VFW Post 5886 receives honor while honoring others

Submitted by VFW POST 5886

SMITHFIELD — Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5886 had a busy month of March.

The post was honored for its 75th anniversary as a chartered post during its monthly meeting, and on the same night, honored Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell and Johnston County EMS Lieutenant Jessica Crawford with awards.

VFW Post 886 presented Bizzell with the VFW Public Servant Award for Law Enforcement.

“Sheriff Bizzell, his team of men and women and law enforcement in general, are very much a part of the safety of our nation and should be valued as much as our men and women in the military,” Smithfield VFW Post 5886 Commander

On March 4, VFW Post 5886 in Smithfield awarded Nathanael Starling from Princeton High School as the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest winner. He received a check for $500.

Robert Boyette told the Johnston County Report. “I would hate to think of how our society would be without the protection and assistance of the law enforcement community. Sheriff Bizzell has led his team commendably during a difficult year of hardships including tragedies, the global pandemic and unpopular mandates. He exemplifies true leadership and we are fortunate to have the best sheriff in (North Carolina) here in Johnston County.”

Crawford received the VFW Public Servant Award for Emergency Services Personnel.

“Lt. Crawford has shown great leadership abilities in her role as a field trainer and she is a role model for our team,” Johnston County Emergency Services Deputy Director Josh Holloman told the Johnston County Report. “She is always professional and helps to lift others up with her personality and her positive encouragement.”

On March 4, Post 8556 announced Nathanael Starling from Princeton High School as the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest winner. awarding him a check for $500.

For more on VFW Post 5886, visit www.facebook. com/vfw5886.