VFW Post 2166 donates to Navy Cadet Program

Published 8:00 am Saturday, October 22, 2022

Officers and members of the local VFW Post 2166 presented a $1,000 dollar contribution during the Elizabethton Cyclones high school football game on  October 14, 2022.  The Captain Lynn H. Folsom Post 2166 donated funds to support the school’s Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) Program.  Earlier this year, the cadets also partnered with Post 2166 during the VFW National Day of Service to clean and beautify the downtown Carter County War Memorial & Walk of Honor.

The Navy NDCC program provides schools that do not YET qualify for a Navy JROTC program, a similar program designed to develop their students’ values in citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.  Post 2166 recognized the current Navy NDCC is a precursor to establishing a full JROTC program at Elizabethton High School.  The local VFW Post decided to do its part in helping sponsor further development of the program.

Andy Wetzel, 2022 VFW All-American Commander, said that most non-profit veteran’s organizations are exempt under 501(c)(19), and they have an additional purpose to sponsor or participate in patriotic activities and support the social welfare of the community.  Wetzel said, “This especially applies to youth activities and youth organizations like our local high school’s NNDCC program.”  “Few youth programs provide a greater benefit to a local VFW than involvement with JROTC units or scouting,” according to Wetzel, “both programs annually produce individuals with an appreciation for patriotism, civic responsibility, and the likelihood of future military service.”

The local VFW regularly sponsors and conducts other youth programs such as the annual “Patriot’s Pen” written essay competition and the “Voice of Democracy” audio essay contest.  Winners are advanced to district and state levels.  Elizabethton’s VFW also selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.  Additionally, the post provides awards for the local Scout of the Year, as well as Public Servant Award Citations for EMTs, Law Enforcement, and Firefighters.

VFW Post 2166 currently has 189 members, and they meet at 7 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at 2001 W. Elk Avenue in Elizabethton.  People interested in supporting the Navy-NDCC program at Elizabethton High should contact Ryan Presnell or Craig Wilcox at the school. Donations for local VFW Post 2166 should contact Andy Wetzel or Kit Crawford at email VFWTNPost2166@gmail.com or call (423) 895-0938.