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ADVANCE – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8719 held its annual awards dinner Saturday, Jan. 25 at the post home on Feed Mill Road.

The VFW is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring the rights of veterans and to remembering their sacrifices.

Nationally in 2019, the VFW and auxiliaries donated more than 14 million volunteer hours of community service, such as helping youth groups, visiting hospitalized veterans, promoting patriotism and education, sponsoring safety programs and furthering civic pride.

Recognition and awards are presented in categories such as scholarship/education (Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests), Scouting, community education/community volunteerism, safety and to individuals who have excelled in furthering the aims, goals and ideals of the VFW.                                              

VFW partners with the Boy Scouts of America sponsoring more than 1,200 Scouting units and offering scholarships for Eagle Scouts. Locally, John Motley, a First-Class Scout and a member of Boy Scout Troop 732, and Matt Steelman, a First-Class Scout and member of Troop 732 were commended for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Veterans Community Service Program encourages community service to increase civic pride, to enhance education and to improve the environment.

Individuals receiving awards for Community Education include: Cynthia Stone, Davie County Principal of the Year, Cooleemee Elementary; and Tammy Essic, Davie County Teacher of the Year, Shady Grove Elementary.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Safety Program partners with local protection agencies to promote drug awareness and home, property, auto, and bicycle safety. VFW Post 8719 awarded special recognition for individuals who have excelled in protecting and bettering the lives and property of the community.

Individuals presented certificates of appreciation in special recognition and highest praise for their alertness, personal courage and ever efficient guardianship of life and property to the communities they serve: Paramedic Greg Forbes, Davie EMS; Jesse Hendricks, Davie First Responder,  William R. Davie Fire Department; Cody Smith, Davie firefighter, Smith Grove Fire Department;  Det. Sgt. Chad Hemmings, Davie Sheriff’s Department; and Trooper Andrew Doss, N.C. Highway Patrol.

A Veterans Community Service Award was presented to Richard Poindexter for aiding and assisting the veterans and residents of Davie.

The VFW strives to promote civic responsibility and patriotism. They promote flag etiquette and urge the observance of patriotic days. They work to stimulate an interest in American history and traditions.

Jim Cooper and Ben King prepared the meal, auxiliary members prepared the desserts and helpedserve.