The National Exchange Club recognizes One Nation Under God Month.
Thursday: The Columbus Exchange Club hears Heath's presentation.
Roadmap
Heath was among the early U.S. advisors sent into Vietnam, an effort that preceded the large-scale American combat buildup of the later 1960s. His presentation links that early period of U.S. involvement to a present-day civic observance of national heritage and service.
Columbus residents can attend Exchange Club programs and other local patriotic events held during November to hear firsthand accounts of military service. The observance offers a chance to engage with local veterans and civic organizations in the community.
The takeaway
Local civic clubs offer a direct way to hear veterans' experiences and learn about the nation's service history. Attending or supporting these programs during November is a practical step for residents who want to engage with that heritage.
Further reading
For more context on military history and veterans' service, explore the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Home - WCBI TV | Telling Your Story.
