—Uncle Sam!

With the passing of the gavel to a new state commander of the VFW at the Nashville convention, newly elected officers of Post 4848 legally took their places for the 2000-2001 term.

Taking his first shift at the helm, David Wilson has served every other capacity during his years with the post. He has been called a diligent hardworker by co-members who have been with him.

"I want to hit the ground with my feet running," he commented. "There are a lot of things I want to get done in the next year."

He has already begun making selections for committee chairmen.

Other officers taking their places with David are Oscar Farrow as Sr. Vice and moving from Jr. Vice; Lawrence McBryar as new Jr. Vice and a former officer; Maurice McGuffey in another term as quartermaster; Ted Bedoit reelected as Judge Advocate; Tommy Duckworth in his first term as Chaplain; James Tollett reelected as Surgeon; Fred Kizer as Trustee and moving from the E-Board and Richard Buquo and Ken Holcomb in their first terms on the E-Board.

Whether its serving as President of the United States or as commander of a VFW post, being at the helm takes its strain on the man who stands "where the buck stops."

Ask Bill Tickle. He knows.

For three years, he has been commander of Post 4848. He now hands the gavel over to newly elected commander David Wilson.

"It’s been tough a lot of times," Bill recalled. "And there have been a lot of gratifying moments.

"I’ve had a lot of cooperation. I couldn’t have done it without them."

He thanked all the members and particularly the officers, Ladies Auxiliary and the Cooties.

"We’ve had a lot of improvements. But we can sit still," he added.

"There is always room for improvement and I know the officers and members will continue to do this."

He was proud of the new bar being installed. And he was gratified to see the boat dock progressing.

"Frankly, I never thought it could be done," he declared. "People pitched in and went to work. And friends outside the post gave to our aid, especially Dalton Roberts.

"I’m also happy to see our post represented on the Internet. It has been brought us in new members.

"One soldier even saw it in Europe when he was planning on a move to Chattanooga. He belongs to Post 4848 now."

The website is www.ipspress.com/vfw4848. Current newsletters may be viewed, with pictures, by going to www.ipspress.com and to the most recent publication.

The home page contains the list of all past commanders from the first in 1957.

The Internet site is provided at no cost to the post. Site editor is Pete Chaney with James Tollett serving as webmaster.

The commander said he had been given compliments from many around the country over the website.

"One thing about it," Bill concluded, "the post is a nicer place now than it was three years ago."

After many years of discussion, the new bar in the lounge at Post 4848 is a reality.

The horseshoe designed bar was a project spearheaded by John Scott. Cost of the addition was $7,200.

A small room in the lounge was removed for needed additional space with the introduction of the bar.

It is the first major renovation of the lounge since the addition of the annex which provided a large kitchen area, more seating capacity and an extra meeting room for smaller gatherings.

Because of the Fourth of July holiday and a cookout at the post, the monthly E-Board meeting was changed by Commander David Wilson.

It will be held at 6:30 PM Wednesday, July 5, with the regular meeting to follow.

Steps have been constructed at Joe Cheek’s shop and are ready for installation to give access to the planned boat dock at the rear Post 4848’s site on the Tennessee River.

Installation is planned for early in July as soon as a hoist is available.

A program developed to aid in financing the completion of the dock will include plaques. Members, friends and family members may pay for a plaque as commemoration.

Each plaque will be in cast bronze. Size is 2.5 inches by 10 inches.

Inscription can have two lines. Each will take 20 characters, spaces included.

Lettering will be raised.

Cost of each plaque will be a donation of $250. Checks should be made out the Boat Dock Fund and mailed to Post 4848, 1491 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga TN 37406.

"This is an excellent chance for someone to put a memorial for a loved one at the post," commented Oscar Farrow, dock committee chairman. "And it is tax deductible."

Kickoff funding for the dock was spearheaded by the efforts of Dalton Roberts. The former public official, writer and musician was the driving force behind raising the initial almost $4,000 in funds.

Members of the dock committee, in addition to Oscar, are Joe Cheek, Bart Crattie, Rod Walker, Doug Gallant and Pete Chaney.

Cootie members of Pup Tent 21 donated funds for the new lights in the lounge. And they are already planning for the state meeting in Chattanooga in August.

"It will be the biggest of the year," Seam Squirrel Bill Bordwine declared.

A member of VFW Post 4848, Ralph Wilson has been named Legionnaire of the Year at American Legion Post 95. He is Honor Guard Commander.

With all the political rhetoric and the advent of Independence Day, this is a special time to think of what its like to be an American.

To paraphrase George Washington, eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

No one knows this more than veterans. In time of crisis, they answered the call and defended our liberty against those who would take it away from us.

But the fight never ends. Our freedom is not only in constant danger from foreign shores, but from forces of infiltration from within. It’s not a violent effort to overthrow the government, but a small chiseling away at the fundamentals of our Constitution. Those who would change our way of life, dilute the freedoms we fought for.

The battleground is at the ballot box, in legislatures, in executive sessions, where our lives are affected by decisions.

Veterans, more than anyone else, must lead in the fight to have the best for our country. They must be informed, participate in the democratic process.

It’s not enough to say, I did my duty and now I want to rest and let someone else do it. That someone else may be those who never knew what it was like during dark days when our nation was in danger of being destroyed.

Veterans must overcome their own apathy—and take the lead.

E-Board meeting Wednesday, July 5, 6 PM.

Membership meeting Thursday, July 6, 7 PM, with food and refreshments to follow.

Ladies Auxiliary meeting, Thursday, July 6, 7 PM.

MOC meeting Sunday, July 6, 4 PM.

MOCA meeting Sunday, July 6, 4 PM.

Post Monthly Family Dinner Sunday, July 30, 4-6 PM.

Friday’s 9 PM to 1 AM; Saturdays, 9 PM to 1 AM.