The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) — On September 17, 2026, VFW Post 1033 welcomed Department of Virginia Auxiliary President Kathy Voss and District President Nancy White to its auxiliary. On behalf of the post, Commander Paul Linkenhoker officially welcomed the guests.
Kathy Voss spoke about the partnership between the Department of Virginia Auxiliary and comrades in support of the VFW National Project, “Operation Bring Them Home.” This project is an initiative to raise funds and provide resources to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to identify and return the remains of servicemen still listed as Missing in Action (MIA) or Prisoners of War (POW). It is important to reach the families of these missing service members and obtain DNA samples for testing. Today’s technology makes this possible.
Voss announced that she has appointed VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary President Marian Paxton as her chairman for the 2026–2027 Joint Special Project. In mid-November, Marian and Nancy White will visit the DPAA facility in Honolulu, Hawaii, to gain a better understanding of the importance of this project and its impact on our country.
“Marian couldn’t have been a better selection to head that up for us,” Voss said. She continued, “Paxton gives over 100 percent to everything she does, and I’m happy to see her take responsibility at the Department level.”
Voss praised the VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary for its success and community involvement. She said the auxiliary has received more awards than other chapters and is one of the most awarded and recognized auxiliaries in Virginia.
Commander Paul Linkenhoker stated that DPAA’s “Operation Bring Them Home” project is very important to many people. He said the organization positively identified the remains of local Korean War veteran Ralph Cale within the last couple of years, and he is no longer listed as MIA.
“What a wonderful thing for this family.”
As part of the Commander’s recognition of Paxton’s leadership role, he recognized the auxiliary members who helped make the auxiliary a success. The VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary is small but mighty, making a great impact through its support of veterans.
Members in attendance were Lora Dietrich, Mary Lee Cooke, Marth Terry, Linda Jones, Debbie Rodgers, Brenda Linkenhoker, Cindy Arthur, and Reverend Rosetta Stewart. Not present for the picture was Treasurer Loretta Lambert.
“It was a tremendous honor to have Kathy visit VFW Post 1033 to recognize the hard work this auxiliary and our post have done. President Voss has been an avid supporter of our auxiliary and has shown us ways to do more for our veterans. It is an honor for me to be the leader and have the respect of all the members as we accomplish all the great things we do.
“It is also a tremendous honor to be asked to chair such a special project. My goal is to be the best I can be, to learn, and to bring comfort to the family members who have lived with ‘not knowing,’” said Marian Paxton.
Please contact Marian Paxton at 843-653-6098 or email marianpaxton916@gmail.com if you have any questions about “Operation Bring Them Home” or other veteran-related matters.
