ROCKINGHAM — Many people including several VFW state officials arrived Saturday, Aug. 3 to join the celebration at VFW Post 4203. Not only was it the Post’s 79th birthday, but they had recently received All-American for the fourth year in a row.
VFW Post Commander Eddie Dean and County Commissioner and VFW Auxiliary President Robin Roberts opened the event speaking of the Post’s accomplishments and mission. Afterwards there was a prayer, and a meal was served.
“This is our fourth consecutive year of receiving the All-American award,” said Dean. “The former commander told me that we could never make All American because the states we were competing against had 3,000 to 4,000 members, and we only had 120 members at that time; we currently have 201 members. We proved them wrong.”
(Editor’s note: The VFW issued a press release that insinuated that the award went to Dean. Click here to read the release.)
“I don’t operate alone as I have an awesome staff, members, and a very strong auxiliary,” Dean said, to clarify the wording of the press release.
“We made All-American because we all work together with the same goal in mind,” said Roberts. “Our motto is ‘Unwavering support for uncommon heroes.'”
Local Quartermaster Vernon Labore organized the event with the help of the auxiliary and the post, and Senior Vice Tim Grooms was also part of the event.
Department Sr. Vice Commander Edward Beard and Jr. Vice Commander Mickey Biggs, both from Raleigh, and State Auxiliary President Sandra Jeffries traveled to be part of the special celebration. They all spoke proudly of the Post receiving the award as well as being impressed by the unity of all involved.
“It is definitely an honor to receive the All-American award,” Beard said. “It’s the highest award that a post commander can receive for their accomplishment throughout the year, and it’s definitely an honor to receive the award for four years in a row.”
“It is an accomplishment for the 4203 Post to be here for 79 years of the 125 years that the VFW has been in existence worldwide,” said Biggs. “Posts like this are an integral part of the VFW. They help connect us with local community and local veterans. The local posts help us in our mission to help veterans by being able to file claims with the VA at no cost to them. This makes sure the veterans get the service and benefits that they have earned and deserved throughout their service to our country.”
Jeffries proudly mentioned the unity she witnessed with the Post: “I am so impressed to see how the VFW and the Auxiliary have come together as one team. That is our goal for the 2024-2025 year. I see strong unity here.”
The family day event also included a giant waterslide for the children as well as gift bags, drawings for prizes, and a cake walk. Live music was also provided as the Eddie Jacobs Band played throughout the event.
Thank you cards were available for anyone to fill out and will be included in care packages sent to troops later this year.
For more information on the post, visit VFW Post 4203-Rockingham on Facebook.
