News Summary
Huntsville has established VFW Post 12242 to support local veterans and their families. Commanded by Alfonso Nixon, the post memorializes Sgt. Jeremy Foshee and aims to create a strong community for veterans in the Hampton Cove and Owens Cross Roads areas. With approximately 40 members already, the post focuses on outreach and support, especially for Vietnam veterans, while securing a permanent clubhouse location for activities and resources.
Huntsville Welcomes New VFW Post to Support Local Veterans
A new Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, known as Post 12242, has been established to cater to veterans in the Hampton Cove and Owens Cross Roads areas on the east side of Huntsville Mountain. The post aims to support local veterans and their families, providing a community for those who have bravely served the nation.
The commander of VFW Post 12242, Alfonso Nixon, a retired first sergeant with extensive military experience, has emphasized that the post will be guided by the VFW motto, “No one does more for veterans.” Under Nixon’s leadership, the post has already garnered an enthusiastic response from the community.
Post 12242 has been dedicated to the memory of the late Sgt. Jeremy Foshee, a Pisgah native who tragically lost his life during a helicopter crash in the southern Philippines on February 22, 2002. Foshee served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and his body was never recovered. Naming the post in his honor pays tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Background and Establishment
The genesis of this new post began over a year ago when Nixon proposed the idea to his retired military friends who had moved to Huntsville. The concept received favorable feedback, leading to the formal establishment of the post. To obtain a charter, a VFW post must have at least 25 members, with 10 members needing to be unaffiliated with an existing post. As of last week, VFW Post 12242 has successfully recruited approximately 40 members and anticipates further growth.
The post has already executed two membership drives aimed at attracting veterans, specifically targeting those who are either newcomers to the area or have recently retired. Nixon revealed that there is a particular emphasis on reaching out to Vietnam veterans and their families, aiming to enhance their support systems within the community.
Leadership and Initial Meetings
The inaugural meeting of Post 12242 took place on April 16, where members established the charter and elected officers who were sworn into office. This foundational event was organized with the assistance of Eric Dudash, commander of the Alabama Department of VFW, who provided guidance throughout the formation process. Additionally, the Alabama VFW state organization is offering direct support to the new post for a period of 90 days, ensuring that they build a solid foundation from the outset.
Nixon’s Vision and Motivation
Nixon, who joined the Army in June 1990 and conducted significant international duties primarily at Fort Campbell since January 1994, retired in October 2010. Following his military career, he became employed at the Arsenal, specifically within the former Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center. His challenging experience as a cancer survivor has further fueled his motivation for creating the post, as he aims to help fellow veterans navigate the often complicated healthcare system.
Currently, members of VFW Post 12242 convene at The Meadows at Hampton Cove clubhouse while they make plans to secure a permanent location for their activities. This facility will serve as a community hub for veterans and their families to seek support, share experiences, and engage in various initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.
The establishment of VFW Post 12242 reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices made by veterans are recognized and honored within the Huntsville community, providing essential resources and a sense of camaraderie among those who have served.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket: Huntsville Welcomes New VFW Post
- Wikipedia: Veterans of Foreign Wars
- The Redstone Rocket: Local Veterans Care Initiatives
- Google Search: Local Veterans Support
- The Redstone Rocket: Community Engagement for Veterans
- Google Scholar: Veterans Support Programs
- The Redstone Rocket: Honoring Local Veterans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Support Services
- The Redstone Rocket: Veteran Health Initiatives
- Google News: Veteran Health Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
