During the 82nd annual VFW Convention and 77th annual VFW Auxiliary Convention June 6–9, at the Marriott Convention Center in Macon, representatives from Eatonton VFW Post 6686 Auxiliary accepted two awards and one citation for contributions to local veteran care and affairs.
As part of Division One, the Eatonton Auxiliary received the "Historian Media Relations" award for 2023–2024, recognizing its exceptional efforts in providing the public with information about veteran-related activities. It also received the "Hospital" award for 2023–2024, highlighting its members' significant participation in visiting veteran hospitals, including the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville and the Dublin VA Hospital in Dublin.
The Eatonton Auxiliary was further honored with the Edna Seagraves citation for 2023–2024, acknowledging its participation at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville.
"I am so proud of our brothers and sisters in the Auxiliary for all of their hard work in receiving these awards," Eatonton VFW Auxiliary President Marianne Bruhn-Popik stated.
The Department of Georgia Auxiliary event brought together VFW members and participants from across the state and saw a strong turnout of 270 members attending.
During the convention, VFW and Auxiliary awards and citations were presented to outstanding Posts and Auxiliaries for their efforts in supporting veterans throughout Georgia. Additionally, the convention included the election and installation of officers for the Department of Georgia's 2024–2025 term.
The VFW side featured Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Alfred J. "Al" Lipphardt as the guest speaker. Lipphardt is set to become the national VFW commander-in-chief for 2024–25, marking him as the third individual from Georgia to hold this title. On the VFW Auxiliary side, the guest speaker was Armithea "Sissy" Borel, who served 2013–14 as national president.