Dazz

With much sadness, we inform you of the untimely passing of our Finance Officer, AMVET Carolyn Jamison (CJ).  We are beyond ourselves with grief of this news, especially since CJ was so active in our organization, and we’d only seen her two days before during our June monthly executive online video meeting:

This email distribution is sent on behalf of our Commander,  Arnetha Wiggs.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I inform you of the death of our beloved CJ, Carolyn Jamison.

CJ joined our AMVETS Post 44 in June 2017, as a lifetime member.  She has been an active member since that time and has been a strong supporter of Veterans.   She is our current Finance Officer.   CJ loved the Lord and had a “No nonsense” personality.  She was a member of Greenforest and served as a Choir member of the Celestial Choir, a Counter and the treasurer for the Keenagers ministry.   She received her 50th year pin from Delta Sigma Theta this past April.

I remember she was somewhat torn about missing our AMVETS meeting that morning, so she stopped by our meeting before we started, on her way to the Delta Sigma Theta pinning ceremony.  She was a trooper. CJ had her 68th birthday in January.

She was my traveling partner to the SECs in Warner Robins, to her visits at the VA, and to our sorority events.  As you know, she was waiting on a kidney, but God called her home yesterday, Thursday, June 12, 2025.

She will be deeply missed.   And I shall carry that beautiful spirit with me for all the days of my life.

Please know that our Chaplains, Harvey Johnson, Willard Bolden, Jim Closs, and Arthurine Wright will be available for grief counseling at our meeting tomorrow.

We held our annual Fish Fry on May 17th. Wow, what a fun and productive day! Many people came by to partake in a great dish, yummy desserts, and beverages, and celebrate being in the company of veterans, family, and friends. This was a nonstop day of cooking and enjoying fellowship. Spearheaded by our Project Manager, Patricia Thomas, we had all hands on deck. Shout-out to the following people for stepping up “above and beyond”, in making this event such a huge success!

Patricia Thomas – Project Manager, CJ – Carolyn Jamison – Finance Treasurer, Johnathan Horner, House Manager, American Legion Post 66, Roy Montgomery – 1st Vice Commander, Evans Dowdy – Quartermaster, Albert Wright, Arthurine Wright, AND A HOST OF MANY VOLUNTEERS!  THANK YOU! Our fundraiser was so successful, we plan on doing it again! Stay tuned for a date, hopefully in July!

Happy Month of May, Comrades & Friends. It has been a busy month for AMVETS Post 44 as we continue to do our community outreach, helping Veterans and providing all kinds of assistance. For the month of May, AMVETS Post 44 held Executive Officer Position Announcements. We will keep you informed about the nominations and elections in June.

On May 10, we had our monthly general membership meeting.  It was very informative.  Ms. Janine Marshall, RN, BSN of Neurolumen, LLC, guest speaker, delivered a powerful update regarding a Pain Treatment Modality utilizing three healing therapies: low-level laser, LED and electrical stimulation. This treatment introduces veterans and patients to new technology to help with neuropathy, chronic and acute pain, as well as conditions associated with decreased circulation and increased inflammation. Member Jim Closs spoke on how effective this treatment as been for him.

Our monthly meeting was held on Saturday, March 8, 2025.  The AMVETS executive committee awarded several AMVET members with Awards and Citations!  Congrats to all who received these awards!

Happy November & December AMVETS Family & Friends!

As we wind down to another year of activity, we wish each one of you a safe & wonderful month and upcoming safe holiday!

We are looking forward to 2025 with our continued motto of Veterans Helping Veterans.  Please treat everyone with kindness and know that your great works do not go unnoticed!

Happy 2025 in advance!

AMVETS POST 44 Bus Tour

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!

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.