Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 9949, Peachtree City, GA
Recent Extra Pictures of Activities
Celebration of Life & Military Honors – Comrade Jim Rogers
It was a packed house that was in attendance for this Celebration of Life & Military Honors ceremony. This included members of: VFW Post 9949, American Legion Georgia Post 50 and the local United States Marine Corps League. Also there were many guests and family of Jim & Luann Rogers.
Table displaying a few of the memories of Jim
Above is a closer view of Comrade Rogers’ USMC Dress Blue uniform. Also note the Marine Corps League and VFW Post 9949 covers (hats) to the left.
Above: a portion of the display table that included the ashes of Jim, uniform, hats, pictures, and a VFW Buddy Poppy
After touching the US flag to the urn, Honor Guard members begin folding the flag precisely for presentation
Honor Guard member Stony Lair receives the triangle folded flag from Honor Guard member Arnie Geiger
The Post’s 30th Birthday Celebration
The honor of blowing out the 30 candles went to the oldest charter member of the group: Life Member Al Hogg.
Above, Commander Ben Bauman in red honors the three charger members present for the ceremony
Post Commander Ben Bauman shows off his new VFW signs on his car
Comrades Stony Lohr and Wayne Fowler shown above prepping the Post for the celebration
Part of the members enjoying the cookout food
Life Member Arnie Geiger is practicing fire safety in support of the cookout
Liberation of Kuwait Commemoration
Above post chaplain, Jay Flournoy served as a lead for this fine presentation regarding the Liberation of Kuwait
Above, centered in Green life member Dallas Wurst provided insight of his units activities during operation Desert Shield/ Storm
Above, the post chaplain under the nose of an F-16 fighter jet offered several prayers as part of the commemoration
This photo the pics a sampling of several members/veterans who attended the ceremony
Department of Georgia VFW & AUX Feb 9-11 2024 Conference
It was a wonderful time to build camaraderie between Posts like our Newnan Post neighbors pictured above.
A market place was stationed between two class rooms. At the market place, attendees stopped and talked to VFW/AUX leaders one-on-one regarding specific VFW/AUX programs in the State. Also, vendors were present selling multitude of products.
Above State VFW Commander Patsey Schreiber at the banquet thanked everyone for their support during her first 6 months as Commander.
Conference wasn’t all work. Above VFW AUX member Christel Ford tosses another scoring beanbag in a corn hole competition.
Above, VFW National Adjutant General Dan West at the banquet delivered the key note address.
Three members of the Post 9949 team that attended the conference from left to right are: Chaplain Jay Flournoy, Commander Ben Bauman and Sr. Vice Cmdr Rick Ford.
Commemoration of the Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord
Everyone is grateful for the effort that Vietnam Veteran Wayne Leicher did to make this commemoration a success
Post Life Member Wayne Fowler is dressed in his Vietnam camouflage Navy uniform for the occasion.
For Veteran organizations like VFW post 9949 it’s all about providing service to fellow Veterans, their families and the community
Above are VFW Life Member Arnie Geiger along with DAR Member Ann Flournoy. Arnie led the crowd in saluting the flag and reciting the pledge of allegiance.
It was wonderful to see the many citizens that brought their children to this commemoration.
Near the end of this tribute light rain began to fall but it neither interrupted nor stopped the team
Life Members Bo Hill and Bill Werling share their Vietnam memories
Veteran Lee Blood and his Service Dog help guard the Veterans monument during the ceremony.
Building camaraderie (like with VFW Life Member & Vietnam Veteran Walter Donila above) is a important benefit of holding commemoration activities
Christmas VFW Veterans Visit (V3)
VFW Post 9949 Life Member Ben Gross (above in white shirt) is shown wishing a Merry Christmas to one of the many Veterans that were visited.
Biggest reward/joy often comes in just listening and engaging with the Veterans we visit.
A Veteran with a happy face is proof of a successful “mission complete” for the December Christmas V3.
National Wreaths Across America Day
Saluting of the laying of wreaths in honor for each Military Service was conducted at the opening of the ceremony. Above is Major General (Ret) Flournoy saluting a wreath laid for the U.S. Air Force.
A sample of part of the crowd gathered to support the continuing commitment to our fallen veterans
Veterans like Rick Ford above and citizens from everywhere helped in honoring the Veterans during this holiday season
Beautiful patriotic, singing, and playing of taps made this whole event complete
VFW Post Life Member Walter Donila places a wreath at a Veteran’s gave site.
Walter salutes has we remember these Veterans that have gone before us.
Life Member and past Commander Stony Lohr is in his Honor Guard uniform for the event
Above are several of the Veterans that participated in laying of wreaths and providing the prayer to the gathered crowd
A great group of volunteers like Cathy Vaught (above) who served as the Master of Ceremonies made this a super remembrance
A fly over of vintage military aircraft was part of the activities
Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance, 7 December 2023
Prepping to raise the 48 star US flag
Members of the community, who, despite the cold, provided honors to the flag.
VFW Post 9949 Life Member Gary Rossomme pictured above renders a salute.
The many speeches and prayers given payed tribute to the many sacrifices that occurred on the seventh of December 1941 at Pearl Harbor
Above are a few of the attending VFW Post 9949 Comrades saluting during the raising of the US flag
Another important moment of the remembrance ceremony was the rendering of salute during the playing of taps
Pavers Honor Veterans 25 October 2023
Jay Flournoy (left) and Bo Hill (right) put the final touches to a newly installed brick.
Joe Bowler (left with Lori and her husband Michael stand proudly over their 10 Veteran bricks.
POW-MIA Day 15 SEPTEMBER 2023
AL Post 50 & VFW Post 9949 members Arnie Geiger and Jay Flournoy overlook the POW-MIA table with the POW-MIA flag flying from the city’s main flag pole in the background.
Retired Major General Jay Flournoy delivers a powerful message on the importance on not forgetting our POW-MIA Veterans.
AL Post 50 & VFW Post 9949 Life Member Mark Weaver explains the meaning of each item placed on the POW-MIA table.
AL Post 50 & VFW Post 9948 Life Member Julian Velasquez delivered one of the many readings of the day.
The American Legion GA Post 50 Auxiliary President Liz Geiger’s narration extolled the important for remembering the sacrifices given by the POW-MIA personal and their families.
This ceremony was appreciated by all Veterans who came and shared their experiences with the loss of fellow missing Comrades.
Post Ramps Up Support For Vet
This ramp will make Ludie’s work of moving her husband in/out of the house SO much easier.
Post team members (L-R) Wayne Fowler, Rick Ford and Stony Lohr gives the ramp a “capacity test” resulting in no issues.
No job is finished without cleaning up
Service Officer Stony Lohr inspects the work of the newly installed ramp.
The Diamond Dove Construction (678-621-3724) crew worked hard to made sure this ramp was secure while USN Vet Edward was being moved from the house to the car and back.
The Diamond Dove team (pictured with VFW Member Arnie Gieger) are Dave Gottardi left and owner Jay Christensen. Dave’s father Larry is a Life Member of VFW Post 9949 and a member in good standing of American Legion GA Post 50. THANK YOU Diamond Dove Construction Company!
August is about FOOD!
VFW Post 9949 member Bill Silke is ready to enjoy some ARMY Chief made chow.
One of the many Veteran guests (and hopefully future American Legion member) to came to the Post cookout.
Bryce Woodring is a recent Life Member transfer to the Post. Welcome to the team and enjoy the grub Army Veteran!
Another new transfer get assisted by Katie Schmoling, Director of Lifestyles, Somerby Senior Living with all the required paperwork.
With dinner done, it’s hats on and time to start the meeting.
The Post Commander Ben Bauman leads the Post during the opening ceremony
Post Quartermaster Jim O’Neil reports on the Post’s financials to the members. Thanks to Jim, our funds are secured and ready to help Veterans and their families when needed.
Life Members Bo Hill (left) & Walter Donila (right front) are examples of the many active members of the Post that always contribute during Post meetings
The Post continues to grow with new members including the Global War On Terror Veterans Garett Otterbein and Christopher Wagnon. The future of the Post 9949 looks bright with young Comrades likes these joining our force.
The Post has finally figured out a solution to get Sr. Vice Rick Ford from talking- FOOD!
The last time USN Command Chief and Post Life Member Wayne Fowler ate food this good he just returned from being on the flight deck of the big “E”.
Comrades share their life experiences over dinner. Camaraderie is an important part of being a member of VFW Post 9949.
Peachtree City’s Purple Heart Heart Recognition Day
The Peachtree City (PTC) leaders and employees went all out in honoring our Purple Heart Veterans.
American Legion GA Post 50 Commander Arnie Geiger narrates in front Purple Heart recipients
Comrade Gary Rossomme (center) is a VFW Post 9949 Life and Charter Member, was one of the many Veterans honored.
Our PTC went all out in providing a super-great breakfast for all the attendees. WELL DONE PTC!!!
To the left (standing) is the American Legion Post GA 50 Commander & VFW Post 9949 Life Member Arnie Geiger. Seated to the far right is former American Legion GA Post 50 Commander & VFW Post 9949 Life Member, who is a Purple Heart recipient, Leigh Blood.
VFW Post 9949 member and PTC Councilman Mike King (left) Purple Heart recipient Gary Rossomme (center) and American Legion GA Post 50 Auxiliary President Liz Geiger listen to the many presentations given in honoring these Veterans.
Mayor Pro Tem Phil Prebor reads a PTC proclamation, honoring Combat Wounded Veterans and support of the 29 July 2023 Purple Heart Recognition Day.
Two of the local VFW leaders who attended the event were Peachtree City’s VFW Post 9949 Sr. Vice Rick Ford (left) and Fayetteville’s VFW Post 3650 Commander Larry Dell
Honors Presented to Perfection
Before the ceremony starts the Post Honor Guard Captain Al Hogg coordinates last minute details
The VFW Post Honor Guard team stands ready to execute its 124th Military Honors ceremony
Bugler stands off in the distance, ready to play taps
A full draped flag gently touches the Veteran’s urn
Have the touching the urn, now begins the folding process
The first fold is key to starting the “13 folds” process right.
Each step and each fold has to be right to get to the desired result
The flag folded properly is now ready to be handed off to the presenter for presentation.
Only a perfectly folded flag is worthy for presentation to the family.
All military members render a final salute
Including military family members as part of the Military Honors ceremony is a real plus for the attending family
Coordination with attending military members before the ceremony makes the event professional
It takes many members of the Post to ensure that as many as possible requests for Military Honors are satisfied
The flag tuck is the final step in getting a prefect triangle with no red showing
Honoring a departed Veteran is one of the most important services provided by VFW Post 9949
Parade Pics of the Post on the 4th
The Grand Marshall sure looks GRAND Indeed. Way to go USMC Bulldog and VFW Post 9949 Comrade Jim Rogers.
The PTC parade is certainly a Veterans’ friendly event. Above are members of local American Legion GA Post 50 sporting along in their golf cart.
Above are several golf carts used by VFW Post 9949 members in this years parade.
Bright sunshine was no problem for this Marine.
3 fellow Vets (left to right: George, Rick & Martin) talked to the Grand Marshal before the start of the parade
More Valor for Two Post Members
Ladies of Quilts of Valor (QoV) show Jim Rogers his quilt closeup before covering him in it
Here is what the quilts looks like. Beautiful work QoV ladies!
Picture of the second quilt given to John Walker.
John’s quilt is another work of art by the QoV ladies.
Above is both Post Veterans with their QoV.
Here the QoV team explains their program. To nominate a service member for a QoV go to www.qovf.org Click on on the “Nominations & Awards” on the red banner at the top of the page. The QoV Foundation does beautiful work and our Post thanks them tremendously.
Two Quilts of Valor (QoV)
Two Veterans: Robert McDonald (left) along with Daniel Nungesser wait for the Quilts of Valor (QoV) Award ceremony to begin
American Legion’s John Matias explains the importance of recognizing the service of Veterans by the awarding QoV quilts
The QoV team dresses Comrade Nungesser in his new quilt
This beautiful handmade quilt was made for VFW Post 9949 member Daniel Nungesser by ladies of the Coweta County QoV chapter.
Silver Star hero Daniel Nungesser looking very sharp with his new quilt
Veteran and American Legion GA Post 50 member Robert McDonald being dressed by the QoV team
Above is another spectacular quilt made by the Coweta County QoV ladies. This one is Legionnaire McDonald’s quilt
The two QoV awardees are pictured above with fellow Veterans and families.
It was great to have proud family members attend this very special event.
BSA Eagle Project for Peachtree City Veteran’s Center
Alex working on picnic table that will be wheel chair assessable
It takes tools, teachers, talent and hard work to make projects like this.
Heavy lifting and persistence creates perfection
Looks like Alex’s project can support 5 people- no problem
Keep up the good work Alex. We wish you success with this BSA Eagle project for the Peachtree City Veterans Center.
Memorial Day 2023
Memorial Day events like the one at Somerby each had a unique take but all remembered our Veterans. Somerby followed the Memorial Day ceremony as prescribed in the VFW’s Ritual Manual with the reading of Order 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic. In Senoia, GA they gave honors to Veterans buried in their cemetery. At the VFW Veterans monument near Peachtree City’s City Hall the public was invited to come forward and say a few words about a fallen Comrade when they sounded a bell. Lastly, in Fayetteville, GA they dedicated a park they named after a Veteran.
VFW Post 9949 Life Member Holly Killebrew leads the Memorial Day ceremony at the Senoia Cemetery in Senoia GA.
Holly addressed a good crowd of spectators. It was a beautiful day in Senoia.
Former Post Commander Bud Ellis and VFW Member Wayne Fowler were well dressed for the event at Somerby Senior Living Center
Life Member Dallas Wurst (left) did great work in coordinating the Boy Scout support. Arnie Geiger, even while wounded, still took time to support the event at Somerby.
American’s Legions member Leigh Blood and Wayne Fowler attended the ceremony while the Auxiliaries (behind and right) handed out Red Poppies
A few of the honored Vets received upfront seating.
Gathered is the group of the ceremony’s participates receiving last minute directions from VFW Life Member Rick Ford (center). Without a great team effort this ceremony could not have happened .
These ladies arrived early to capture the best seating.
VFW Post 9949 member John Walker and wife Sheila were happy to be part of the program. John served in the Army in Germany along side with Elvis Presley!
Post Life Member Julian Velasquez (standing in blue shirt with hat) got things in the right order for the ceremony to get started.
VFW Post Life Member Gary Rossomme provided a stirring recitation of the poem “in Flanders Fields”
Post Commander Ben Bauman, like other Post members, were very busy on Memorial Day. He participated and attended 3 different events on that day.
All four area locations had flybys which included the missing man formation. Really something to see.
American Legion GA Post 50 Chaplain Jim Young (above to the right of Holly) gave powerful words and prayers at multiple locations on Memorial Day. Including Senoia, Somerby and Peachtree City.
American Legion Post 50 Chaplain provided great words for the ceremony
The Boy Scouts were super sharp and provided excellent Color Guard duties for the ceremony.
May 2023 Post 9949 VFW Veterans Visits (V3)
Comrade Rick Ford meets with Vietnam Silver Star Veteran Dan during May’s V3.
Left to Right – Sue, Jim, Don, Ken and Ben. Jim is holding a bag that contains candy and bananas that the Post delivers to each Veteran. Ben is holding a bag that holds several of these treat bags.
Team member Don (the therapy dog) inspects for the proper crease & fold on Jay’s patriotic shirt before start of V3 visit.
Wiesbaden + more
German countryside near Wiesbaden Germany.Old style buildings German town in the distanceGary battles grandson on the racketball court at Wiesbaden. Racketball was REALLY big throughout the Army in the 1970s & 1980s
Physical fitness facility Krakow Poland building
Dining facility European Church’s are beautiful
Thank You Volunteers @ Legacy Ridge PICs April 2023
VFW Member Wayne with wife, American Legion Auxiliary Audrey, dance to the tunesSigned “Thank You” certificates given to each volunteer Volunteer Sue with therapy dog Don are part of the festive event.Legacy Ridge Veterans thank all the volunteers The music was super-great!VFW AUX member Christel joins the singing.
March 2023 POST MEETING PICs
Post Initiation Ceremony
Chaplain Ben Gross delivers prayer for new members
Post Commander Ben Bauman directs attention of new members to the American flag
New members receive the “Cross of Malta” decoration and a “hearty and cordial welcome” from all their new Post comrades.
VFW Post 9949’s Charter is draped in memory of the passing of Post members Bill Camper and Bud Parent.
Post member Jim O’Neal and all other Post 9949 members render final salute facing the Post Charter to bid farewell to comrades Bill Camper and Bud Parent.
Post members pray their respects
WWII, Korea & Vietnam Veteran Jim Rogers participates in all Post meetings.
All stand for the closing ceremony.
February 2023 VFW Veterans Visit (V3)
Air Force Veteran Richard chats with Post member Jim O’Neal. Member Ben Gross gives Army Vet John his bag of treats (bananas and candy)Navy Vet Tom gets warm visit from Jim & BenBen meets a new resident Veteran Bob. A Navy Vet who learns that VFW Post 9949 will come back for visits each month. Plus this Post is able to support him at anytime all year long.
Initiation Pics of Comrade John Walker
Comrade John Walker takes the VFW Member’s Obligation oath John receives the Cross of Malta. It is a real foreign service decoration and official order of the VFW. It is recognized and protected by the United States Government John wears the VFW Post 9949’s official hat for the first time.A picture of a strong family: Post Commander Ben Bauman, Comrade John Walker and his wife of 67 years- Sheila.
VFW 9949 Helps Tornado Recovery Effort at Post 8480 Griffin GA.
VFW Post 9949 Commander Ben Bauman, along with members of Post 8480, inspects the damage from tornado. Trees down everywhere Team Rubicon in Action Team Rubicon helps with cleanup
Operation Christmas Visits
Horses and Warriors Riding Pics
Smiles are everywhere!Warriors ride on, thanks to donations like what VFW Post 9949 gave. Horse & Warriors’ team that make it all happen.
Pics of American Legion POst 50”S All Veterans Holiday Party.
Both Post commanders send holiday greetings to all Veterans and their families Oldest and youngest continue the traditional cake cutting.The music was hot for dancing. Dancing to the tunesCamaraderie The chow was first rate!Developing a bidding strategy The bidding continuesLeadership on display, Past Post Commander Stony Lohr, GA Jr. Vice Commander Joe Couch & Post Commander Ben BaumanParty table!
More Pics of FISH STIX 10 NOV 22 Performance
More Photos of Edison
We hosted a church group “FISH STIX” prior to our Nov meeting. A great group of special people that did a good job. Very enjoyable show.
