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The Sgt. USMC Jayton D. Patterson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4411 hosted its annual Community Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 12, honoring six individuals working in the region, including Southampton County, Isle of Wight County and the cities of Franklin and Portsmouth.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Charlene Walker-Briggs, who teaches fourth and fifth grade reading at Riverdale Elementary School in Courtland, was selected as Post 4411’s Teacher of the Year and also as the VFW Department of Virginia District 2 Teacher of the Year.

VFW 4411 Commander Jeff Draughn described the kind of teacher the VFW honors.

“Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award,” he said. “For example, do you know a teacher who plans the field trips to city hall, organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experience. Perhaps you’re familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. This is the kind of teacher we honor.”

VFW 4411 Comrade Quartermaster Susan Moore noted that Walker-Briggs was awarded $100 from the Post and $100 more from District 2, along with a plaque and certificate as a result of being Teacher of the Year.

Walker-Briggs gave a brief acceptance speech.

“I give honor to God and to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without whom I would not be here today,” she said. “I’m thankful to my husband, David (Briggs), my Uncle Johnny (Walker) and Aunt Albertina (Walker) for coming from Richmond to celebrate with us today, and I want to thank you, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for awarding me the honor of being chosen as the Teacher of the Year for both your local and state chapter in Virginia.

“I’m humbled and grateful and hope to represent the VFW organization and Southampton County Public Schools with dignity and respect,” she added. “I appreciate and I thank you all for your service and dedication to our country and for your faithfulness in serving veterans in our communities and around the country. I pray that God bless you, and may heaven continue to smile upon you. Thank you.”

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

The Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship award went to Southampton Academy sophomore Danee Railey.

Moore noted that the Post’s youth scholarship awards, both VOD and the Patriot’s Pen, are the result of a combined effort from the Post and its Auxiliary.

Railey was awarded $500, a certificate and a medal.

Draughn said the VOD award was established in 1947.

“Our Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic- and patriotic-themed recorded essay,” he said. “Each year more than 26,400 ninth grade through 12th grade students from across this country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.”

He added, “The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vo-tech school.”

PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD — DISPATCHER

The Post’s Public Servant Award for a dispatcher went to Dispatch Supervisor Jodi Rose, who works with the City of Franklin Police Department.

She received a plaque, certificate and first responder medal.

Her citation reads as follows: “Certificate of Commendation awarded to Dispatch Supervisor Jodi Rose in special recognition of exemplary service to humanity by administering the vital link between callers in distress and emergency response teams.”

PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD — LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Post’s Public Servant Award for law enforcement went to Timothy Davenport, who works with the Virginia State Police in its region designated Area 34, which includes Isle of Wight and Southampton.

Draughn listed the criteria to be a recipient of the Law Enforcement National Award.

“The Law Enforcement National Award is any individual who serves in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility,” he said. “This award does not apply to individuals employed by private companies or security services.”

Davenport was presented with a law enforcement plaque, a certificate and a first responder medal.

PUBLIC SERVANT AWARD — PARAMEDIC

The Post’s Public Servant Award for a paramedic went to Firefighter-Paramedic Delaney Townsend, who is assigned with Isle of Wight County Fire and Rescue.

Draughn said the criteria for being a recipient of the Emergency Medical Technician National Award is as follows: “Any individual who actively gives emergency medical treatment, provides rescue services for civil disaster assistance, a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provides rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.”

Draughn also shared criteria for the Firefighter’s National Award: “Any individual who actively fights fires, is a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires, gives assistance to our nation’s citizens.

“Candidates must have demonstrated recognition by their colleagues or those they serve, consistent excellence in the performance of their duties, consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.”

Townsend received a plaque, certificate and first responder medal.

PATRIOT’S PEN

The Patriot’s Pen scholarship award went to seventh grader Christopher Danovich at Portsmouth Catholic Regional School.

He received $350, a certificate and a medal.

Draughn said, “Each year, more than 66,600 students in grades six through eight enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Annual Youth Essay Contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first-place winner wins $5,000.”

Draughn said applications are available now for the 2026 Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy awards, with a deadline of Oct. 31. For more information, call 757-569-8169 or send an email to vfw4411@gmail.com.