VFW Post 10254 Tucson Arizona
BBQ-POW/MIA Ceremony
Article & photos by Alan Edwards

District-5 members gathered at Three-Points Post 10254 to attend a POW/MIA ceremony, followed by an ‘End of Summer’ BBQ and Pot-Luck lunch. The POW/MIA ritual was “Well-Done”, with PPC Gus Nappier and Commander Joe Madrid performing the ritual while District-5 Vice Commander Jim Harrison (Marana 5990) handled the bell ringing; and VFW-10254 Sr Vice Commander Steve Knode lit one candle for each major Theatre of Operations. Then VFW/Auxiliary members queued-up to light an individual candle for each Arizona veteran who remains MIA. Following the ceremony, ‘Chef Extraordinaire’ Roy & Susan Johansson (VFW-10188) handled the BBQ and set-off a great lunch. Also attending from VFW-10188 was Commander Mike O’Daniels with Mike & Karen Utter along with VFW-10254 members and auxiliary. This was a great ‘feel-good’ day.  Please click on slideshow and photos to view larger ones.

Slideshow of the Event

Pictured is the POW/MIA ceremony performed at Three-Points VFW-10254 on September 8. VFW-10254 Commander Joe Madrid and PPC/Chair Gus Nappier perform the ritual, while VFW-10254 Senior Vice Commander Steve Knode lights a candle for each theater of operations; and District-5 Senior Vice Commander Jim Harrison rings the bell. In the background is the VFW-10254 Color Guard.

Pictured are ‘Chefs Extraordinaire’ Ron and Susan Johansson preparing food for those who attended the VFW-10254 POW/MIA ceremony on September 8. The grill was ‘created’ by Roy and is towed around from his truck. Roy is in great demand among District-5 members to handle BBQs.

District-5 members take a break at the VFW-10254 POW/MIA ceremony on September 9. In the front is Mike & Karen Utter from VFW-10188. In the back is VFW-10254 Commander Joe Madrid with District-5 Senior Vice Commander Jim Harrison (Marana-5990).