VFW annual dinner

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803 had its annual dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday at the post home on North Shannon Street. Above, Dave Freeman, winner with his wife, Karen (right), of the annual award designated by Commander Colleen Wiley (left), speaks briefly at the dinner. Firefighter Mike Eversole was “Firefighter of the Year” while Officer Greg Blackmore was “Police Officer of the Year.” Local winners of the Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy contests were also named (see more photos and a story in Wednesday’s independent). (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)