Post Community Awards
The Post and Auxliaries of the Franklin-Sloan VFW Post in Cary NC presented Community Awards following the dinner on February 17, 2009 which included Patriot's Pen, Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winners, Cititzen Education Teacher Recognition Awards, Junior Naval ROTC VFW Medal, and first responders for the Town's of Apex, Cary and Morrisville.
Annually, we take this occasion to extend our formal recognition to organizations and individual citizens for significant contributions made to our surrounding communities and county. Those individuals which are recognized are individuals who consistently upheld the highest ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and, have demonstrated a strong positive inflenuce on our community.
Throughout America, public servants work around the clock to safeguard the lives and property of others, often without regard for their own well being. Their outstanding contributions, frequently are above and beyond the call of duty, often unnoticed or, at best, are taken for granted.
This year's awards recognized students who chose to participate in the 2008 Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Essay Contests. We had previously presented more than twenty recognization certificates to High School and Junior High School Students who participated. These awards were presented at their local schools.
This event recognized those superior entires that placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen. In addition, we recognized two Citizen Education Teachers who has made a positive impact on their students.
This event would not be possible without community area support including the Police, Fire and EMS Chiefs for the Towns of Apex, Cary and Morrisville NC and the Wake County Sheriff's. Thank you.
The following individuals were receipitants of the VFW Post Award:
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest
1st Place: Sam Blackwell 2nd Place: Haley Strong 3rd Place: Rebecca Passner
Left to right: Post Commander Rick Hagen, Rebecca Passner, Haley Strong, Sam Blackwell and VOD Chairman Michael Patton
Voice of Democracy Audio/Essay Contest
Virgina Shearin
1st Place: Virginia Shearin 2nd Place: Brent Kinser 3rd Place: Laura Kassor
VFW JROTC Medal
Cadet Lieutentant Commander Assir Abushouk, Cary Naval JROTC
Cary High School, Cary, NC
Citizen Education Teacher Award
Col Thomas P. Finnery, USMC Ret. Senior Naval Science Instructor,
Naval JROTC, Cary High School, Cary NC
Ms Lorrie Wilson, Kindergarden, Lincoln Heights Elementary,
Fuquay-Varina NC (not present)
VFW Emerency Medical Service Humanitarian Award
Town of Apex, Mr. Thomas Taylor, Apex Emergency Medical Services
Town of Cary, EMT Ellen Klaenhammer, Cary Emergency Medical Services
VFW Firefigher Service Award
Town of Apex, Captain Jeff Maynard, Apex Fire Department
Town of Cary, Firefighter Ken Gordon, Cary Fire Department
Town of Morrisville, Firefighter Donald Rackely, Morrisville Fire Department
Law Enforcement Officer Award:
Town of Apex, Sergeant Mark Flaugher, Apex Police Department
Town of Cary, Lietuentant Joe Clifton, Cary Police Department
Town of Morrisville, Officer Erik Coonrad, Morrisville Police Department
Wake County, Deputy Christopher Freeman, Wake County Sheriff's Department
Award Recipants, Co-Workers & Post Officers
Cadet LCDR Assir Abushouk & Parents
Deputy Freeman
Officer Coonrad
Jr Vice Mike Strong & Daughter Haley
Captain Maynard & Family
Captain Cohen, Ellen Klaenhammer & Chief Heinrich
