VFW Present 2023 Community Service Awards

The Teacher of the Year was presented to South Edmonson Elementary School Guidance Counselor Shannon Lowe

On Friday, December 8th, four different individuals were honored by Brownsville VFW Post 6937 with community service awards for their community service.  The awards were presented by Post Commander Edwin Vincent following a catered dinner at the Heritage Center in Brownsville.
 
The Teacher of the Year was presented to South Edmonson Elementary School Guidance Counselor Shannon Lowe.  Shannon was nominated by Post member Ray Durbin who noted that Shannon is a beloved member of the faculty, has earned her Master’s Degree, and volunteers extensively with youth league sports, as well as the 4H.
 

EMT of the Year was presented to Anthony Derek Esters.

EMT of the Year recipient Anthony Derek Esters, who was nominated by EMS Director Keith Sanders, is a licensed paramedic who volunteers to work additional shifts when needed to ensure that our ambulances are adequately staffed, and also serves as a volunteer firefighter with Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department.
 

Austin Meredith was awarded Police Officer of the Year.

Police Officer of the Year was awarded to Austin Meredith, who was nominated by Brownsville Police Chief Jeremy Hodges.  Austin is credited with over 70 narcotics arrests, and is highly visible throughout his shifts, whether providing additional security for High School ball games or participating in traffic enforcement. 

"He is well known in the community and well respected, treating others the way he would like to be treated," a statement from the VFW said. "On the evening of March 30, 2023, Officer Meredith was involved with a criminal pursuit that ranged far and wide across the county in which for thirty-five minutes he was almost run over, shot at to the point of his cruiser becoming inoperable due to gunfire damage, and instead of giving up, he radioed a nearby county deputy to pick him up and together they continued the pursuit, under fire, until its conclusion.  Of note, in 2021, then Deputy Meredith was decorated with the Medal Of Valor in a separate deadly force encounter.  In awarding the certificate, Post Commander Edwin Vincent described Officer Meredith as a 'bulldog'."

Morris Blanton received Member of the Year.

 
The VFW Department of Kentucky established this year, a new award simply titled Member of the Year. 

"At our last Post meeting, the membership unanimously voted to award this title to 92 year-old Morris Blanton," the VFW stated. "Morris served in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation following the War.  Morris is an indefatigable member of our Burial Honors detail, participating in literally hundreds of dignified veteran interments.  Morris is also a cheerful participant in virtually every other Post service activity."
 
The VFW also added, "To all of the above honorees, thank you for your accomplishments and your service to our community.  We are proud to have you as friends and neighbors."