Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7262...
VFW hosts annual Americanism Banquet
By Al Bliss, Senior Scribe 

 The report of a banquet is normally unemotional, objective, and filled with expected facts blandly describing the event. An apology is offered now for any deviation from the expected report. 

The primary reason for the Americanism Banquet is to recognize and present awards to the youth who successfully competed in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Contests. Other awards are also given out during the course of the evening. 

Darke County winners of Voice of Democracy awards were: Samantha Shook, Ansonia HS; Tim Harless, Greenville HS; Courtney Moody, Ansonia HS; Taylor Bergman, Ansonia HS ; and Jenny Mayo, Ansonia HS.

Darke County winners of Patriot’s Pen awards were: Alexander Onkst, Greenville Junior High; Hayley Maher, St. Mary’s School; Kelsie Hunt, Mississinawa Valley; and Shelby Manning, Mississinawa Valley. 

The presentations by Samatha Shook and Tim Harless clearly reflected the effort to achieve quality and convey a sincere message. Shook, an Ansonia student, was the District 3 Voice of Democracy winner. The recognition, by the awards presented, received added emphasis when each winner was presented with a check for their efforts.  Again, congratulations and keep up the good work. 

A special honor to VFW Post 7262, and those attending, was the presence of Gerald (Mort) Ward – Commander Department of Ohio. His speech established a level of appreciation for a job well done by Post 7262. Commander Ward actively participated in presentation of documents and memorabilia to each of the award winners. Commander Ward presented The Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 7262 with a letter of congratulation and a certificate commemorating the Auxiliary’s 65th anniversary this year. Additionally, Ward presented the Auxiliary with the National Military Services Award. 

“The Ladies’ Auxiliary has worked hard all of its 65 years to provide service for veterans. It is nice to the National office recognize us on our 65th anniversary.” said Auxiliary president Lyn Bliss. 

Representative Richard N. Adams (R-80) spoke about “FREEDOM”. The remarks and facts presented were very timely and appropriate for the audience of veterans, veterans’ families, veteran boosters and interested family and friends. The ten minute presentation established an excellent foundation for the second featured speaker. 

United States Army First Sergeant Mickey Burress followed Adams. His presentation started with an explanation that he had a written speech because he was not a public speaker. First Sergeant Burress reviewed his 25 years of service and many of his experiences. Though by his own words - not a public speaker, his very emotional portrayal of his experiences with his friends in Afghanistan reached out and touched the hearts of most of the people present. The debt that each of us owe to the over 40,000 wounded warriors from the Middle East conflict over the last ten years was clearly presented by the Sergeant. 

“We all thank you for your service and a truly touching presentation.” commented Auxiliary member Gail Snyder, chairlady for the event. 

The number of folks expected was about 85 but a total of 120 were served. The Greenville Key Club efficiently and rapidly served everyone properly. One unique aspect of their technique involved a small group of Key Club members distributing the food from a single large tray. One girl handled the tray for all the people attending. 

“Thank you for a job well done. Also, our thanks to the crew that prepared the food and the great job done by the Key Club.” said VFW Post 7262’s Commander Scott Reed. 

For more informtion about Senior Scribes, Click here.