| VFW
holds awards ceremony
Cottonwood VFW Post 4902 held their awards meeting Saturday, March 14 at the Keuterville Hall. They presented awards for their teacher of the year, Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests as well as several milestone pins to VFW members. Travis Mader received the post’s teacher of the year award. He also won at the District and State levels. Mattie Lustig, daughter of Bob and April Lustig, was the winner of the Patriot’s Pen award and was asked to read her winning essay. Leann Lightfield, daughter of Ron and Heather Lightfield, was second and Tony Goeckner, son of Stephen and Deanna Goeckner took third. Josh Lustig, son of Domie and Gina Lustig, was the Voice of Democracy winner and was asked to give his winning speech. He also won at the District level and was second at state. If he had taken first at state it would have lead to a very tough decision as the national competition in Washington D.C. was the same weekend as the boys state basketball tournament where Lustig was a starter for Summit Academy. Molly Schwartz, daughter of Jared and Annmarie Schwartz, was second and Chaye Uptmor, daughter of Roger and Chris Uptmor, was third. Uptmor was the only one unable to attend. Several VFW members received milestone pin awards for membership in the VFW. 5 year pins when to Henry Dasenbrock, Jeno Hankerson, Andrea Schumacher Swikoski and Loren Crea. 20 year pins went to Jim Schumacher and Jimmy Steinke. Ron Schnider received a 25 year pin. Paul Goedert received a 30 year pin. 45 year pins went to Lee Rehder and Tom Nuttman. Finally, Vince Poxleitner and Harold Schacher each received a 60 year pin. Several Lifetime Member certificates were also presented even though some have been a lifetime member for quite a few years already. In addition to the local VFW members, several state and district officers were also in attendance. They included the State Commander, Bob Wayment with his wife Kathy; the State Senior Vice-Commander Rick Johnson and his wife Veronica (also a local member); the State Junior Vice Commander Terry Thomas and his wife Lori; State Chaplain Chad Miller and his wife Jody; State Judge Advocate and Membership Chairman Denny Croner; National Counsel Representative and Past State Commander John Crottinger and his wife Sherry; District 2 Commander Rockey Davis and his wife Shirley and Past State Commander Ken Alsterlund and his wife Pam.
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