by Jim Bachman

Freedom is not free is not just a cliché, freedom is very expensive in terms of our most precious resource. That is the patriots who step forward and sign that blank check for the ultimate cost if necessary. We’re into the New Year and ready to press on with our veterans support.

One group of veterans who are generally not thought of, or remembered often, are the POW/MIA. For those unfamiliar with POW/MIA: POW is Prisoner of War, and MIA is Missing in Action and together sometimes are referred to as the unaccounted. There should not be a day that goes by that we do not remember these warriors, and so it should be for each and every free American.

The following data was listed at the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) web site: Listed as unaccounted for are 73,690 personnel from WWII, 7,971 from the Korean Conflict, 126 from the Cold War, 1,678 from the Vietnam War, and two from the recent Gulf Wars. That is 83,467 of our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors who have not yet returned home. We as a nation must insist that these patriotic heroes be brought home if at all humanly possible and we must never forget them. These are fellow citizen and patriots who have paid a very high price for our freedom, and we owe it to them to bring them back home. No price, no effort is too high to pay to bring them home.

Two local chapters of national organizations who have as part of their mission the POW/MIA issue are: Rolling Thunder Inc. and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).  The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans Association have the POW/MIA issue as one of their special programs. When you see one of these groups or one of their members, please thank them for their efforts on behalf of the unaccounted.  These and other veterans support organizations insure that soldiers returning from combat operations receive an appropriate welcome home and a “Thank You” for their service. Additionally, these great organizations provide honor, comfort and assistance to returning soldiers and their families who have paid the ultimate price.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - members and potential member meet each month on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post in Hendersonville.  Post information number is 1-888-356-9021, or 824-9851. www.vfwpost9851.org

Tuesday Feb. 7 –Annual Chili Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the post.

Wednesday, Feb.  8 – Veterans Service Office will be at the VFW Post from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 – Monthly Meeting at VFW Post 9851 at 6 p.m.

Each Saturday Morning - Veterans Food Pantry Operates.  Donations are needed.

Sumner County Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 240 - Membership meeting meet each month on the first Monday at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 9851. www.vva240.com

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Monday, Feb.  6 – Monthly Meeting at VFW Post 9851 at 6 p.m.

Each Saturday Morning – Veterans Food Pantry Operates. Donations are needed.

American Legion Post 17 Gallatin - Membership meeting each month on the second Tuesday at the American Legion Post in Gallatin.  Information may be obtained from the web site www.americanlegionpost17gallatintn.org.or Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tuesday Feb. 21- Monthly meeting at the Post 17 in Gallatin.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Sumner County - Membership meeting the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 9851.Information may be obtained from the DAV web site at www.dav.org or by calling 554-4011.

DAV operates a van that is available for scheduling trips Monday thru Friday to the VA Hospital Clinics. Appointment at the clinics should be scheduled for prior to 2 p.m. This van is only for ambulatory veterans at this time. To schedule the DAV van, call 554-4011 as far ahead of requested time as possible.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Tennessee Chapter 18-1 Must be a combat veteran to join. Members and potential members meet the first Saturday of each month at Coaches in Lebanon at 12 p.m. For additional information, visit combatvet.org or contact Jim Bachman at 975-5862 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

            Saturday Feb. 18 – Visit the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro at 1 p.m.

Rolling Thunder. Inc - The local chapter of Rolling Thunder Inc. meets the last Sunday of each month at the VFW Post in Smyrna TN.  The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and all members and potential members are welcome. A POC in Sumner County is Jim Bachman who can be reached at 975-5862.

Special Notices.

There is a food need for the VFW Post 9851 and VVA Chapter 240 Veterans Food Pantry. This food pantry distributes food to veterans and their families who are in need.  Donations of non-perishable or frozen foods are needed and would be greatly appreciated to support the veteran’s food pantry. If you are a veteran and in need of help, contact the VFW Post 9851 or Chapter 240 VVA.

                                    PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE