Patriot Pen winners Alyssa Hohlbein, left, and Haley Smith were honored guests at the VFW Membership Dinner Saturday night. Both girls read their essays and received an American flag, checks and pins from the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary. Alyssa is the daughter of Ron and Paulette Smith and Haley is the daughter of Adrian and Amanda Smith. Both girls are sixth-graders at Jefferson Middle School.

Patriots Pen winners Alyssa Hohlbein and Haley Smith, and Voice of Democracy winners read their winning essays and were given an American flag, checks and pins from the Men’s Unit and the Ladies Auxiliary.

State VFW commander Chuck Keller and his wife also attended the dinner and Commander Keller presented a short speech.

Local Post Commander Mike Hughes spoke briefly about the recent trip made to New York and Jersey by members of the post taking two trucks and trailers with clothing and other items valued at $40,000 to aid the victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Hughes also spoke of the many local and area organizations and schools that have benefited by the donation of over $36,780 to their needs.