Ava VFW and Auxiliary Honors Service and Sacrifice
Photo Caption:VFW Post 5993 and Auxiliary members set up outside their post at 102 East Washington to pass out candy during Halloween festivities. The group is active year round in supporting veterans and community outreach.
The G L Adrain Owen VFW Post 5993 and its Auxiliary continue their mission to honor veterans, support families and strengthen community engagement as the fall season brings multiple opportunities for service.
In recent months, Auxiliary members partnered with local fourth graders to teach flag etiquette and assisted the home school community with a flag retirement ceremony at the Ava Fire Department. The group also honored first responders on September 11 and expanded the community Military Tribute Banner program with 100 banners now displayed throughout Ava in recognition of local veterans. A banner reveal event was held in May to welcome the newest honorees.
Looking ahead, the Post will reopen sales after January 1 for up to 50 additional Military Tribute Banners, which will increase the display to 150 banners city wide. Additional information will be printed in the newspaper leading up to that campaign.
This year, Post 5993 is placing increased emphasis on raising awareness for the VFW National Home for Children, a project long supported by the organization. The National Home provides safe, stable housing and essential resources for military and veteran families transitioning into civilian life.
“This is not a handout, but a handup,” said Auxiliary Secretary and Treasurer Gail Huffman. “Veterans who need support are given a program that helps them get back on their feet.”
The Auxiliary will share an informational video about the National Home during the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Veterans Day.
Volunteers will place flags around Ava beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Veterans Day. “We will place flags around town on Tuesday, Veterans Day, at 0630 hours,” said Post Adjutant Tommy Roberts. “If you can help, please come by.” Members will then support the 11 a.m. Veterans Day ceremony at the Ava Cemetery alongside the American Legion. Flags will be taken down at approximately 3 p.m.
The public is invited to join the Chamber of Commerce for chili and soups after the cemetery ceremony. Everyone is welcome, especially veterans and their families.
That evening, the VFW Post meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at 102 East Washington in Ava. The Post maintains a regular schedule of meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, November 13, members will visit Bradleyville School to present the Missing Man Table Ceremony during the school Veterans Day event. That evening, the Auxiliary meeting will begin at 6 p.m., following its regular schedule of the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Post and Auxiliary members also complete a rotating flag route on major holidays including Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day and New Year’s Day to honor those who serve. Local businesses interested in participating may contact any VFW Post member for details.
The Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place on December 13 at 10 a.m. at the Ava Cemetery with nearly 500 wreaths to be placed in honor of local veterans. Sponsorships of $17 per wreath are available through November 28. For more information online, visit: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/186855/overview
After wreath placement, volunteers are invited to warm up on the Ava Square and enjoy festivities with Santa as part of Christmas on the Square.
The Auxiliary also plans to provide Christmas gifts to residents at the Ava Place and Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home, continuing their commitment to care for veterans and families throughout the year.
Auxiliary officers for 2025 through 2026 include President Anita Holt, Senior Vice President Katrina Holt, Junior Vice President Kim Colson, Secretary and Treasurer Gail Huffman, Chaplain Lynda Meacham, Conductor Mike Colson, Guard Lou Fugate, Patriotic Instructor Christy Rawlins, Historian Lynda Meacham and Trustees Anita Madche, Eileen Richards and Katrina Holt.
Committee chairmen include Americanism, Auxiliary Outreach, Buddy Poppy and National Home, Hospital, Legislative, Membership, Scholarships, Veterans and Family Support and Youth Activities.
VFW Post 5993 officers include Commander Billy Joe Holt, Senior Vice Commander Geoff Hartley, Junior Vice Commander Scott Adams, Quartermaster Gene Clark, Adjutant Tommy Roberts, Chaplain Jerry Johnson and Veterans Benefit Officer Ray Madche.
Representing the region at a higher level, District 18 Commander is Gale Fugate and District 18 Auxiliary President is Gail Huffman. Huffman also noted that her husband, Scott Huffman, serves as the Senior Vice Commander for the State of Missouri, connecting Ava to veteran support efforts statewide.
The Auxiliary clarified membership eligibility for those interested in joining. Individuals may join VFW Post 5993 if they are United States citizens with honorable military service including active duty, reserves or retired and if they received a campaign or expeditionary medal for overseas service or served 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea or received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. Those wishing to join the VFW Auxiliary must be an immediate family member of a qualifying veteran including spouses, children and step family members who want to serve and support the mission. Anyone interested in membership may contact a VFW Post 5993 member for assistance getting started.
The Ava VFW shared a message of unity reminding the community that we are one flag, one land, one heart, and one hand. One nation evermore. They emphasized their belief that we make a life by what we give: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
“There is always room for more helping hands,” the post stated. “If you served, you belong here. The VFW is for you and needs you.”
