Walsh wins local VFW speech contest

The event may have started as a gun raffle, but many of the VFW veterans hung around to congratulate Trousdale's first place winner in the local speech contest.

Trousdale County High School freshman Jessica Walsh placed first during the recent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriotic Audio Essay Competition. Jessica is the first, first place Trousdale's VFW has sponsored said VFW Post No. 4842 Commander Gary Walsh.

She will go on to compete in the district contest. If she wins, she will be eligible to continue to state and then on to Washington, D.C.

Jessica was presented with a plaque, medallion and $250 check for her winning essay.

Gary explains that Jessica will go on to compete against Red Boiling Springs, White House, Hendersonville, Lafayette, Westmoreland, Gallatin and Lebanon students who make up the district.

Students are judged on their originality, content and delivery of their speech. According to the Voice of Democracy Program, more than 50,000 students across the United States will compete for more than $2.3 million in scholarships and incentives. This year's theme is, "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?"

Gun Raffle

The VFW sold more than 471 tickets for their gun raffle, which was held in December. Tickets were $10 apiece.

"We appreciate everyone who made a donation," said Gary.

He added that events like the gun raffle and November's car show, "shows the VFW is trying to become more active" in the community.

Winners were: Allen Wall, Mossberg 500 Home Defense 12 gauge pump; Jack McCall, Winchester Super X 12 gauge pump; and Gary Tomlinson, Mossberg 500 Combo (two interchangeable barrels) 12 gauge pump Mossy Oak Camo.