vets

AMVETS Post 44 and people all over the U.S. Celebrate Women’s History Month!

Women’s History Month

In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month.^[10] Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.^[10] Since 1988, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month on occasion.

State departments of education also began to encourage celebrations of Women’s History Month as a way to promote equality among the sexes in the classroom.^[10] Maryland, Pennsylvania, Alaska, New York, Oregon, and other states developed and distributed curriculum materials in all of their public schools, which prompted educational events such as essay contests. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities began to celebrate of Women’s History Month. They planned engaging and stimulating programs about women’s roles in history and society, with support and encouragement from governors, city councils, school boards, and the U.S. Congress.

In March 2011, the Obama administration released a report, Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being,^[11] showing women’s status in the U.S. in 2011 and how it had changed over time.^[12] This report was the first comprehensive federal report on women since the report produced by the Commission on the Status of Women in 1963.^[12]

Women’s History Month. (2024, April 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_History_Month

We are sending KUDO’S out to one of our own:

Dr. Geneva Heyward, AMVET Life Member, was a recipient of the prestigious Humanitarian Award, “Honorary Doctorate In Humanitarianism”.

On Behalf of Lady Ambassador Dr. Lenora Peterson, Founder GIA & Dr. Tincie M. Lynch, Sr. International Veterans Chaplain, Veterans Program, GIA announced Dr. Heyward (U.S. Army Officer, RET) as the 2024 Global International Alliance (GIA) Graduate.

Dr. Heyward commented on her award:  I am humbly Grateful to be a recipient of the prestigious Humanitarian Award. Serving as a warrior in various capacities abroad, home front and in general made this award possible.  I give God all the praises from whom all blessings flow.

Well done Geneva!

The month of February has indeed been an eventful and celebratory month!
We want to take a moment to celebrate Black History Month.

Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of African Americans led to the establishment of Black History Month. It was Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” who first set out in 1926 to designate a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture. Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history.

 

In recognition of Black History Month,
AMVETS Post 44, held a breakfast for our members and families and guests at the American Legion Post 66. The executive staff participated in planning and successfully executed a delicious full breakfast spread of dishes (buffet style) as well as desserts. Special “Shout-Out” to Chef Felton Williams for his preparation and presentation of the buffet! We celebrated Valentine’s day as well with roses and heart shaped chocolate candy presented to all the ladies, compliments of our 2nd Vice President, Roy Montgomery. Prayer was spiritually heart warming by our Chaplain, Harvey Johnson. We had a Black History Trivia contest and lots of give-a-ways!
Our event was highly received and we had a wonderful time of fellowship.

We commit to our motto and believe in our causes (Veterans Helping Veterans).  We also, work diligently; helping people within our communities from volunteering various services to assisting in food pantry donations/clothing give-a-ways and supporting our youth in several capacities.

On February 15, several AMVET members visited the Atlanta VA Health Care System.

 

Sending a hearty RED Shirt Friday Shout-Out to AMVET Comrade Geneva Hayward: Rocking and looking lovely on Friday in support of (Remembering Everyone Deployed)! Thanks Geneva!

AMVETS Post 44 would like to wish each and everyone of you a happy holidays and healthy and prosperous new year.

The year of 2023 quickly has come upon us.  Ever evolving, and with that we have stayed true to our

AMVETS’ motto, “Veterans Helping Veterans”!

We’ve had plenty of activity this month from Red Shirt Friday’s to attending and participating and giving to several organizations, Toys for Tots; Soldier’s Angels at Decatur Christian Towers, in Decatur with putting candy and treats in stockings and preparing Chick-fil-A lunch stockings to Veterans residing in the building.

On a personal note: We want to wish our 1st Vice Commander (Membership)/Department of GA State,
1st Vice Commander a “365” – Triple Celebration! Arnetha, warmly known as Nita, will retire from the Government after many years of service on 31 January 2024. Nita had a birthday this month, we were honored to work as the videographer/photographer and attend as a guest for her extraordinary “365” Retirement/Birthday/Christmas celebration. Full of fun, music, song, and spiritual joy! From your AMVETS family, we are wishing Nita a GREAT Retirement, but we know that she has no plans on keeping still!

Amongst so many notable events and activities during this month, was our honoring of Veterans!  Not a day should go by where we take our liberty and freedom for granted.  On the backs of our dedicated U.S. military, Soldiers, from all branches of service, active duty, reservist, and retired.  Let us never forget our freedoms because of their continued sacrifices.

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

On November 11, AMVETS Post 44 (Lifetime member), Jim Closs, U.S. Air Force MSgt (1Sgt), RET.  Director, (Emeritus) of Walk of Heroes, Veterans War Memorial  organization, in Conyers, GA and its organization sponsored a tribute to Veterans, featuring “Keynote Speaker”, Brigadier Gen. Steve Blandon, U.S. Army, RET.

The Veterans Day Program featured many notable public figures and special guests, among them was:

Oz Nesbitt, Chairman, Rockdale County Commission, Sheriff Levitt, Rockdale County, Soloist Teresa Gordon.  The event was well received with a great number of Veterans, family and friends.  The event was originally scheduled to be held outdoors at the Veterans War Memorial location, but was relocated to First Baptist Church in Conyers because of the inclement weather.

On November 10, 2023, AMVET member Dazz Spencer, was offered the opportunity to provide photography and video services at the Veterans Golf & Tennis Tournament at Sugar Creek Golf Course, Honoring Quilts of Honor recipients. This event was sponsored in part by the non-profit organization, Greater Works, Inc. located in Decatur, GA. An honorably and fun occasion was had by all.

In November AMVETS Lifetime member Charles E. Wyatt, was featured on the local news channel 11 Alive. Charles shared some of the experiences he had as a Army Soldier during Vietnam. We are very proud of Charles for his wisdom, patriotism and heroism. Thank you Charles, we SALUTE you!

Other Notable Mentions:

RED Shirt Fridays continue to be observed for many of our AMVET comrades. REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED!

Our own Dazz Spencer, was also interviewed for Women in the Military Veteran’s Special which hopefully will be seen within the near future!

During the upcoming months. Please continue to pray for PEACE throughout the world! Be kind and share a smile. It doesn’t cost you anything.

 

October was yet another active time for AMVETS POST 44 as we gathered to honor in volunteerism in various places.  This month we would like to give “HUGE” shout outs to a few of our female comrades.  Shout out to Adj. Dylester Scott, always giving 100% of her time in volunteering within her community.  As a Soldiers’ Angels volunteer, Adj. Scott; helped feed several veterans at the monthly Atlanta Veteran Food Assistance Drive.  Adj. Scott was joined by DeKalb Commissioner, District 7 Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (who sponsored October’s food drive).  Soldiers’ Angels provides monthly food assistance for Atlanta veterans.  Adj. Scott was also featured on our local news station 11 Alive as she participated in a Veterans Remembrance of September 11 event. On October 31, Adj. Scott participated in a Student Recruitment Fair sponsored by Arabia Mountain High School.

On Saturday October 14, our very own, Public Relations Officer (Dazz Spencer) was the featured guest speaker for our monthly meeting. Dazz retired from the U.S. Army, as a Sergeant Major, and spoke about her experiences as a career Soldier while serving her country.

RED Shirt Friday, Let’s keep it going! Thanks for your support – Staff Judge Advocate W. Lane, Adjutant D. Scott and Public Relations Officer, D. Spencer.

 

On September 13, Dazz Spencer, Amvets Historian & Photographer participated in the annual Suicide Prevention Recovery Walk-N-Roll at the VA Arcadia Clinic in Decatur, GA.
Many guest speakers participated in sharing personal stories of their loved one’s who succumbed to suicide. They stressed the importance of actively being aware of signs of stressors and what we can do to help eliminate and even save lives.

We held our monthly meeting on September 9th.  It was great seeing new folks and our amazing members.  We had a guest speaker from Soldiers Angels in Atlanta, Ms. Keshaw James.

Hey Commander Bernando Brown, American Legion Post 66 in Avondale, GA, Representing RED for Red Shirt Friday! Looking Good!

The Month of September has been a busy one. Amvets Post 44, participated in a host of activities.
We want to remind everyone that September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can help prevent suicides and save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone.

How to Help Someone You Know

If you know someone who is at immediate risk of suicide, call 911 right away. It can be difficult when someone you know expresses thoughts about suicide, but you can show support by doing the following:

Talk. Your willingness to express your concern for the person in crisis can be the first step in getting that person help.
Listen. Being an active listener is another way of reminding a person in crisis that they are not alone.
Remain Present. Your physical and emotional presence in the person’s life makes a difference. If you are worried about their safety, get help from a mental health professional immediately.
Call or text 988. Last year, 988 was activated as a new three-digit dialing code. When someone dials 988, they will be connected to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This confidential support line is available 24 hours a day to provide free help to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
What To Do If You Are Struggling
If you are struggling or in crisis, remember that there is hope and there are steps you can take to seek help and support.

Call or text 988. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
Use your Employee Assistance Program and call: 800-222-0364 (TTY: 888-262-7848, International: 314-387-4701). Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide support, referrals, and information for emergency services.
Additional Resources
For additional resources, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 988 pag

This month we were honored to support AMVETS Post 44 Life Member, Steve Bradshaw (Commissioner, DeKalb County, District 4) in his annual Veterans Resources Expo and Fellowship Lunch on Monday, September 11.  The event was well attended and very resourceful as several VA sponsors provided key information during the event. Amvets members hosted the luncheon portion of the event, spreading good cheer with their grilling expertise!  Burgers, hotdogs, ribs, you name it, Amvets prepared it.

Our Adjutant, Dylester Scott (LTC Ret) made a cameo on the local news channel 11 Alive!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic April.
We are wishing our Commander, Albert C. Wright, Jr., a speedy recovery after successful knee surgery! He is hanging in there and representing RED Shirt Friday, cast and all! HOOAH!
Thanks to our Amvet members:
AMVETS: D. Scott, R. Montgomery, B. Rand, C. Harmon, C. Jamison, C. Wyatt repping their RED!