January 13, 2024

VFW Post 6464  & Auxiliary

2023-2024

Annual Awards Banquet

Patriot’s Pen,

Voice of Democracy

Teacher of the Year 

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Emergency Medical Treatment of the Year

Table of Content

1.  Welcome: 

b. Pledge to the Flag

c. Chaplain Dave Roddy Blessing of the Meal

d. Release Banquet attendees for dinner.

2.  Introduction Guest Speaker, Presenters & Chairmen

3.  Introduction of Dignitaries’

4  Introduction of Guest Speaker

5.  Patriot’s Pen Awards

a.  Julia Itzamara Lesniak  Third Place Winner

b.  Logan M. Sweet Second Place Winner

c.  Grace Mae Schneider First Place Winner

6.  Voice of Democracy Awards

7.  Recognition of Parents

8.  Teacher of the Year

a. Jennifer Johnson, Natalie Kreeger Elementary School

b. Jill Thomas, Fowlerville High School

9.  Guest Speakers First Responders Speech

10.  Safety Awards

11.  VFW Post 6464, Chaplain Dave Roddy:  Closing Prayer

12.  This concludes our ceremony.  Winners, please stand by for pictures.

 

Welcome

I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to our award winners, their families, the VFW and Auxiliary Members to our 2023-2024 Annual Awards Banquet honoring Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Emergency Medical Treatment of the Year.

I would ask our Post Chaplain Dave Roddy, to give the Opening prayer.

Please Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States.

Post Chaplain will now provide the Blessing of this Meal.

Please help yourselves to Salad and Refreshments.  Meal is served.  (30 Minutes for Meal)

Introduction of Guest Speaker, Presenters & Chairmen

Guest Speaker:   Gerald Gorski, Past, National Council of Administration Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Dave Roddy: Post 6464 Chaplin

Steve Whitney:  Post Senior Vice Commander

George Wygant, Post Quartermaster/Adjutant, VFW Post 6464 chairman for Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, and Teacher of the Year.

Ron Weinstein, Post Service Officer, VFW Post 6464 Safety Chairmen.

Lynn Steward, Auxiliary Chairman for Americanism (Teacher of the Year)

Carol Johnson, Auxiliary Co-Chairman for Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy.

Introduction of Dignitaries’

Past National Council of Administration:  Gerald Gorski

Past State Commander for the Department of Michigan:  Gerald Gorski

Past District Commander 5th District:  Gerald Gorski

Past District Commander 6th District:  George Wygant

Past Auxiliary President 6th District:  Heather Shepherd

Past Post Commander, VFW Post 7309:  George Wygant

Auxiliary President 6464:  Tony Ogden

Past Auxiliary President 6464:  Carol Johnson

Principle Williamston Middle School:  Debra LaFluer

Ingham County Sheriff:  Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth

 

Introduction of Guest Speaker

Our Guest Speaker tonight is Gerald Joseph Gorski, National Council of Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States: His biography follows:

Biograph Gerald Gorski

                                                 Gerald Joseph Gorski

                                   Past National Council of Administration

                            Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Gerald Joseph Gorski was elected to a four-year term on the VFW's National Council of Administration on July 24, 2019, at the 120th VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fla., representing the Department of Michigan.

Jerry served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in the Dominican Republic. In recognition of his service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

He joined the VFW in 2006 at Post 6756 in Center Line, Mich., later transferring to Post 2645 in Southfield, Mich., where he maintains his Gold

Legacy Life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, Council, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as Department Commander in 2016. Jerry served as the Chairman of the Big Ten Conference for 2018-2019. On the National level, he has served as Aide-De-Camp, served on the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, General Resolutions Committee, as Chairman of the Programs Committee, and on the Veterans Service Resolutions Committee.

Jerry completed the Dale Carnegie Effective Speaking and Human Relations course in 1972, received his Associate of Arts degree from Macomb County Community College in 1983, Associate in Applied Science from the School of Business and Management at Purdue University in 1990, Bachelor of Science from the School of Business and

Management at Purdue University in 1992, and Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 

He is a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, VFW National Home for Children, VFW Camp Trotter for Children, Catholic War Veterans, and the Polish League of American Veterans, and is a Freemason

Jerry volunteers as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica Catholic Church in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Jerry resides in Southfield, Michigan

 

Gerald Gorski Speech  for Patriots Pen, Voice of Democracy & Teacher of the Year

"Comrades, Auxiliary members, distinguished educators, proud parents and guests, thank you all for being here as we recognize the amazing accomplishments of the real VIP guests here tonight … the inspiring and impressive middle and high school Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Winners.  Let’s give these exceptional young people a big round of applause for all they’ve accomplished.

I’d like to begin by thanking Post Commander Butch Ogden, Post Quartermaster George Wygant and Auxiliary President Tonya Ogden for inviting me to take part in this very special evening.   Serving Those That Served, this year’s theme, is one you folks are really living up to here at VFW 6464 Fowlerville. Congratulations!

Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento urged you to "Meet the Challenge” this year, and from the amazing things I’ve heard and seen, you are accomplishing it here in Fowlerville, it’s clear everyone in this room is up to the challenge. It’s amazing how three simple words can speak so well to who we are and what we do as an organization. Hopefully, those three words will serve to inspire us to even bigger and better things in the months ahead.

It is with immense pride and great honor that we gather here today to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our young contestants, who through their thoughtful and inspiring words have proven that as future leaders of our great nation, we will be in very capable hands. 

When I read this year’s essay entries answering the Voice of Democracy theme "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy,” and Patriot’s Pen theme "How Are You Inspired by America,” I was more impressed than I thought possible by the thoughtful, insightful and eloquent writings of our nation’s youth. Their ability to demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for patriotism and the values our country was founded on is truly inspiring. Their words serve as a true beacon of hope for our future.  

As a very important part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth audio-essay scholarship programs are more than competitions. With hundreds of thousands of high school and middle school students participating every year, our programs are universally recognized as among the finest and most generous scholarship programs in the nation … providing an amazing platform for our youth to articulate their thoughts, aspirations and dreams for America. 

I believe that unfortunately, today’s youth are often given a bad rap. Too often we hear about entitled and disconnected youth, and what we don’t hear enough about is how day in, day out, there are countless young people … the majority of young people … doing so many good and inspiring things. Young people who are leaders in their school, who volunteer their time for others and their communities, and who get involved in making the world around themselves a better place. 

Our youth essay programs ensure that for those who enter them, the message of America – the true voice of our youth – is not lost. And today, we celebrate not only these Post winners, but all the students who compete in our contests. Every essay submitted was a testament to the curiosity and emotional investment that young people bring to the table. In a world that is often filled with ugliness, their essays were a beautiful reminder that the values and beliefs that have sustained our nation for nearly 250 years still ring true today. 

To our young winners here tonight, you have left me awestruck with your reflections on the essence of our democratic process, the power of a single voice, and the vital importance of civic activism.

Your passion for liberty, freedom and the desire to ensure the sacrifices of America’s veterans are not forgotten has renewed my faith in America’s future. You have eloquently expressed your thoughts on what it means to be an American citizen, on the significance of our democracy, and the responsibility that comes with protecting what we hold dear. Your words aren’t just essays on paper; they are the real building blocks to a brighter future for our country. 

 The success of our Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs rests on the VFW and its Auxiliary members who do so much of the work; on the Principals and Teachers who work it into their already full curriculums; and finally, the students themselves. It’s their interest that keeps the programs going, and in time, that interest will manifest in the form of leadership … the leadership needed to keep our nation strong.

And we cannot forget those who volunteer their time as Judges. I must say, I sincerely appreciate the Judges’ efforts. Since I have been a Judge from time to time in this program, I can tell you from experience, selecting the best of the best is an arduous task considering how thoughtful and heartfelt all of the submissions are. 

Of all our VFW programs, I truly believe none give us a better view of what the future holds than the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests. The young people we honor today are the future of our country.  What they are today, America will be tomorrow. These are young people whose hopes, dreams and aspirations will form our future, and tonight, I am honored to be here to celebrate their success. Congratulations to all of this year’s programs participants on a job well done, and for the honor you have shown to America’s Veterans by completing the Voice of Democracy or Patriot’s Pen mission.”

VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary announces the 2023-2024 post winners for Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy and Teacher of the Year.  This year the Post solicited entries at the Fowlerville Fair, Livingston County Vets Fest, Homeschooled and the following School Districts; Fowlerville, Webberville, Williamston, Howell.

Patriot’s Pen

Results of the Patriot’s Pen competition are as follows; four school districts were invited to participate with three school districts participating.  Six applications were received and judged.  

Julia Itzamara Lesniak was our Third-Place winner from Williamston Middle School, Williamston,  Michigan.  She  is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $100, Third Place Certificate and a plaque.

As I sit in class bored out of my mind feeling no inspiration to finish my math test.  I stared blankly at the wall, then at the floor, finally gazing up at the American flag.  I thought about our history and wars we’ve fought.  Then I suddenly was transported into a ship.  I recognized this island.  We are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean right now.  I’m close to Midway Island.  I hear a ratatat.  I look over and see an American marine shooting a Japanese ship.  I realize I’m in world Warr two.  As my sergeant yells at my crew mates to keep our ship from sinking, I see a missile go through our ship.   I notice the water in our ship is getting higher and higher by the second. Then I grab a bucket and start pouring the water back into the ocean.  The water fills up our boat.  I watch as my crew mates are recklessly shooting torpedo after torpedo.  As I see a Japanese sailor shooting at a boat.  I see the water rising slowly but surely rising.  It starts to topple over like a toy boat in a sink.  The long and harsh battle carries on it feels like I ‘m not going to survive this.  I don’t understand how anyone can survive this.  Time passes on slowly but surely.  I see more ships sinking and falling to the ocean floor.  All of us stress that our life is on the line.  We know we will win this battle not matter what it would take.  I hear the whooshing of the Japanese airplanes overhead.  I see American planes dropping torpedoes on Japanese ships.  One after another the Japanese ships and planes are being destroyed.  Then the Americans feel a sudden urge of hope and happiness.  We keep on fighting; we destroy more ships and planes.  As the last ships retreat.  We all cry in happiness.  Not only did we win but Japan hasn’t lost a battle overseas in a thousand years and we just absolutely destroyed them!  After all that hard work I finally got transported back into my classroom.  I gaze up one again at the flag, thinking about the veterans who fought tirelessly in the war.  America inspires me because of all the hard things the veterans do just to get our freedom. Their sacrifices are beyond immortal.

Logan M. Sweet was our second-place winner from Fowlerville Junior High School, he is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $200, Second Place Certificate and a plaque.  

As I sit in class bored out of my mind feeling no inspiration to finish my math test.  I stared blankly at the wall, then at the floor, finally gazing up at the American flag.  I thought about our history and wars we’ve fought.  Then I suddenly was transported into a ship.  I recognized this island.  We are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean right now.  I’m close to Midway Island.  I hear a ratatat.  I look over and see an American marine shooting a Japanese ship.  I realize I’m in world Warr two.  As my sergeant yells at my crew mates to keep our ship from sinking, I see a missile go through our ship.   I notice the water in our ship is getting higher and higher by the second. Then I grab a bucket and start pouring the water back into the ocean.  The water fills up our boat.  I watch as my crew mates are recklessly shooting torpedo after torpedo.  As I see a Japanese sailor shooting at a boat.  I see the water rising slowly but surely rising.  It starts to topple over like a toy boat in a sink.  The long and harsh battle carries on it feels like I ‘m not going to survive this.  I don’t understand how anyone can survive this.  Time passes on slowly but surely.  I see more ships sinking and falling to the ocean floor.  All of us stress that our life is on the line.  We know we will win this battle not matter what it would take.  I hear the whooshing of the Japanese airplanes overhead.  I see American planes dropping torpedoes on Japanese ships.  One after another the Japanese ships and planes are being destroyed.  Then the Americans feel a sudden urge of hope and happiness.  We keep on fighting; we destroy more ships and planes.  As the last ships retreat.  We all cry in happiness.  Not only did we win but Japan hasn’t lost a battle overseas in a thousand years and we just absolutely destroyed them!  After all that hard work I finally got transported back into my classroom.  I gaze up one again at the flag, thinking about the veterans who fought tirelessly in the war.  America inspires me because of all the hard things the veterans do just to get our freedom. Their sacrifices are beyond immortal.

Grace Mae Schneider, from Perry Middle School, Perry, Michigan,  and was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary First Place winner and has Advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Grace Schneider, is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $300, First Place Certificate and a plaque.

 

America is truly an inspirational country. Ever since the colonists rebelled against the British, America has inspired underdogs around the world with our grit and determination. Americans value equality of all people, and have tried to help other countries do the same. The thought of Patrick Henry willing to give his life up for freedom is so patriotic. American veterans are risking their lives daily promising Americans liberty. How people fought so hard for many years to be able to vote.

I have a hard time grasping the concept that women around the world have few job options to choose. It disturbs me that even the great America only gave women few options in the recent past. It seems unfair that women in some countries are still not allowed the rights we have today. When I was younger, I read an abridged version of "Little Women”. I remember as I read the beginning, I hated that Jo couldn’t join the army, or become a writer. I remember getting frustrated at Aunt March for telling Jo to marry rich, or become an actress. There’s nothing wrong about getting married or becoming an actress; it just shocked me that it was the only option for women. I’m so lucky to live in America, where women can try to do anything, they want. Everyone regardless of race, gender, differently abled, and so forth can contribute to society.

America’s history has changed significantly over the years. It’s honestly amazing how it went from a new country, unknown and undiscovered to the America we know! America sets the world standards. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution created the significancy of America. It gave us our freedom of speech, our right of due process, freedom of press, freedom of religion, and so much more. The founders knew other countries were not granting these freedoms, but God had already granted them to everyone.

How fast America has grown, and prospered is amazing. It honestly inspires me to thrive into my own American dream. How those small groups of colonists turned into states, and how those states turned into a country. What truly inspires me is how those colonists were regular people, and how those people came together despite their differences. That’s why I love America. No matter how strange, odd, or different you are in the end everyone comes together as one. It truly is a melting pot, the great experiment. 

 

Voice of Democracy

Results of the Voice of Democracy competition are as follows; four school districts invited to participate with one school districts participating.  1 application was received and judged.

Morgan R. Thomas from Fowlerville High School, Fowlerville, Michigan was our First-Place winner.  She is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $500, First-Place Certificate and a plaque.

 

The legendary men that laid the foundation for this country set Americans up for a bright future. However, is not easy to be an American. Why would we want it that way? Our citizens must be present, be critical, big thinkers, and continue a long-standing tradition of that which is America. It is the hard work that Americans put in that brings out the best attributes of our democracy. Our foundation was set forth for us by those who dared to dream big. Why would we not also choose to do so in their honor?

The freedoms that we have as Americans are one of our greatest attributes. Many of these freedoms were protected by the founding fathers in the Bill of Rights, a document that continues to protect those same vital freedoms today. The First Amendment protects the freedom of religion, which so many early settlers came to America to have. The right to believe in the god that you are called to believe in and the protection against the government ever establishing a national religion allows people to practice their religion in ways that are generationally imbedded into their lives and families. Freedom of speech is also protected in the First Amendment. Can you imagine a world where everyone looked the same? Where everyone has the same haircut, clothes, house, phone case or shoes? Our freedom of speech guarantees not just the freedom of speech, it also includes expression. It is what allows us to be different, but to still be American.

Hard work is another attribute of American democracy. American democracy has been described by some as advanced citizenship. You can't just sit back and watch our democracy. You must participate. How people engage with our democracy can look vastly different, however everyone is capable of contributing. For some brave Americans, military service is how they are called to participate in American Democracy. Our servicemen and women work hard every day to help keep America and its citizens safe. Others work hard trying to attain their American Dreams. Having jobs, families, homes, and responsibilities are all part of adulthood in America. I am sure we can agree that all of those are also hard work. Americans work hard at their jobs every day and then come home to keep working hard for their families. Why do you ask? Because in America the liberties that allow us to choose where we live and what kind of careers we have foster hard work. Children learn from their parents and therefore the value of working hard has been passed down from generation to generation.

Finally, patriotism is an important attribute of our American Democracy. Patriotism can look vastly different in this country. However, it is this attribute that holds everything else together. Patriotism can look like one of America's citizens serving in the military. It can also look like citizens gathering at the US Supreme Court building to peacefully protest a court case they didn't agree with. It can also look like citizens going to vote on election day or singing the national anthem at their hometown football game or the Super Bowl. As I said before, freedom of speech is an important attribute of this country and that combined with patriotism can be a powerful thing. That is why patriotism is so important. It is the backbone of every attribute in this country, and you can combine any attribute with a tiny amount of patriotism and see a huge impact. But when you combine generationally celebrated patriotism with all of America's democratic attributes you create an unstoppable force that has propelled this country forward for its entire existence.

The freedoms that are protected in the Bill of Rights, hard work, and patriotism are the greatest attributes of America. They are intertwined and have been fostered as part of American culture for generations. The examples set forth by our founding fathers combined with the rich history of our country have solidified these attributes and will inspire Americans for future generations to carry the torch of American democracy toward our bright future.

Recognition of Parents

Parents, Grandparent of these award winners please stand.  These are our future leaders.  They have succeeded thus far through the loving care, guidance and instruction given by you throughout the years.  Let me extend my thanks to each and every one of you.  You have put them on a path of success. 

Teacher of the Year

Results of the Teacher of the Year competition are as follows; four school districts invited to participate with one school district participating.  One application each were received and judged for kindergarten to fifth grade and ninth through twelfth grade.  

 

Jennifer Johnson, from Natalie Kreeger Elementary School, Fowlerville, Michigan  was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Kindergarten to Fifth Grade and has Advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Jennifer Johnson, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $300.00, Certificate and the coveted Red Delicious Apple plaque.

 

Jill Thomas, from Fowlerville High School, Fowlerville, Michigan  was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades ninth to twelfth grade and has Advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Jill Thomas, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $300.00, Certificate and the coveted Red Delicious Apple plaque.

Gerald Gorski Speech  for First Responders

Looking around at this group this evening and knowing that many of you are police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians — my first thought is: I am honored to be among this fine group of community leaders!

To those we are honoring tonight, and to all our first responders — no community can exist without you.

The men and women who wear these uniforms maintain the law and bring security and safety to every person in the community. We need you.

First responders are the backbone of emergency response services. Gratitude is what comes to mind when we think of those who serve in this capacity and emergency responders deserve recognition for their dedicated service.

As a VFW member, I speak for the more than 1.4 million of our members and its Auxiliary, when I say, we salute you all for the outstanding work you do in making America a better and safer place in which to live. We commend you for all that you do … for your integrity, your professionalism, and your uninterrupted commitment to communities across the nation. 

Tonight, we are here to recognize and honor two of Michigan’s finest, Deputy Patrick Hollern with the Ingham County Sheriff’s office in Mason, Michigan, and Saralynn Bush with the Livingston County Emergency Medical Services. 

Deputy Hollern was nominated by Sgt. Paul Narlock.  I would like to read some of the comments made by Sgt. Narlock submitted on the award nomination form as to why Deputy Hollern was nominated for the VFW’s Public Servant Award (Law Enforcement).

"Dep. Hollern has been employed with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years. Throughout that time, he has held positions in nearly all areas of the office, county patrol, Delhi Township patrol, courts, transports, training,

quartermaster, and community policing. In addition, he holds numerous instructor titles in the areas of defensive tactics, firearms, Taser, is a field training officer, and is also a negotiator for the Ingham Regional Special Response Team. 

In the course of his service, Patrick has accumulated more than 50 different awards or letters of recognition for his performance. The following highlights some of the recognition he has received over the years:

In February 2023, tragedy struck on the campus of Michigan State University when a gunman opened fire on multiple students and university employees, resulting in several deaths and many wounded. Dep. Hollern was off duty at the time and immediately responded to the scene as part of SRT. Once on campus, Patrick joined with other responding officers and spent the night and early into the next morning, protecting students, searching buildings, and responding to calls for shots fired around campus. Patrick is also an AVI instructor which was also of great assistance throughout the event.

In April 2023, he responded to a neighboring county to assist them with a negotiation involving an armed, suicidal subject in the parking lot of a large retail store. He assisted in negotiations with the subject for several hours and was able to talk the subject out of the vehicle without his gun. In August 2023, Patrick responded (without being asked) to assist with another suicidal subject in our county. Again, Patrick spoke with the subject at length and talked the subject into receiving mental health treatment. And recently, he received yet another commendation for negotiating with a young suicidal female with a knife. Once again, he was able to talk her into complying and receiving treatment without force being necessary.

His impact on the community certainly does not go unnoticed. He has received numerous letters from citizens expressing their gratitude for his diligence and compassion on calls. One citizen commended him for his assistance as he helped, while off duty and going home, with a found child in a neighborhood. Another family was grateful after Patrick was able to reunite them with a missing iPad and laptop. The items had been turned in to him along with a Costco membership card that he used to figure out who the owner was. Patrick's only obligation was to secure the property, yet he took it upon himself to spend a little extra time to contact the store who gave him the name of the card holder. 

I would often catch him teaching young deputies about how spending a little bit of extra time on calls can often lead to a much larger reward, whether it was solving a case, submitting reports, or simply resolving a situation for brief moments in time. 

Lastly, Patrick is well known throughout Ingham County and especially the mid-Michigan police agencies. He has instructed with every agency in the tri-county area, and you would be hard pressed to find an agency that does not have a funny Patrick Hollern story or two. His impact on both the citizens of Ingham County and other police agencies in the area will not be truly felt until his well-earned retirement in a few years. For all these reasons, I believe he is more than deserving of the VFW Public Servant Award."

I think we can all agree from these comments that Deputy Hollern has more than earned the thanks and gratitude for his exceptional service in law enforcement!

Our next public servant award recipient Saralynn Bush was nominated by coworker Amy Grant and fellow coworkers with Livingston County EMS.  Here are the comments her coworkers made as to why Saralynn was nominated for the VFW’s EMT Public Servant Award.

"Saralynn Bush’s exceptional dedication to her work as an instructor with Livingston County Emergency Medical Services goes far beyond her teaching in the classroom. Her being a paramedic and a registered nurse is invaluable to her role as an instructor. She has a deep understanding of the medical and clinical knowledge and skills that paramedics and nurses need to be successful. She also has a firsthand understanding of the challenges and stresses that paramedics and nurses face daily.

 

As an instructor, Saralynn is engaging and puts extra work in to provide informative lectures, which shows in her ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment. She takes the time to get to know each student's strengths and weaknesses, and she tailors her instruction accordingly. She is always available to answer students' questions and to help them with their assignments. She works hard to help her students develop their critical thinking skills and to make sound clinical decisions. 

Saralynn's work as an instructor has a direct impact on the quality of care that patients receive. Saralynn is actively training the next generation of paramedics and is instilling in them the same values of compassion, competence, and professionalism that she already embodies. But she does a lot more than teach. 

Saralynn has also worked tirelessly to implement a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team for our EMTs and paramedics. She has recognized the need for such a team, and she has taken the initiative to make it a reality. 

Saralynn began by researching different CISM programs and identifying the best practices. She then developed a proposal for a CISM team that was tailored to the specific needs of our organization. She is a true asset to our department, and we are grateful for her hard work and dedication. Saralynn is always willing to go the extra mile to help her colleagues, students, and patients. We are grateful for her dedication and service."

Once again, I think we can all agree that Saralynn has more than earned the thanks and gratitude for her exceptional service in emergency medical treatment!

I would now ask that Deputy Hollern and Saralynn Bush please come up to the front to be recognized.

Will all first responders in attendance this evening please also now stand to be recognized!  Thank you all for your dedication in your fields!

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 

 

Deputy Patrick Hollern from the Ingham County Sherriff’s Officer, is VFW Post 6464 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2023-2024.  Deputy Patrick Hollern, received a cashier’s Check in the amount of $300.00, Certificate and Plaque.

 

Emergency Medical Treatment of the Year Award

 

Paramedic/RN Saralynn Bush from Livingston County Emergency Management Service is VFW Post 6464 Emergency Management Treatment of the Year for 2023-2024.  Paramedic/RN Saralynn Bush, received a cashier’s check for $300.00, Certificate and Plaque.

Comments

Application for the 2024-2025 Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy and Teacher, will be forwarded to all school districts, St. Mary’s in Williamston and Homeschooled Programs in May of 2024.

closing prayer:  VFW Post Chaplain Dave Roddy

This Concludes are ceremony.  Winners, please stand by for pictures.