The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Victoria Post 9954 celebrated a milestone during its annual banquet March 23.

The post was founded 70 years ago. The last living charter member, Robert Tomlinson, was honored for being a 70-year member of the post Saturday. Tomlinson is a veteran of World War II.

Louie Overton was honored for 55 years of membership, Irvin Hagaman and Freddy Anderson were honored for 50 years of membership.

Matthew Gatling, recently appointed Corporal of Victoria Police Department, was awarded by the VFW for his service to the town.

Anna Bolling, science instructor at Central High School, was awarded VFW’s Teacher of the Year. Student winners of the Patriot’s Pen and Voices of Democracy essay contests were also recognized during the banquet.

Central High School student Fatima Lara won first place in the Voices of Democracy essay contest. Central High School student Taylor Chaffin won second place.

Lunenburg Middle School student Charlotte Richmond won first place in the Patriot’s Pen contest. Ty Eggleston won second place and Maria Lara-Juarez, sister to Fatima Lara, won third.