VFW Post 6686 in Eatonton hosted a heartfelt community event on April 11 to recognize those who faithfully support local veterans through service, generosity, and everyday acts of patriotism.
The idea for the event was inspired by Auxiliary President Marianne Bruhn-Popik, who envisioned a way to honor individuals and businesses who are not members of the VFW Auxiliary, yet consistently give their time and talents to help serve veterans throughout Lake Country.
Bruhn-Popik said she also wanted to recognize citizens and businesses who proudly fly the American flag each day, taking care to maintain it properly and replace it when it becomes worn.
The celebration featured a luncheon prepared by Dawn Booth and Candi Alliston at Post 6686, followed by award presentations. The event served as a meaningful reminder that supporting veterans represents a shared community effort, one that continues to thrive in Putnam County through the dedication of its citizens.
Local dignitaries present included Eatonton Mayor John Reed, VFW Dept. of Georgia State Auxiliary President Katie Stanley, Past District 4 President of Augusta Kelly Makowski, VFW Department of Georgia Senior Vice Commander Arnold Gonzales, and VFW Post 6686 Commander Brian Allison.
Also present were VFW Post 6686 Auxiliary President Marianne Bruhn-Popik, Senior Vice President Bonnie Kallenberg, and Vice President Shirley Riddle, who handed out dozens of Volunteer Appreciation Awards and Patriotic Citizen Awards, including: Patriotic Citizen Awards: Trevor and Pelar Addison, Hilda Dalton, William Dickenson, Jacob and Jeanell Fried, Doug and Rhonda Ligon, Dany and Sharon Reed, Wayne and Wendy Royer, Wanda Sebard, Tommy and April Thomas, City of Eatonton; Farmers & Merchants Bank, Five Star Toyota of Milledgeville, Harbin Lumber, McCabe Rentals, McDonald’s of Eatonton, and Joe’s Roofing.
Volunteer Appreciation Awards: Melissa Anderson, Nikki Barker, John Betancourt, Doc Bigelow, Hailey Brown, Jennifer Carawan, Madelyn Carawan, Kelley Chitwood, Bunny and Clyde Connine, Lily Covington, Vivien Covington, George Craig, Joe Curran, Mark Daly, Ashleigh Floody, Brison Floody, Carolanne Floody, Eli Floody, Mathew Floody, Tenner Floody, Steve and Patsy Franks, Scott Haley, Kenny Hilliard, Phyllis Humphrey, Betsy Johns, Pat Jones, Parke Kallenberg, Jane Kendrick, Koltyn Kendrick, Stormy Kendrick, Haley Kent, Sydnes Logan, Gina Mancuse-Thomason, Joyce Mann, Alex McGraw, Randy McMichael, Abigail Mealer, Erin Mealer, Allen Montgomery, Carol Neff, Raegan Odgen, Tiffan Odgen, Kerry Parker, Tiffany Riddle, Frankie Ritchie, Jann Stigall, Pam Tibbitts, Allison Williams, and Jaxon Williams.