VFW Post 2667

Donald Steven Lowery, the first Cowetan to be killed in Vietnam, will be remembered at Memorial Day ceremonies in Newnan. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667 sponsors the annual Memorial Day program. The event will start at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Plaza in the city park at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue. If it rains, the program will take place in the chapel at McKoon Funeral Home, which is adjacent to the park. VFW members distributed Buddy Poppies on Saturday -- with donations going to help needy veterans and their families. Also on Saturday, volunteers worked with VFW members to place American flags on the graves of veterans across the county. Monday's program in Newnan follows a longstanding tradition by the local VFW of "honoring all by remembering one." "This is a way of personalizing, of giving a face and spirit to the names on our honor rolls," said Commander John O'Connor of Post 2667. "If our citizens can gain a sense of the lo...

The Coweta Veterans’ Club, comprised of The American Legion Post 57 and The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667, on Saturday, May 29 th , will place flags on veterans’ graves in major local cemeteries. Dick Dennis, Chairman of the Board of the club, is once again asking for community assistance in this project. "The community support for the past three years has made it easy. The participation of young and old makes this a memorable experience and is a great family tradition. Decorating these veterans’ graves is a wonderful way to teach our young folks that freedom isn't free." According to Dennis, the number of flags to be placed this year will be nearly 2,200. He added, "As I said in previous years, we have an aging membership with many veterans of WWII and Korea, who are physically unable to walk long distances and cannot tolerate the bending and stooping. Civic and fraternal organizations, church groups and individuals are invited to participate. The club will...

The children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 10, 2001 can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009, VA begins accepting applications for the Fry scholarship on May 1, 2010. For more information or assistance applying, call toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551), or visit the VA GI Bill Website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/ . VA estimates nearly 1,500 children will receive benefits under the Fry scholarship program in 2010. Recipients have 15 years to use their benefits, beginning on their 18th birthdays, through their 33rd birthdays. Eligible children attending institutions of higher learning may receive payments to cover their tuition and fees up to the highest amounts charged by a public, in-state undergraduate institution.  A monthly living allowance and stipend for books and supplies are also paid under this program. VA will begin paying benefits under the Fry sch...

Patriotic Cowetans will be gathering at the entrance to Forest Lawn Memorial Park this morning to show honor to fallen soldier Robert W. Collins. Local veterans, led by Dick Stender, have organized the 11 a.m. gathering of people with flags at the Roscoe Road cemetery. The funeral for Collins, who was killed in Iraq on April 7, will be held at 10 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church -- North Campus on New Hope Road in Fayetteville. After the funeral, the procession will move south on Georgia Highway 85 through Fayetteville, then west on Georgia Highway 54 through Peachtree City. In Coweta County, the cortege will move along Highway 34 to the bypass and then to Roscoe Road and Forest Lawn. Collins, who is from Tyrone, was killed in Mosul when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The first lieutenant was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Ft. Stewart, near Savanna...

KANSAS CITY, March 31, 2010 - The national commander of the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans is furious about the recent Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Court decision ordering Albert Snyder, the father of a slain Marine to pay legal costs to the Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., led by Fred Phelps, has for years been taunting grieving mourners at military funerals nationwide. During the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder’s funeral in 2006, the anti-gay group praised the loss of the young Marine as well as other of the nation’s young servicemen and women, calling their deaths a by-product of a nation that tolerates homosexuality. "This is a travesty at best and borders on the obscene," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., of Sussex, Wis. "The irony in this whole situation is that the blood and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes have enabled this group to spread their message of hate. Y...

The first major wave of soldiers from Newnan-based Bravo Company was scheduled to arrive at Fort Stewart near Savannah sometime Wednesday night. The Georgia Army National Guard unit is returning from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. A few soldiers have already arrived in Georgia, and there will be at least two more "waves," said Robert Stokely, co-chairman of the Family Readiness Group for Bravo 2/121. If all goes well, all members of Bravo Company should be stateside by the end of March. Full Story at www.times-herald.com

After Wendell Whitlock returned home following World War II, he used the skills he'd learned in the Navy to build a better Coweta. "Captain" Whitlock, who was involved in Coweta's road department in various capacities from 1948 to 1988, was honored by Coweta's Boy Scouts at the second annual Golden Eagle Dinner. Full article at: Newnan Times-Herald

The Tuskegee Airmen will be the focus of Newnan-Coweta Historical Society program 7 p.m. tonight at the Depot History Center, 60 East Broad Street in downtown Newnan. The program will feature original airmen Hiram Little and Leroy Eley. Admission is free, and there will be coffee and dessert. These two men will relate their experiences as this country's first black airmen during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected escort fighter groups of World War II. During World War II the Tuskegee Airmen had one of the lowest loss records of U.S. bombers by enemy fighters. Their achievements, together with the men and women who supported them, paved the way for full integration of the U.S. Military.

The 2010 Ole Mill NRA Disabled Shooting Sectional will take place at the Spadling County 4-H facility in Griffin, Georgia on Saturday, March 6. The two-day event will begin with an adaptive shooting clinic followed by relays of competition on Sunday, March 7. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony immediately following the matches. The Ole Mill Sectionals will feature competitions in precision 3-position air rifle and international air pistol. Winners in each category will be invited to Colorado Springs, Colorado for Paralympic training at the Olympic Training Center. "We are very excited about Georgia Competitive Shooters, Inc. participation in the 2010 NRA National Disabled Indoor Sectional Championships," said Disabled Shooting Manager Vanessa Warner. "We're looking forward to introducing competitive shooting to individuals with physical disabilities in the Metro Atlanta area." Disabled Shooting Sectionals are open to those with disabilities in t...

VFW Post 2667, the Coweta Veterans Club, and American Legion Post 57 are hosting a blood drive on Monday, August 24th, from Noon till 5:30. The drive will be held at the Veterans Club on Highway 29. If at all possible, please sign-up beforehand by calling 770-251-6949. Even if you don't sign-up early, show up at the Veterans Club on Monday the 24th to give this precious gift. All blood types are needed.

Commander John O'Connor Sr. Vice Commander Jeff Carroll Jr. Vice Commander Glenn Flake Quartermaster John Skinner Adjutant Dick Stender Chaplain David Jessel Trustee: 3-Year Dick Dennis Trustee: 2-Year Ron Freese Trustee: 1-Year Bobby Hammond Service Officer Joe Smith

VFW Post 2667 in Newnan is hosting its 2nd Annual $10 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Shrimp and Crawfish Boil on June 20 from Noon to 4 PM. The Boil will be at the Coweta Veterans Club on Highway 29. Children eat for $7. The Shrimp Boil is a fund-raising event supporting community service activities and some of the proceeds will go to the Family Readiness Group of the recently deployed 48th. The Southern Pride band will play live starting at 2:00. This band has opened for Brad Paisley and is scheduled to open for Kid Rock & Lynard Skynard. There will be door prizes and activities including limbo and corn hole games. Pull our your Hawaiian shirt and come on down to support local veterans.

Newnan's new Veterans Memorial Plaza will be dedicated May 25 during the annual Memorial Day program. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667 will conduct the community Memorial Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. Guest speaker will be John Gwizdak, VFW past national commander. Gwizdak, a retired Army officer, is a Vietnam veteran. He has been the featured speaker at similar events held all across the nation and has for 25 years been a champion for veterans programs here in Georgia. A short musical program will be presented by Northside Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Miss Joan Nelms. VFW Commander Jeff Carroll said this year's program will pay homage to every name on the community Honor Rolls that will be the plaza centerpiece. "This is a change from our normal ceremonies, which for each of the last 12 years has honored one of Coweta's war dead," said Carroll. "This year, while we remember those men, we celebrate this wonderful community achievement t...

ATLANTA - There is an under-used, special monthly pension benefit available to Georgia's wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance. "Many wartime veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the federally mandated limit for a basic VA pension may still be eligible for pension at the higher housebound or Aid and Attendance rate," points out Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler. "Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility." The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to any wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities. "Especially helpful if they have large medical expenses that they may not receive reimbursement," noted Commissioner Wheeler. For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for ...

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced 3,174 Veterans have already been notified of the results of testing they underwent recently, that testing was conducted because of improperly reprocessed endoscopy equipment that may have been used in their care. These Veterans, in the Tennessee, Georgia and South Florida areas were among 10,555 Veterans sent letters offering free testing. VA patients, who believe that they may have been exposed to cross contamination, were patients that received endoscopic procedures at the VA’s Murfreesboro, TN, facility from April 2003 to December 2008 and the VA’s Augusta, GA, hospital from January 2008 to November 2008 and the VA’s Miami hospital from May 2004 to March 2009. As of April 1, 2009, 17 veterans have tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or the Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) Virus. Five Veterans tested positive for Hepatitis B virus; eleven for Hepatitis C; and one for HIV. Of the positive test results, eleven ...

The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the preliminary stages of designing a medallion (IAW Public Law 110-57, December 2007) to be affixed to an existing privately-purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran. VA estimates the new medallion will be available in the summer of 2009. If requested, this new product can be furnished in lieu of the traditional headstone or marker. This benefit is only applicable if the grave is marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker. In these instances, eligible veterans are entitled to either a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker, or the new medallion, but not both. SOURCE: www.cem.va.gov/hm/hmtype.asp

Come see the Southern Pride band at the Coweta Veterans Club Friday night, April 17th. Just $5 cover to hear great music! Band starts @ 8:00 pm.

On April 13, Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Bravo Company Second Battalion will leave Newnan on the first leg of their deployment to Afghanistan. The community is encouraged to show support by lining the streets of Newnan to see them off. The company will travel to Camp Shelby, Miss., on April 13. The brigade will remain in Mississippi until the end of May/beginning of June, at which time they will deploy to Afghanistan. Approximately 130 soldiers are attached to the local brigade, which is based in Newnan at the Jackson-Pless National Guard Armory next to Newnan High School. Their mission abroad during the year-long tour will be to train and mentor the Afghan National Army. Roughly half of the 130 soldiers went with the brigade to Iraq in 2005. According to Newnan Police Chief Douglas L. "Buster" Meadows, the unit is scheduled to depart the armory at 10 a.m. -- though that time is subject to change -- and the route will take them to the Court ...

The Coweta Veteran's Club annual golf tournament, held this fall, was successful in raising $4,000 in support of Community Welcome House. The club, consisting of the members of the American Legion Post 57 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667, has sponsored the event for four years. Proceeds are part of the club's community outreach charity donations. "We live here and want to be a serving spirit to our city and county." said Chairman Dick Dennis. "While our principal effort is to help veterans and families of veterans, we feel that Welcome House touches the lives of everyone. We sincerely appreciate the support of the players and our business partners who make our tournament successful." Welcome House Director Linda Kirkpatrick received the donation. "The Veterans' Club serves as a great example of caring organizations, who unselfishly give of themselves to help the spouses and children who are victims of abuse and neglect," said Kirkpatr...

These proposed changes could have a significant impact to retirees... WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- The Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation has recommended fee changes to Tricare, the military's health system. The recommendations would mostly affect retirees and will not affect active-duty servicemembers or their dependents, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Jan D. "Denny" Eakle, the director of the study, said in a Pentagon briefing Aug. 5. "Retiree fees ought to relate to how much the plan is worth," she said. "The... higher-value plans should have higher premiums associated with them." The panel believes fees need to be fair to all retired military members, General Eakle said. "They ought to reflect how much income an individual has, so that if they make more money and are therefore better able to pay for a system, they should do so," she said. The full article is available at www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle/aspx?id=50705

There will NOT be a Post meeting in June as it conflicts with the State VFW Convention in Macon. There will NOT be a meeting in June. Our next scheduled meeting will be a family breakfast on July 12th. Thanks for an excellent year and for all you do to support the VFW so that the VFW can support veterans, the military, and the community.

Jack Lucas, who forged his mother's signature on an enlistment document so he could join the military at 14 during World War II and who became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, has died. He was 80. Lucas, who was diagnosed with leukemia in April, died Thursday at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss., after asking to be removed from a dialysis machine, said Mary Draughn, a close friend. Three years after joining the Marines, Lucas was stationed at a supply depot in Hawaii when he stowed away on a ship headed to Iwo Jima because he was afraid he would never see combat, he later recalled. On Feb. 20, 1945 -- six days after he turned 17 -- Lucas was fighting Japanese soldiers in a trench during the Battle of Iwo Jima when he dived on top of two grenades and pushed them deep into the beach's volcanic ash to shield three other Marines from harm. More on the article at www.LATimes.com

Post Winner* Miss Casey McCully Soaring Eagles Co-Op Runner-Up* Miss Sarah Mitchell Newnan High School 3rd Place Miss Kiren Ali Woodward Academy * Entry submitted to the District 4 Voice of Democracy competition. As part of a new program this year, Miss McCully, as the Post Voice of Democracy winner, was invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the Newnan Memorial Day ceremony. Miss McCully placed first in the District 4 Voice of Democracy competition and her entry was forwarded to the Department contest. Miss Mitchell's audio essay placed second in the District 4 competition.