Voice of Democracy
Jascha J. Ely receiving his third place award for the 2017 State of Arizona VFW Voice of Democracy competition. Pictured from left to right; Past National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Gwizdak , AZ Cmdr Ken Marshall, Post 1760's winner Jascha J. Ely, AZ Aux. Pres. Reba Dermody, AZ Sr. Vice Cmdr Gene Wood and National Auxiliary Pres. Dee Guillory. January 20th, 2018 photo courtesy of Frank W. Alger.

The Department of Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary had their Rudolph A. Beckwar Memorial 2017 Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet last Saturday (January 20, 2018) at the Holiday Inn in Casa Grande. The Award ceremony had the distinct privilege of having two specials guests present. VFW Auxiliary National President Dee Guillory, and Past National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Gwizdak (2000) for the event. For Post 1760’s Voice of Democracy winner for 2017, Jascha Ely who had already won at the District 4 level, took home 3rd place at the state level, along with a check for $750.00!

2017 Voice of Democracy & Patriot's Pen
District 4 winners Jascha Ely (Post 1760 – Voice of Democracy) and Kathryn Columbus (Post 9400 – Patriot’s Pen). January 20th, 2018 photo courtesy of Frank W. Alger.

On site representing Post 1760 was again our Post Chaplain Frank “Gunny” Alger and his wife Mary Jane. For representing District 4 we had Commander Darin Combs and Auxiliary President Louise Sykes-Burrell. Sponsoring Jascha’s 3rd place award was VFW Post 7968 from Apache Junction.

For the District 4 Patriot’s Pen winner, Kathryn Columbus from Post 9400, she took 1st place and will progress to the National level of competition on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.. Overall District 4 did exceptionally well in this year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen competitions!

From VFW Post 1760 we want to again congratulate Jascha Ely for his participation and hard work in his Voice of Democracy entry, with an additional thanks to all those that sponsored cash prizes for these young students.