VFW commander an All-American

Friday, October 30, 2009
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The commander of Lawrenceville's Veterans of Foreign Wars post has achieved All-American status for the second time in three years.

John Veverka, of Grayson, was recognized during a ceremony in Phoenix. One of only 198 post commanders worldwide selected, Veverka said he is proud of the recognition.

"I'm honored. It's one of the highest honors you can get," Veverka said.

According to Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner, the criteria for being named All-American are "based on outstanding achievement in membership growth and participation in other VFW programs that benefit veterans and their communities."

Veverka, an Illinois native, moved to Gwinnett in 1996. Not knowing anyone here, he felt the VFW would help introduce him to kindred spirits.

Veverka served in Vietnam in an Army artillery unit from 1967-1968 and achieved the rank of corporal before being discharged.

He has served as commander of Post 5255, which now boasts 460 members, for six years.

The VFW is a nonprofit veterans' service organization made up of combat veterans and those currently serving. It was founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936. With a membership of more than two million worldwide, it is the country's largest organization of war veterans.

According to its Web site, the VFW and its auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor(ing) the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships and national military service programs.

For more information or to join, log onto www.vfw.org or call Post 5255 at 770-963-8767.

Gwinnett Daily Post