VFW Post 1545

The first significant snowstorm of the year hit our area this past weekend, forcing us to cancel our scheduled Sunday breakfast in anticipation of the cold and snow. 

We are now planning to hold the breakfast on Sunday, February 22 (Presidents’ Weekend) from 8 a.m. until noon. More details on the menu will be shared soon.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Windham Department of Public Works for their outstanding efforts throughout the storm. Watching them push through the night and into the day to keep our roads clear is a reminder of just how challenging and essential their work is.

Our VFW Post salutes everything they do—not only during snowstorms, but throughout the entire year. As a small token of our appreciation, we brought lunch to the entire DPW crew this past Tuesday to thank them for a job well done.

On the national level, VFW National Veterans Service Director Michael Figlioli recently participated in a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs roundtable focused on preventing scams targeting service members, veterans, and their families.

The discussion emphasized how fraudsters deliberately exploit the trust inherent in military culture and the perceived reliability of VA disability compensation.

Panelists stressed the importance of education and outreach, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and advancing legislation to hold bad actors accountable.

Additionally, VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci recently traveled to Poland to meet with U.S. service members stationed at Camp Kościuszko. 

The visit included discussions on VFW advocacy priorities, earned benefits, transition assistance, and the unique challenges of serving overseas.

This engagement reaffirmed the VFW’s commitment to honoring and supporting those serving on NATO’s eastern flank. 

A previous visit helped lead to VFW advocacy for proper recognition of eastern flank service resolution the VFW continues to renew and support today.

If you are a veteran and believe you may qualify for VFW membership, we invite you to attend our regular business meeting on February 12 at 6 p.m. at the post, located at 5565 State Route 23.

If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance with any veteran-related matters, please stop by. We are always glad to help connect veterans with the information and resources they need.

We often say someone is hero. What is a hero? The true meaning of a hero goes beyond mythical figures, encompassing anyone who shows courage, selflessness, and integrity to help others, often by overcoming personal challenges or acting bravely in critical moments for the greater good, whether through grand, publicized acts or quiet, everyday sacrifices, and can be seen as a protector, a warrior against evil, or simply someone who does the right thing when it's needed most. 

In the course of serving our country many performed extraordinary acts of courage. One of them is Staff Sgt. Nicky Daniel Bacon a member of  Company B, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade Americal Division. Bacon was born on Nov. 25, 1945, in Caraway, Arkansas. His parents, who were cotton sharecroppers, decided to move the family to Arizona in 1951, where Bacon's father's parents operated their own cotton farm. After his father became sick with polio, Bacon dropped out of Peoria High School in his freshman year to work on the farm full time. In 1963, inspired by his uncle's stories of World War II, Bacon decided to join the Army. Although he was only 17, he managed to bypass the age requirement by forging his mother's signature. 

Although he first volunteered for a Vietnam tour in 1964, it wasn't until 1966 that he received orders to serve in the war. During his first tour of duty from 1966 to 1967, Bacon endured a number of hardships, including suffering three injuries in battle and being one of two survivors of a freak helicopter accident. Despite this, Bacon volunteered and served a second Vietnam tour in 1968. He was placed with the 4th Battalion of the 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On Aug. 26, 1968, Bacon, now a staff sergeant, was leading a squad from 1st Platoon, Company B to their base in Tam Ky when they were suddenly attacked by an enemy bunker line. Jumping into action, Bacon mobilized his men and destroyed the North Vietnamese bunker with grenades. 

Several fellow soldiers, including the 1st Platoon leader, were wounded by an enemy machine gun nest during the fight. Bacon quickly assumed command, assaulted the enemy position and single-handedly killed its crew. Soon after, the 3rd Platoon leader was killed while moving to Bacon's location. Without hesitation, Bacon took command of the 3rd Platoon, too, and advanced further on the enemy. He managed to climb onto a tank — which gave him a better vantage point — and directed his forces against the North Vietnamese soldiers. He killed four enemy soldiers and destroyed an antitank weapon. 

In the end, under the leadership of Bacon, the combined platoons were able to eliminate the enemy soldiers, as well as rescue men trapped at the front of the line and evacuate wounded men. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross several weeks after the events of Tam Ky. A year later, on Nov. 24, 1969, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon during a ceremony at the White House.  

Upon his military retirement, Bacon moved back to Arizona with his wife, Tamera Ann, and started working at the regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1990, he moved to Arkansas and became the director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. While in that position, he helped create the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery and the Arkansas Veterans Coalition. Bacon died on July 17, 2010, after battling cancer for several years. He was buried in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. He had six children: Kristy, Kim, William, James, Wyatt and Britt.   

Please remember all who served our country and those still serving throughout the world. All are heroes who love this country. God bless America.

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander VFW Post 1545