VFW held ceremony to honor youths

On January 8, the Colleton County VFW Post 12102 and Auxiliary held a ceremony to honor some of the youths of the community. All of the winners were presented with a certificate and check.
Melinda K. Mercer (not present) was the Patriots Pen Essay winner and was designated as an Outstanding Young Spokesperson of the Future. The essay theme this year was “What is Patriotism to Me?”
A Youth Life Saving Award was presented to Cadet Airman Donald McCall. He was recognized for his fast and calm action that saved the life of his stepfather when he cut an artery in his leg. His actions prevented his stepfather from bleeding out on the way to the hospital. He will receive a VFW Challenge Coin (not present).
Another Youth Life Saving Award went to Cadet Senor Airman Oscar D. Ponce. When his mother was facing a medical emergency, he performed first aid and got his mother the medical help she needed. He then stayed with his mother to translate for her and the medical staff. He was presented with a VFW Challenge Coin.

One more Youth Life Saving Award went to Cadet SSgt. Haley Idol. When a fellow teen called and said the he was going to take his own life, she took actions to keep him distracted until help could arrive and intercede to prevent him from injuring himself. She was presented with a VFW Challenge Coin.
Civil Air Patrol Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Medal was presented to Cadet CMSgt. Haley Idol in recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability as a Cadet NCO.
Piper R. McClellan presented her Voice of Democracy essay, “Is This the Country the Founding Fathers Envisioned?” She was designated an Outstanding Young Spokesperson for Freedom.
The VFW Auxiliary hosted a reception following the ceremony.
For more information, please contact David Lies, post quartermaster@ dlies63@att.net.