Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10904, and District 5, held their Annual Awards Ceremony on February 13th at the Coffee County Veterans Building.
The District is comprised of VFW Posts from Manchester, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Pulaski, Shelbyville, Tullahoma and Winchester.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Commander Kimberly King. Charlee Martin, a 3rd-grade student from Cowan Elementary School, sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lamar Wilkie, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Wilkie, who is also VFW Post 10904’s Senior Vice Commander, introduced several special guests who attended, including County Mayor Judd Matheny, past VFW State Commander Mike Rhew, and VFW Department of TN representatives John Maier and Nancy Cartwright.
VFW Military Support Appreciation Awards went to Gayle VanHooser and Lou Brewer. VanHooser for her vast work with veterans in Grundy County and Brewer for her work with Quilts of Valor.
Also receiving the Military Support Award were Monica Clark of Brandon Tax and Bookkeeping and Michael Anderson Beech Grove Cemetery. Clark was given the award for the support she and her company have given veterans and around Veterans Day. Anderson for his work for many years with Wreaths Across America at the Beech Grove Cemetery.
VFW Teacher of the Year Award winners was as follows:
Allison Beachboard, Coffee Street Elementary, won in the elementary category. Beachboard was a Post, District and State winner.
Landon Spangler, Westwood Middle School, won in the middle school category for VFW Post 10904, Manchester.
Sharon Saylor, South Middle School, won from VFW Post 1893, Winchester. Saylor also won District and State awards.
Erica Peterson, Coffee County Central High School, won in the high school category from VFW Post 10904, Manchester.
VFW Auxiliary Appreciation Awards went to Cowan Elementary and North Coffee Elementary schools for their detailed Veterans Day Programs.
Patriots Pen Essay Competition award winners were as follows:
Jack Reed, East Middle School – 1st place winner from VFW Post 4188, Tullahoma and 1st place VFW District winner.
Alexandra Famularo, Westwood Middle School – 1st place winner from VFW Post 10904, Manchester.
Carter Bell, Westwood Middle School – 2nd place winner from VFW Post 10904 and 4th place District winner.
Azariah Zagone, Temple Baptist School – 3rd place winner from VFW Post 10904 and 3rd place District winner.
Bella Follis, Temple Baptist School – 4th place winner from VFW Post 10904 and 2nd place District winner.
Bennett Sanders, Westwood Middle School – Honorable Mention Award.
Blaine Weaver, Temple Baptist School – Honorable Mention Award.
Jules Ferrell, Westwood Middle School – Honorable Mention Award.
Voice of Democracy Essay Competition award winners were as follows:
Scotland Stewart, Franklin County High School – 1st place winner from VFW Post 1893, Winchester, 1st place District winner and VFW Department of
Tennessee State winner.
As the VFW State winner, Stewart will receive an all-expense trip to Washington D.C. with other state winners and compete for the National award.
Christopher Rodrigues, Comenius High School – 1st place winner from VFW Post 5109, Lewisburg and 3rd place District winner.
Ruby Lawson, Temple Baptist School – 1st place winner from VFW Post 10904, Manchester and 2nd place District winner.
Hannah Ryan, Temple Baptist School – 2nd place winner from VFW Post 10904, Manchester.
Rylee Bachyrycz, Temple Baptist School – 3rd place winner from VFW Post 10904 and 4th place District winner.
Quentice Robinson, Temple Baptist School – 4th place winner from VFW Post 10904.
Megan Fibelkorn, Temple Baptist School – Honorable Mention Award.
James Farless, Temple Baptist School – Honorable Mention Award.
Hannah Louden, Highland Academy – Honorable Mention Award.
For more information and to stay current on the latest local VFW news, visit their Facebook page or website at Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 10904.
Gayle VanHooser receives the Military Support Appreciation Award from VFW Post Commander Kimberly King and President David King.
