Bill Raines, the president, CEO, and founder of The Raines Group, last week took part in a ceremony honoring the U.S. soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. Held in the rotunda of the Hamilton County Courthouse on Thursday, March 24, the event marked the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
Raines, who served in Vietnam as a battery commander in the DMZ, opened the ceremony by recognizing the many Vietnam War veterans who were present. Hosted by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration Committee, the event concluded with a Raising of the Commemorative Flag Event.
Hamilton County Mayor Coppinger provided remarks, saying, "We might debate the aspects of the war and its execution, but there is one fact we do not debate: that the members of our U.S. Armed Forces fought valiantly. They fought for an idea that has shaped our nation since the days of our constitutional government – the idea that a representative government founded on the rule of law and the will of the people is a basic right of man.
"The Vietnam [War] veterans you see assembled here today chose to answer their nation's call, put on a uniform, and deploy to fight for liberty, justice, and equality. Fifty years later, it is fitting to say thank you for your service."
A Chattanooga native, Raines attended Red Bank High School and the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. His military training included the Airborne School, Air Defense Artillery School, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.
Raines also served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield as a garrison commander at Fort Campbell, Ky. Retired from the military since 2000, he holds the rank of Major General, USA. Professionally, he has 40 years of experience in office and shopping center management and leasing as well as commercial brokerage.
Source: Some information from The Raines Group