The Shadow
The Curtis A. Smith, 116th Infantry, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 and its Auxiliary held its Loyalty Day dinner on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the post home on Dolly Ann Drive.
The annual event reminds members and guests of the loyalty and commitment of our nation’s veterans in preserving our freedom and democratic way of life.
Commander Carl Johnson welcomed approximately 60 members and guests for the occasion and thanked everyone for their support of post activities. An opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was then observed.
Post member Shawn Wright conducted the White Table ceremony which paid tribute to those veterans who remain missing in action or held as prisoners of war. A small table with a single empty chair represents the place setting for a missing comrade.
Wright explained the significance of the items on the table. She reminded the audience that the 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor had occurred on Dec. 7.
The VFW continues to honor and pray for POWs and MIAs. It was noted that the remains of an area veteran of the Korean War, Ralph Cale, were returned after his being missing in action for 65 years.
Adjutant/Quartermaster Bill Atherholt gave a report on post activities during the past year which included conducting military rites at veterans’ funerals, delivering meals on wheels, conducting ceremonies in the community and local schools for flag etiquette, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, hosting a Halloween party for the workers and staff at the Jackson River Enterprises, and delivering Christmas fruit baskets to 48 area veterans or their widows.
The sale of Buddy Poppies supports these projects.
Trustee and Funeral Detail Director Floyd Lane reported that the post had conducted graveside rites for more than 40 veterans. Darfow Rice was recognized for his many years of service in coordinating with area funeral homes to secure members for the details.
Funerals have been conducted in Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Augusta, Green-brier and Monroe counties, serving at no expense to the families in order to honor fallen comrades.
The Auxiliary was recognized for its support of post activities and its commitment to providing for veterans through cards and hand quilted blankets as well as delivering meals on wheels. It also assists in post dinners, pancake breakfasts, JRE Halloween parties, Loyalty Day, bingo, and special ceremonies.
Post and Auxiliary members are also active in Virginia VFW District 6. Auxiliary member Brenda Martin serves as president of the District 6 auxiliary.
Awards were then presented to area students and teachers. Jean Wade serves as chairperson for the Patriot’s Pen essay contest sponsored by the post auxiliary.
Auxiliary President Phyllis Givens presented awards which recognized first place winner Judith Gravely, second place winner Merridith Schmeidler, and third place winner Brayden Wolfe.
Each received a certificate and cash awards of $100, $75, and $50 respectively. The students attend Jeter-Watson Intermediate School where Cindy Arthur serves as their contest sponsor.
Post 1033 sponsors the Voice of Democracy essay contest and recognized Kiersten Smith as its winner for 2019. Kiersten is a senior at Alleghany High School and received a certificate and a $150 prize for her entry.
Area teachers were recognized for their nominations as Citizenship Educator of the Year. Lee Ann Gray represented Edgemont Primary School, Mary Ann Morris represented Callaghan Elementary School, and Michele Reid represented Covington High School.
Gray and Morris each received a certificate and a $50 prize. Reid was selected as the Post 1033 Citizenship Educator and received a certificate and $100 prize. Paul Linkenhoker assisted Commander Carl Johnson in presenting the awards.
It was noted that in the District 6 judging of the three categories, Gravely won first place for her Patriot’s Pen essay, Smith won second place for her Voice of Democracy speech, and Reid was chosen as the District 6 Citizenship Educator of the Year.
District 6 includes posts in Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke, Campbell, Amherst and Montgomery counties.
The meal followed the program and awards ceremony. Roger Patterson and Covington Caterers catered the dinner.
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The Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 recently nominated several local teachers for their Citizenship Educators of the Year. The nominees were announced during the post’s annual Loyalty Day banquet held Sunday, Dec. 7, at the post home on Dolly Ann Drive. From left: Paul Linkenhoker, post chaplain; nominees Mary Ann Morris from Callaghan Elementary School, Lee Ann Gray from Edgemont Primary School, and Michele Reid from Covington High School; Carl Johnson, post commander. Reid was chosen as the Educator of the Year, and received a certificate and a $100 prize. (Photo Courtesy VFW Post 1033)
