Louisiana VFW Council of Administration Meeting

Over the weekend, I visited the members of the Louisiana VFW and Commander Bobby Lovergne’s theme of “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler for Veterans” is very accurate!  I had a bit of a time with the accent at first, thinking he was talking about bon bons and roulette, but I eventually got it!

The whole team here is on board with a great desire to do more for veterans.  They are well on their way to exceeding their membership goals and they have fun doing it.  As this was the first meeting they’ve been able to have in a long time because of COVID restrictions, an awards luncheon was appropriate, and did they have award winners!  Included in this was the presentation of certificates to SIX posts that were celebrating their Diamond 75 year Jubilees.  What history and staying power!

In keeping with his theme, Commander Bobby had a competition last month for his District Commanders to incease membership.  This brought in over 500 members in one short month.  The winners all received a steak dinner!  The losers?  Well, they had to make do with SPAM.  After they started eating however, Commander Bobby served them all steaks too because this is a team effort!

In the evening I was honored to be a judge in the Louisiana VFW Idol Karaoke contest. It was a fun evening and nice fund-raiser too.  As a judge, I can assure you I took every bribe offered and it all went to a great cause.  My congratulations to all of the contestants…there some really outstanding singers in this group.

Oh yes, there was also some fantastic training, important information relayed, and great dialogue concerning the future of the VFW.  I can assure you, this state knows what to do and how to do it!  Can’t wait to come back!

State Commander Bobby L:  Always smiling and leading the way!

Second Place SPAM!  Yum!

Great training made even better with a beginning photo of our National Commander in Chief, Hal Roesch

My counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Tim Sloan. He's going to be an outstanding State Commander next year!

A long layover in Atlanta Sunday evening so I got some soup.  Yes, it was VERY hot soup!

14 November: Dedication of Veterans Memorial Park of Jackson County, Alabama

It’s an honor to be asked to participate in the dedication of a Veterans Memorial and I’m so glad I was able to be part of this wonderful event!  Over six years in the making and with donations in excess of $650,000, this has been a labor of love for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6073 and the many supporters they have.

The driver behind this Park is current VFW National Council Member George Jones.  His tireless efforts in pushing forward and overcoming obstacles is a testament to will and desire!  The park itself is massive with current static displays of a tank, a ship’s anchor, cannons, and a Cobra helicopter gunship.  There are plans to install an airplane and a missile in the near future.  However, the centerpiece of the park is the 100 foot diameter concrete circle with an honor wall, multiple granite monuments celebrating the different military services, informational kiosks and other military displays.  Plans are in the works to build a military museum on-site!

Walking around this huge park before the crowds arrived allowed me the time to really enjoy the atmosphere…it exudes VETERAN!  Anyone coming here will not only see things but they will receive an education about America’s Veterans.

The Program was stirring and there were many people who spoke, including a local congressman, the Command Sergeant Major from Redstone Arsenal, and various veterans.  I was humbled to be allowed a few minutes to express the feelings of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and what it means to us to see veterans remembered not only now, but for generations to come.  All during the ceremony, two bald eagles, symbols of America, slowly circled overhead as if they were providing top cover and appreciation.  How fitting!

After the ceremony I was able to spend time with the Alabama VFW and Auxiliary leadership.  What a great team!  Working together hand in hand, they truly show that Alabama believes in One Team – One Fight when it comes to serving veterans and their communities.

The 100 foot circle centerpiece

A closer look

Overview of the entire park, with plenty of room for expansion!  I suggested instead of an Airplane on a stick for the Air Force they consider a mini-golf area, because, well, Air Force, right?

 

Granite wall commemorating the 227 Jackson County citizens killed in combat in all of America's wars

Close up of the Air Force Obelisk in the center piece.  Note the Space Force came out after these were installed so Space Force was added to the side of the AF monument

VFW National Council Member George Jones addressing the crowd.  Fitting he was able to do this!

A simple plaque in the center of the memorial.  Sand from around the world where Americans have fought for freedom was mixed together and placed here.

The Cobra Gunship.  Amazingly, the man in the Stetson hat is former Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Hamilton.  He was the pilot of this very helicopter and was on hand for the dedication!

Prior to dinner we were able to tour the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.  Another stunning nod to America's veterans

A stirring statue!

8 November: Florissant Missouri Veteran of the Year Event

Imagine my surprise when Post Commander Ron Scanlon of the Florissant Valley Memorial Post 4105 reached out and asked me to participate in their Veteran of the Year Event!  Florissant in near St Louis, Missouri and just a stone’s throw across the river from me.  Of course I said yes!  Each year Post 4105 holds a huge parade and ceremony in conjunction with their city but alas COVID-19 scaled things back.

Nonetheless, Commander Ron and the city put on a great, socially spaced and safe event to honor not only their Veteran of the Year but also awarding two Gold Life Legacy memberships to very deserving members of their Post.  Many of the town’s elected officials showed up, as well as their fire, police, and EMT departments.  This town LOVES their VFW and it shows.

It was an honor for me to present the award to retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Lucia Greer.  Having served in the military for 38 years, she now is an active part in her community and Post, and shows no signs of slowing down.  We also had a very nice POW-MIA ceremony during this beautiful day.  And, special thanks go out to Mann Meats for bringing in their food truck and providing free meals and refreshments to all who showed up.

Florissant Valley Memorial Post and its members have a unique bond with their community and they epitomize what it means to engage in veterans service and community service!

A very unique submarine deck gun...and a 500 pound eagle statue!

We had the event outside and it was so nice seeing all of the service flags fluttering in the breeze.  Nothing says VETERAN like this Post.

Post Commander Ron [L] and MO State Commander Eric [R]

Veteran of the Year--CMSgt [Ret] Lucia Greer

Truly outstanding!

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