The Shadow
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a fraternal organization of the men and women who have served in the military of the United States during periods of war and hostile combat operations.
To many, VFW brings thoughts of those veterans who served during this nation’s involvement in World Wars I and II. There are few surviving from the first conflict and the ranks from the second war are diminishing daily.
The majority of today’s VFW membership served in Korea, Viet Nam, Bosnia, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in lesser known operations. The motto of the VFW reflects its primary purpose:
“We honor the dead by serving the living.” Participation in parades, military funerals, flag raisings, patriotic services, school programs promoting democracy and the respect for our national emblem, and numerous other events are visible signs of the VFW practicing the intent of its motto.
Veterans and their families are also supported daily by the VFW in less public activities. There is a National Home for Widows and Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. VFW members work to assist veterans in receiving their rights and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs in VA Hospitals and in the receipt of just compensation earned by their military service. Satellite clinics are conducted at various post homes to reduce the trips veterans must make to VA Hospitals. Members also visit and assist the daily lives of many of their comrades and remember them on special occasions with cards and gifts.
The Curtis A. Smith, 116th Infantry, Post 1033 in Covington was chartered on August, 31, 1936. The founder of the Covington Virginian Inc., Richard F. Beirne Sr., was a charter member.
There are currently 219 members of Post 1033 and they meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Post Home located at 710 E. Dolly Ann Drive in Covington. On May 1, the Post celebrated Loyalty Day with a dinner and celebration. Four veterans were recognized with service awards: Greg Woodruff, 10 years; Wayne Andrews, 35 years; and Ed Nicely and Malkolm Crawford, 60 years.
Malkolm Crawford was also named as the Volunteer of the Year.
While the ranks of our WWI, WWII, and now Korean and Viet Nam veterans are dwindling, the call is out to all veterans of later conflicts to join this vital organization as it carries the flag forward. All qualifying veterans are invited to join this organization. Greg Woodruff is the district commander, post adjutant and a certified state recruiter who can be contacted for information at 862-5780.
Any Post 1033 member can also assist in the process.
In order to meet the obligations of maintaining the work of Post 1033, two activities are planned which were once a part of its community events. Each Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., a Flea Market will be held at the Post Home.
Vendors may contact Wayne Andrews at 965-8121 to reserve a spot.
Old fashioned Bingo will returned to the Post on May 15 and wil be repeated May 29.
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and games will begin at 7 p.m. In following months, Bingo will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays.
This morning the Post held a pancake breakfast from 7 until 11 a.m. Monday the members will hold a Memorial Day ceremony on the Alleghany County Courthouse lawn on Main Street in Covington at 12 noon to honor those in the military who gave their lives for freedom.
The Post Home is available for rent by individuals and groups which meet the requirements and standards established by Post 1033. Ronnie Hancock is the Post representative and may be contacted at 962-1347. We are thankful for all who support this nation’s veterans and ask for your continuing patronage of our events and celebrations.
