-
courtesy photo Eagle Scouts Nathan Burgett and Jacob Ingram hold their awards.
The first Tuesday evening of each month, members of Bristow Post 3656 Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, and Auxiliary, VFWA, meet for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. At this month’s dinner and meeting, the groups presented and received several awards and honors with many guests in attendance.
On behalf of the VFW Auxiliary and with the assistance of VFW Vice Commander John Edens, VFWA President Virginia Ray presented four local scouts with special certificates and medals after each recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scouts James Hawkins, Nathan Burgett, Jacob Ingram, and Isaiah Wilson each received a certificate of recognition for outstanding achievement and a “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle”medal. The Eagle Scouts and their families were also invited to attend the meal.
In addition to the Eagle Scouts, VFWA President Ray noted that Senator Todd Gollihare, Daniel Harris, Jr., and Lowell Baker each received Quilts of Valor uniquely made in honor of their service and presented by quilter Shelley Prewitt.
Each year, VFW sponsors the nationwide Voice of Democracy audio-essay scholarship program for high school students. The 2022-2023 schoolyear’s theme was “Why is the veteran important?” Local first place winner Gracie Webb received a certificate and $100 prize with a second $100 prize for being a district winner.
Mayoral candidate Kris Wyatt also attended the meeting and presented VFW Vice Commander Edens with a check to purchase replacement flags along Veterans Memorial Drive.
Finally, Senator Todd Gollihare presented a declaration to VFW Vice Commander Edens from Governor Kevin Stitt, making December 31, 2022, Battle of Wake Island Day.
Several in attendance expressed appreciation for the accomplishments of all those receiving awards and honors and noted the pleasantness of an evening spent with friends and comrades new and old, looking forward to shared events to come.