Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Group Seeks to Rename Radcliff Veterans Center After US Navy's First Black Master Diver

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs

A veteran's group is spearheading an effort to rename the new Radcliff Veterans Center after a U.S. Navy officer who was the first African-American to become a Master Diver.

Bob Casher of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association tells the News-Enterprise he started an online petition to rename the center after Command Master Chief Carl Brashear a couple of weeks ago.

Brashear grew up in nearby Sonora and retired from service in 1979 as a Master Chief Petty Officer and Master Diver. Casher says he was told by Brashear's son, Phil, that if the center is renamed he will donate memorabilia belonging to his father for display.

The idea has gained support from Dave Jarett of the Joint Executive Council for Veterans Organizations, who will be helping Casher draft a letter to present to the state legislature.