VFW - Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial Post 12185

We had a fun time at the Alabaster Police Department National Night Out. A great community event.
Stay tuned for announcements of other upcoming events.

🚨 What happens when our community gets to see the people, equipment, and technology working to keep us safe? You get National Night Out!

Mark your calendar for this Tuesday, September 29, and bring the family to the Alabaster National Night Out!

From 6–8 PM at 820 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, you’ll have a chance to get out, meet local law enforcement, and experience some of the things they do firsthand.

Here’s what’s happening:

🚁 See Alabaster drone demonstrations
🚓 Get up close to tactical vehicles
🎯 Participate in simulations
🎈 Inflatables for the kids!
👮 Meet Alabaster & Shelby County patrol units

🎖️ Meet your local VFW Post 12185 and VFW Auxiliary 12185
🎯 Test your aim with the "Bunker Buster" toss

It’s more than an evening of activities—it’s a chance for neighbors, families, and local law enforcement to connect in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Bring the kids. Bring a friend. Come see what National Night Out is all about!

📅 September 29, 2026
⏰ 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 820 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Alabaster

Who are you bringing with you? Tag them below! 👇
And share this post so another Alabaster family doesn’t miss out. 🇺🇸

Computer and Device Tutoring for Veterans
The University of Alabama's Culverhouse School of Accountancy is offering free one-on-one computer and device tutoring for Veterans and their family members at various locations across the region, on various dates.

You will be individually tutored by a UA student. Bring your device or use a UA laptop during class. Veterans & family are welcome. To make an appointment, text the location name, your name, and the date(s) you wish to attend to 205-535-0907.

For National POW/MIA Recognition Day, our VFW Auxiliary 12185 set up a POW/MIA Table, also known as the Missing Man Table at the entrance of the South Tower of Shelby Baptist Hospital. Each item is there for a reason.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: Shows that our concern for the missing is never-ending.
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡: Represents the purity of their response to the country's call to arms.
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫: Depicts an unknown face representing all who are not here.
𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬: Reminds us they cannot join in a toast.
𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧: Symbolizes their bitter fate.
𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭: Represents the tears of waiting families.
𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞: Honors the families and loved ones keeping faith.
𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧: Symbolizes determination and hope for their return.
𝐋𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞: Reflects the light of hope to illuminate their way home.
𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡: Represents strength and faith in a higher power.

Please join us at the Alabama National Cemetery Main Flagpole Assembly Area for a brief ceremony beginning at 4:20 p.m. The program will open with a flyover and include an invocation and wreath laying by two family members. More information can be found at the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery

We were pleased to join with the First United Methodist Church of Alabaster this past wednsday. They cooked up a ton of wings and sausage and we got to deliver some to each of the Alabaster Fire Department Fire Stations and the Alabaster Police Department. Thank you FUMC Alabaster .

Well said....

🇺🇸 **PATRIOT DAY — NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE** 🇺🇸

**September 11, 2026 | 25 Years — We Will Never Forget**

Twenty-five years ago today, Americans began a morning that would forever change our nation.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks against the United States. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and coworkers, first responders and members of our Armed Forces.

Today, the **Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Alabama** pauses to remember every life lost and every family forever changed.

We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, military members, and ordinary citizens who responded with extraordinary courage.

We remember the Americans who answered our nation's call in the days and years that followed—serving in Afghanistan and across the world. Some returned home bearing the visible and invisible costs of war. Others never returned.

September 11 is also observed as the **National Day of Service and Remembrance**, calling Americans to honor those we lost not only with our words, but through service to others.

Today, fly the American flag.
Pause and remember.
Check on a veteran or Gold Star family.
Serve a neighbor.
Strengthen your community.

Throughout today, we will remember several of the defining moments of September 11, 2001, and the courage, sacrifice, and service that followed.

**25 years later, we remember.
25 years later, we honor.
25 years later, we will never forget.**

🇺🇸 **VFW Department of Alabama**

The sharks are still out there! You don't EVER need to pay someone to be your "benefits coach" for VA benefits. You're already paying for those services through the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. They have service officers who know more about the VA benefits than the guy who says you need to pay him because he has all the answers. ADVA service officers are paid by the state -- not YOU. Their services to veterans are free. "No upfront fee" means there will definitely be a "backend" fee. DON'T FEED THE SHARKS!

Monday, July 27th marks the 73rd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

As Col Eldon Woodie (Ret) said, "Sadly, our Korean War Veterans are passing from our ranks. Please invite any veterans you know. Even if they are unable to attend, they will know our community respects their service and will always honor our fallen."

If you have never been, the ceremonies are incredibly moving and inspiring, and I encourage you to attend.