Sons of AMVETS Squadron 7 “Golden Son Awards”
by Jim Houck, Jr.
Friday, July 14, 2017, 6:00 p.m., AMVETS Post 7, Thurmont, was the date, time, and place set to hold the annual “Golden Son Awards” program. I, being the public relations officer for I don’t remember how many years now, was there to take photos of the event and to record in our historical archives. I would like to tell you that I was all primed and ready to go since the beginning of the week, but that would be a lie. The truth of the matter is, I had forgotten. It’s a good thing I have a friend by the name of Dick Fleagle to remind me of the important events. Dick called me on Wednesday and asked if I was going to be there to take photos, and I said yes, just like I knew what he was talking about. Then I blew it, I went and asked him what time it was to start. If that wasn’t bad enough, I even asked where it was being held. Dick told me the time and place, and then I suppose it dawned on him: If I didn’t know the time and place, I probably didn’t have a clue what is was for. Dick refreshed my memory as to why I was going to take photos. I thanked him and told him that Joan (my wife) and I would be there.
The “Golden Son Awards” is the way Sons of AMVETS (SOA) Squadron 7 shows a person how much we appreciate him for all he does for everyone at AMVETS Post 7. The award can be presented to anyone that is deemed worthy and is not only confined to SOA members.
Joan and I arrived at Post 7 at 5:00 p.m. and joined the folks already there setting up for the event. Everything was ready and in place by starting time at 6:00 p.m. Mark Zienda, Squadron 7 Commander for 2017-2018, took the podium and called things to order. Commander Zienda explained that, first, the Golden Son Awards would be presented; second, Squadron 7’s scholarship awards would be handed out; third, there would be two drawings held for meat packs, one for $500 and one for $250. He also asked everyone to stay after for some food and refreshments. Mark asked Joe Forrest, Squadron 7 Immediate Past Commander, to present the awards, as Joe was commander when nominations and those elected to receive were selected. Joe called Willy Plumer as the first recipient of the award. Willy was awarded posthumously, as he had passed on and his wife, Becky, came forward to accept the beautiful plaque. Willy fried the catfish for a lot of fish fries. The second award went to Becky Plumer, and was well deserved for all the time and effort she put into helping the Sons at their events (Becky keeps all of our volunteers well tuned with her rum cake; it is the best). Joe called Joyce Fleagle to receive the third award, and she really deserved the recognition for all the help she gives to everyone. The fourth award went to a person that keeps all the gears of AMVETS Squadron 7 well oiled and up and running and is very deserving of the recognition: none other than our own 1st Vice Dick Fleagle. Thanks to all of the recipients for all you have done and continue to do, such terrific service.
The next part of the program was presenting SOA Squadron 7 scholarship awards. This year, two $500 scholarships were awarded. Joe announced the first winner as Allyson Smith and the second winner of the scholarship award was Ryan Lookingbill.
The final part of the program was the drawing for a choice of a meat package or cash. The value of the awards were $500 for first prize and $250 for second prize. Allyson Smith drew the first prize winner’s name as Chad Helwig from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Ryan Lookingbill drew the second prize winner’s name as Richard L. Fleagle from Alabama.
Congratulations to all the winners!
God Bless the United States of America, God Bless the American Veteran, and God Bless You.
Pictured from left are Joyce Fleagle, Savannah Masser, Joyce and Dick’s great-granddaughter; Dick Fleagle; and Becky Plumer.
Pictured from left are Joe Forrest and Allyson Smith.
Pictured from left are Joe Forrest and Ryan Lookingbill.
Photos by Jim Houck, Jr.
