Latest news with #VFW
Dominion Post
2 days ago
- General
- Dominion Post
Leon Trenton Pauley
Leon Trenton Pauley, 80, of Grafton, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2025, in his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born September 4, 1944, in Charleston, a son of the late James Meredith and Mary Louise Hamric is survived by his wife, Nancy Warder Pauley, whom he married May 10, 1967, spending more than 58 years was a graduate of Morgantown High School, Class of 1962 and from West Virginia University, Class of married the love of his life, Nancy Warder, May 10, was commissioned a 2LT in the U.S. Air Force May 14, 1967 through USAF ROTC Detachment 915 at WVU. Trenton was awarded USAF Pilot wings June 1968. He flew 196 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom and 50 combat missions in the A-7D in Vietnam (1971-1973). Trenton was awarded his Parachutist badge July 1975, was an Air Liaison Officer to the 82nd Airborne Division 1975- 1978, awarded master parachutist badge and Command pilot wings. He was assigned to the United Nations as a UN Military Observers between Israel and Egypt, Lebanon, Syria. Trenton returned to the States as an instructor pilot for the A-10 Thunderbolt III (Warthog). He returned to the Mid East as deputy chief of the U.S. Military Mission in Kuwait and USAF Advisor to the Kuwait Air Force. Upon arrival to Shaw AFB, he took command of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron flying the 0-2 Cessna Sky Master and the OT-37 Scorpion. He retired from the USAF in August 1988 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Trenton received many military awards and decorations during his career including a Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Military Service Medal, two Military Service Medals, 16 Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Korea National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the United Nations retiring from the Air Force, he flew with Eastern Air Lines until it went out of business. He earned a Middle Grade Teaching Certification in all subjects, teaching sixth grade for 11 years inFayetteville, then retired to Grafton, where he and his wife purchased her grandfather's farm. Desiring to continue service to his country, he moved his membership in the VFW to Grafton. Grafton VFW Post 3081 elected him post commander. He was elected 3rd VFW district commander and in 2018 was elected VFW state commander earning the Coveted All American State Commander Award, Gold Legacy Life Member, member of Taylor County Honor Guard and has participated in over 950 funerals plus numerous patriotic was selected to be the general chair of Grafton's Memorial Day activities three times and was appointed to the Taylor County Health Board serving on the new building addition to his wife, Trenton is survived by two children, Heather Houlden (Richard), and Derek Pauley; three grandchildren, Noah Warder Houlden, Ryan Hamric Houlden, Autumn Sloan; one sister, Sue Anderson (Stu); three brothers, W. Kent Pauley (Christine), Dwight James Pauley (Susan), David Winnonda Pauley (Sheila); and many nieces and addition to his parents, Trenton was preceded in death by his brother, M. Brent and friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Avenue, Grafton, from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1, and Monday, June 2, from 9 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. hour of the funeral service, with Pastor Todd Jarman officiating. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery, with full Military Honors accorded by the U.S. Air Force and the Taylor Honor may be sent to the family at Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pauley family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Taylor County Honor Guard or the West Virginia State VFW.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Veterans lobby Governor Abbott on THC Ban as SB3 awaits signature
The Brief Governor Greg Abbott has yet to announce if he will sign or veto Senate Bill 3, which bans THC products. Veterans are lobbying the Governor to veto SB3, arguing that hemp-derived products are a positive alternative to opioids and alcohol. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports the ban, stating it's crucial for protecting children and expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program as an alternative. Governor Abbott declined to say whether he'll sign Senate Bill 3 into law, banning THC products. The legislature sent the bill to the governor's desk, but some veterans are putting pressure on the governor to veto it. The Texas Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) says it has a meeting with Governor Greg Abbott's team tomorrow to talk about why the veteran organization wants him to veto SB3. During a news conference today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and other lawmakers stressed that with the passing of SB3, they are expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program as another option. The VFW said that's not enough. The fight is not over, as veterans are now lobbying for the governor to veto the bill. What they're saying The national and state legislative chairman for the Texas VFW, Mitch Fuller, says veterans testified in front of lawmakers about how these products have been a positive alternative to opioids and alcohol. "A blanket ban here is going to be pretty devastating to our community," said Fuller. "One of the points we've made is that a lot of us choose hemp-derived consumables because they're more affordable, accessible, and effective in many cases." Fuller says the VFW was happy to see the program expanded, but they want both options. Fuller has a meeting set up with the governor's team on Thursday. All he wants is for them to hear him out. "This is about letting veterans choose what works best for them," said Fuller. "We're combat veterans, we've been hit, we've been in rough environments, we've been knocked down, but we're not going to quit fighting." Senate bill three was a priority of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. During a news conference on Wednesday, Patrick emphasized the importance of the bill and demonstrated it with products that he says contain THC. "Nothing is more important than keeping a kid from getting a hold of this junk!" Patrick, along with other lawmakers, acknowledged that there are some helpful products and another bill was passed to expand the Texas Compassionate Use program, which provides medical marijuana in limited situations. Since the bill passed through both the senate and house, it has moved to the governor's desk. A spokesperson for Governor Abbott told FOX 4 on Wednesday, "Governor Abbott will thoughtfully review any legislation sent to his desk." Patrick says he's not worried. "I pass bills, the governor either signs or vetoes them. I know the governor, I know where his heart is, and I know where he wants to be to protect children and adults." What's next Governor Abbott has 10 days to act after the end of the session. He can sign it, let it go into law without his signature, or veto it. The Source Information in this article was provided by the Texas Legislature and interviews conducted by FOX 4's Amelia Jones with the Texas VFW chairman.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
LVA says controversial speaker banned from VFW and Sheraton
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A controversial speaker initially listed for the upcoming USS Liberty Veterans Association reunion in Norfolk has been banned from speaking at the event at the Sheraton, according to organizers. John Dixon, media director for the Liberty Veterans Association, also confirmed the VFW's decision to remove Peters from a separate memorial service at the USS Liberty Monument, hosted by VFW Post 4809 in Norfolk June 8. 'As of right now, Stew Peters is banned,' Dixon said. 'That's all we can say. We don't know anything — the reasoning behind it. We don't know anything.' The reunion, scheduled for June 6–9 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, will bring together survivors and supporters of the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy ship attacked during the 1967 Six-Day War. Dr. Kenny T. Fountain, a professor and director of Writing & Rhetoric at the University of Virginia, said understanding the historical context is important. Criticism emerged after an online flyer circulated listing far-right media personality Stew Peters among the speakers. Peters has faced backlash for pushing antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories. In a statement released last week to 10 On Your Side, the VFW emphasized it does not support extremist ideologies. Fountain said rhetoric like Peters' is not just inflammatory, but potentially harmful. 'Anti-Jewish sentiment that transcends the state of Israel gets kindled by these kinds of ideas,' he said. 'Repetition can encourage belief, whether we like it or not.' City officials say a robust security plan is in place for the weekend, which coincides with Norfolk's annual Harborfest celebration. The city of Norfolk stated that 'Norfolk Police Department will have an increased security presence throughout downtown Norfolk during the entire Harborfest weekend. NPD also receives additional assistance from federal law enforcement partners during Harborfest. While specific details cannot be provided, the Norfolk Police Department maintains a robust security plan for large scale events such as this one to ensure the safety of our public. ' WAVY 10 has reached out the Sheraton numerous times, and has yet to receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VFW offers aid and comfort in wake of Laurel County tornado
LONDON — In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that tore through London and Laurel County, local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have stepped in to provide support, resources, and relief to those impacted by the devastation. A member of the VFW from Corbin, Dustin Barnett, said that he didn't hesitate once the news of the devastation had struck. 'My wife woke me up, and I threw stuff into my vehicle and went straight to Sunshine Hills,' said Barnett. Sunshine Hills was one of the subdivisions directly in the storm's path, where numerous homes were leveled and several lives were tragically lost in its wake. Barnett has been on the ground since day one of the destruction, and has been one of the driving forces that has coordinated efforts to support the community of London and Laurel County in the wake of the EF-4 disaster. From organizing supply drives, clearing debris, and personally helping families in need — his work has not gone unnoticed. A member of the VFW from Grayson County said that the leveling and destruction was unlike anything he had seen before. 'I've been in combat zones that have been cleaner than this,' he described. The Grayson County VFW post has also been one of the many helpful volunteer efforts for the hard-hit areas. They have brought in side-by-sides, supplies, trucks, and many other tools to clear the debris. Barnett also spoke about the tremendous help from the home improvement retail chain Lowes, who has donated fence panels, multiple generators, sand tools, and gloves. Members from multiple VFW posts — including Laurel, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Lincoln, and Whitley counties — are also set up at the London-Corbin Airport to distribute essential supplies to community members. Volunteers set up under the tent have been handing out goods ranging from cleaning items, food, and personal care products — offering a small sense of comfort to those reeling from the destruction. 'It's beyond words to see the outpouring of donations and support that this area has received. We also had James Rundberg from the Department of Texas VFW on hand helping us. Thank you, to all the posts across the state and country that are helping right now with donations and time. It is well appreciated,' B.J. Thomason, State J.V. Commander detailed in a Department of KY VFW post on Facebook. The DAV of London (Disabled American Veterans) were also to be distributing emergency supplies Wednesday and Thursday, May 29) at 300 DAV Lane to provide financial assistance to veterans impacted by the storms. The event is open to all veterans in the community, regardless of DAV membership.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VFW offers aid and comfort in wake of Laurel County tornado
LONDON — In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that tore through London and Laurel County, local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have stepped in to provide support, resources, and relief to those impacted by the devastation. A member of the VFW from Corbin, Dustin Barnett, said that he didn't hesitate once the news of the devastation had struck. 'My wife woke me up, and I threw stuff into my vehicle and went straight to Sunshine Hills,' said Barnett. Sunshine Hills was one of the subdivisions directly in the storm's path, where numerous homes were leveled and several lives were tragically lost in its wake. Barnett has been on the ground since day one of the destruction, and has been one of the driving forces that has coordinated efforts to support the community of London and Laurel County in the wake of the EF-4 disaster. From organizing supply drives, clearing debris, and personally helping families in need — his work has not gone unnoticed. A member of the VFW from Grayson County said that the leveling and destruction was unlike anything he had seen before. 'I've been in combat zones that have been cleaner than this,' he described. The Grayson County VFW post has also been one of the many helpful volunteer efforts for the hard-hit areas. They have brought in side-by-sides, supplies, trucks, and many other tools to clear the debris. Barnett also spoke about the tremendous help from the home improvement retail chain Lowes, who has donated fence panels, multiple generators, sand tools, and gloves. Members from multiple VFW posts — including Laurel, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Lincoln, and Whitley counties — are also set up at the London-Corbin Airport to distribute essential supplies to community members. Volunteers set up under the tent have been handing out goods ranging from cleaning items, food, and personal care products — offering a small sense of comfort to those reeling from the destruction. 'It's beyond words to see the outpouring of donations and support that this area has received. We also had James Rundberg from the Department of Texas VFW on hand helping us. Thank you, to all the posts across the state and country that are helping right now with donations and time. It is well appreciated,' B.J. Thomason, State J.V. Commander detailed in a Department of KY VFW post on Facebook. The DAV of London (Disabled American Veterans) were also to be distributing emergency supplies Wednesday and Thursday, May 29) at 300 DAV Lane to provide financial assistance to veterans impacted by the storms. The event is open to all veterans in the community, regardless of DAV membership.
