VFW Post No. 5254 and Auxiliary Announce Contest Winners

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. Under their Youth Programs they annually offer the Voice of Democracy audioessay program to high school students and the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest to students in grades 6-8.

Recently the VFW Fayette Memorial Post #5254 and Auxiliary of La Grange announced their winners and awarded prizes. Presentations were made by the Post Contest Chairman Richard Gray, Auxiliary Co-Chairman Mary Gray, Post Commander Andy Kruppa, and Auxiliary President Marilyn Kothmann.

The 2023 Voice of Democracy topic was “Why Is The Veteran Important”. Winners were First Place – Madelyn Kates, La Grange High School, $500; Second Place – Alivia Eindorf, La Grange High School, $100; and Third Place – Kannyn Goehring, Round Top Carmine High School, $100.

The 2023 Patriot’s Pen topic was “My Pledge To Our Veterans.” Winners were First Place Bree Dooley, $100; Second Place Brooklyn Gold, $50; Third Place Madison Markwardt, $50. All three winners were from Round Top Carmine.

VFW Auxiliary member Barbara Brauner was honored for her many years of continuous service to the VFW and Auxiliary. She worked side by side promoting the VFW programs with her husband Frank Brauner while he was living. She is the past AuxiliaryYouth Chairman of the audio-essay program and essay contest and currently still serves as Junior Vice President of the Auxiliary. Barbara was presented a Quilt of Valor by Commander Andy Kruppa, Auxiliary President Marilyn Kothmann, and quilter Kay Marburger.