The Veterans of Foreign Wars held their annual Christmas dinner and awards celebration in Thayne on December 14, offering dinner to all veterans and their families. In addition to providing dinner, the VFW presented guests with awards and door prizes. Veteran Darren Pocock won the Quilt of Valor, which is given only to veterans, and must meet very stringent design specifications. Pocock’s quilt was built by Barbara Bates. Additional awards were presented to the VFW’s four winners of the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Educator Teacher Award, which included Annette Matijczyk (TES), Joseph Semadeni (OES), Artie Johnson (SVMS) and McKay Young (SVHS). Voice of Democracy

Speech Contest Winner Brooklyn Bach and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest Winner Keladry Johnson also accepted their awards. Patriot’s Pen Contest participants also included Anniston Schwab, Mataya Anderson, Adrie Kennington, Pipa Wendricks, Enoch Scharmann, Ryker Merritt and Ryker Heiner. Voice of Democracy participants also included Rebeka Rodriguez, Johana Solis Juarez, Kyson Finch. Winners are pictured here with VFW Star Valley Post 4797 Commander Jerry Lainhart.