TERRA ALTA – Despite rain, flooding and a threat of snow, VFW Post 578 in Terra Alta provided a warm welcome to Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander-in-Chief Keith E Harman Monday.
Harman, who is visiting VFWs around the state, asked the people who attended the meeting to contact their local representatives and ask them to put an end to sequestration, which are automatic cuts to the federal budget.
“Insist they put an end to this,” he said. “Tell them to fully fund today’s military.” He said every letter counts. “The VFW has 1.9 million members. Write your representatives in Washington,” Harman said.
Harman served in the Army from 1967 to 1969. He served in Vietnam as a crew chief and door gunner on UH-1 Huey helicopters.
His decorations include the Air Medal Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citations, and the Aircraft Crew member Badge. He was elected commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on July 26, 2017, at the 118th VFW National Convention in New Orleans.
VFW State Commander Todd Kingsberry said It was a great honor to have Harman visit local VFWs. Terra Alta VFW Commander Colin “Tom” Deberry agreed. “We are very honored to have the national commander and chief visit. I understand he is going to visit the Kingwood and Masontown VFWs as well as those in other areas of the state.”
State Del. Terry Funk Sypolt, R-52nd, said local VFWs put a lot of effort and support back into the community. “A lot of people don’t realize how much they (the VFWs) contribute to the community because they work behind the scenes. They are not there to help, not for the glory.”
Also on hand for the visit were State Senators Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, and Randy Smith, R-Tucker, Delegates Buck Jennings, R-53rd, and County Commissioner Dave Price. Terra Alta Police Officers Freddy Harrison and C.J. Fitchett, and Preston Sheriff’s Deputy C.R. Cline provided security during the visit.
For more information about sequestration and the military go to https://www.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Sequestration/
