Proudly Serving Those Who Served
P. O. Box 303, 3836 Teays Valley Road
Hurricane, WV 25526, U.S.A.
304-757-9766

VFW Post # 9097  Hosts National VFW Commander Glen Gardner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  - November 19, 2008

Photo above (left to right) Medal of Honor Winner Woody Williams, National VFW Commander-in Chief Glen Gardner, West Virginia VFW Commander Chuck Haney and former State Commander and West Virginia's most decorated veteran Don Kinnard.

Commander Gardner spoke to the members and guests at the Post home and stressed that "the future of veterans service is in the hands of today's Iraq and Afghanistan veterans."  He said "we owe to the men and women serving today the assurance of veterans services for tomorrow."  He then urged veterans to do two things.  "1) go to the VA and file a claim, and  2) as soon as possible, join  a veteran's organization like the VFW to assure that your voice will be heard."

Post #9097 was honored to host a visit by VFW National Commander Glenn Gardner on Tuesday evening November 18, 2008.  Commander Gardner arrived at the Post home on Teays Valley Road around 5:30 p.m. Commander Gardner was greeted by Post Commander Bill Lambert Post members as well as members of the Ladies and Men's Auxiliary.   Commander Gardner was also joined during the visit by West Virginia's only living Medal of Honor Winner Hershel Woodrow 'Woody' Williams.  Mr. Williams was presented the nation's highest honor for service with the 3rd Marine Division at Iwo Jima, February 23, 1945.  Also in attendance were representatives of the State of West Virginia VFW including Chuck Haney and State VFW Quartermaster Don Young along with many other State officers.

Post #9097 Commander Bill Lambert stated, "It is a honor for the Mountaineer Post to welcome the National Commander to the post.  Commander Gardner's job is an important one particularly in regard to the welfare of our nation's veterans and their families.  Mr. Gardner's office as Commander-in-Chief of the 1.6 million member Veterans of Foreign Wars helps to insure the support of our veterans.  We welcome Commander Gardner to Post #9097 in Hurricane."

Post #9097 Commander Lambert informed the Commander-in-Chief of the many community service activities of the Hurricane Post and mentioned the Post Honor Guard.  The Honor Guard has been extremely busy since its reactivation with service at funerals of veterans, honor services at schools and other ceremonies as well as serving as color guard for the recent Veteran's Appreciation Day held on November 9, 2008 at the Putnam County Courthouse.

Commander Gardner's stay included dinner hosted and served by members of VFW Post #9097 Men's and Ladies Auxiliary.

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For additional information please contact Bill Lambert,  VFW Post #9097, Post Commander at  304-757-9766