During the recent North Carolina visit of VFW Ladies Auxiliary National President Gwendolyn Rankin, Polk County Memorial VFW Post #9116 Ladies Auxiliary President Joyce Preston presented Rankin a proclamation from the Town of Columbus and the Columbus VFW Post #9116 and auxiliary at the Ladies Auxiliary National President’s Banquet in Asheville, N.C.
Mayor Eric McIntyre declared April 6, 2012 as “Step Up – Leave No Veteran Behind Day” in honor of the national president and all members of the VFW ladies auxiliary for their outstanding volunteer service to veterans and their families, the Town of Columbus and the country.
Preston also presented Rankin with a 31-star U.S. flag, representing the year in which Columbus and Polk County were founded, as well as when Rankin’s native California joined the U.S.
She was also given a N.C. state flag, a Buddy Poppy and a U.S. flag pin. Rankin also received information about the House of Flags in Columbus.
Karen Lawrence from the Columbus VFW Post sang the national anthem and a tribute to all the branches of services.
As VFW N.C. 16th district president, Joyce Preston also presented a proclamation from the district in support of the national theme for 2011-2012, “Step Up – Leave No Veteran Behind.”

The district is made up of the following auxiliaries:
• Sgt. Daniel F. Hyatt Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #891
• Hedrick-Rhodes Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5206
• Mars Hill Memorial Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5483
• Polk County Memorial Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9116
• Green-Leagon-Simpson-Lindsey Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9157
• Hominy Valley Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9939
• Womack-Bradley Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10349
– article submitted by Joyce Preston