VFW Post 5184 recognizes three local businesses for patriotic displays ahead of Fourth of July
Members of Russellville-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5184 spent some time July 2nd to recognize three downtown businesses for displaying their dedication to our country just two days before America’s 250th anniversary on July 4th.
The Franklin County Courthouse, Russellville City Hall and Russellville Florist & Gifts each received framed Patriotism Awards recognizing their “efforts and excellence in displaying your dedication to our Nation on its 250th anniversary.”
Post 5184 Post Commander Randy Mancell, Junior Vice Commander Tom Rogers and Post Quartermaster Thomas Miller visited the three locations to present the Patriotism Awards.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ membership requires the applicant to have served in overseas conflict or for at least 30 consecutive days in Korea or Panama.
Post 5184 sets the fourth Thursday of each month at the VFW Building on West Lawrence Street in Russellville, although July’s meeting will be held on the third Thursday due to scheduling conflicts.
Rogers said Post 5184 plans to recognize local businesses each year and he hopes doing so will serve as a motivator for other businesses.
“This is something we want to do every year and encourage other businesses to do this. We hope that will get more people and more businesses involved,” Rogers said.
Post 5184 has 101 members, almost twice as many as when Mancell was named Post Commander last year. At the time, Post 5184 had 56 members.
Mancell served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the United States Army’s 1st Brigade 4th Infantry. Miller is a Vietnam veteran who served in 1969 and 1970. And Rogers served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Post 5184 presented the first award to Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore, County Commissioners Greg Hovater and Tracie Clark and Courthouse employee Bill Cheatham.
Moore, also a combat veteran, expressed his appreciation to Post 5184 and he recognized several others for their assistance in decorating the courthouse.
“I appreciate so much them doing this presentation today. It means a lot to us,” Moore said. “And I want to thank Bill Cheatham, Elaine Mitchell, the entire Franklin County Commission, Andy Gault who ordered the flags and MPE Services for drilling the holes for the hooks to hold the flags and the electrical work on the lights that make the front of the courthouse so beautiful at night.”
Russellville Mayor David Grissom, Russellville Street Department Manager Shannon Wilson and City Clerk Belinda Miller accepted the Patriotism Award on behalf of the City of Russellville.
“We appreciate the efforts of Shannon Wilson, Jamie Reeves and Belinda Miller in making this happen at Russellville City Hall and Post 5184 for promoting patriotism in our community,” Grissom said. “This is a beautiful thing to be able to celebrate our freedom on our nation’s 250th birthday,” Grissom said.
Sparks expressed his appreciation to Nikki Warren of NW Paint in Moulton after receiving the Patriotism Award for Russellville Florist & Gifts.
“She does all our window painting and does a wonderful job,” Sparks said.