Collegedale/Ooltewah VFW Post 1697

06/04/2026

06/02/2026

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

05/31/2026

Memorial May (Day 31)

Today we honor and remember the 1,388 Missing in Action Service Members from Tennessee.

Until they all come home, Lest we forget.

For more info visit the links below and search by Tennessee:

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaOurMissingMap

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaOurMissing

05/30/2026

Memorial May (Day 30)

Today we honor and remember 9 of the 89 Service Members from Hamilton County Killed in Action during the Vietnam War.

TUCKER TOMAS C ARMY SSG 19430619 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19691108

VAUGHT JOHNNIE L JR MARINE CORPS PFC 19490203 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680929

WALKER JOHN HENRY JR MARINE CORPS LCPL 19481128 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19670907

WATSON JAMES FRANKLIN ARMY SP4 19320603 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680825

WAUGH RONNEL LOUIE MARINE CORPS LCPL 19450703 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19690225

WORKMAN LANCE DAVIS ARMY 1LT 19471004 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19710711

WRIGHT RONALD LEE MARINE CORPS CPL 19481222 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680315

To see more info visit: https://www.archives.gov/research/vietnam-war

The National Archives has a wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in the Vietnam conflict. These include photographs, textual and electronic records, audiovisual recordings, exhibits, educational resources, articles, blog posts, lectures, and events. What's Happening? Lea...

05/29/2026

❤️🤍💙 Honoring our heroes this Sunday at Erlanger Park!

Join us May 31st for Military Appreciation Day featuring a pregame Color Guard, National Anthem, and swearing in ceremony. ⭐

Complimentary tickets for active duty and retired military, veterans, and their families will be available on the day of the game at the Center Field Gate or the Ticket Office at the Right Field Gate. 🎟️

Gates open at 12:00pm.

05/29/2026

Memorial May (Day 29)

Today we honor and remember 10 of the 89 Service Members from Hamilton County Killed in Action during the Vietnam War.

STANCIL KENNETH LEON ARMY CW2 19340120 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19651228

STEPHENS THOMAS ALLEN ARMY CPL 19500112 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN HAMILTON 19700512

SWINT CHARLES JUNIOR ARMY SGT 19470804 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19690206

TANKSLEY CLIFTON ARMY SFC 19310903 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19671207

TATUM LAWRENCE BYRON AIR FORCE COL 19300429 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19660910

TAYLOR GEORGE DENNIS ARMY CPT 19431011 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680907

TAYLOR TOMMY LEE MARINE CORPS CPL 19471223 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680505

TIPSY HAYWOOD WADE JR MARINE CORPS LCPL 19470526 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19670914

TOLLETT ELIJAH GOAR JR AIR FORCE MAJ 19300830 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19660112

TUCKER THOMAS CECIL MARINE CORPS PFC 19420405 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19670306

To see more info visit: https://www.archives.gov/research/vietnam-war

The National Archives has a wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in the Vietnam conflict. These include photographs, textual and electronic records, audiovisual recordings, exhibits, educational resources, articles, blog posts, lectures, and events. What's Happening? Lea...

05/28/2026

Memorial May (Day 28)

Today we honor and remember 10 of the 89 Service Members from Hamilton County Killed in Action during the Vietnam War.

RATLIFF FRANKLIN DELANO MARINE CORPS CPL 19480711 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680703

REYNOLDS JOHN DAVID MARINE CORPS PFC 19470713 DAISY HAMILTON 19670908

ROGERS JOHN AVERY ARMY PFC 19480801 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680119

ROSS CARLTON ARMY CPL 19470815 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680926

SHELTON WILLIE ARMY PFC 19410731 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680403

SHIPLEY THOMAS FREDERICK ARMY SGT 19480326 SALE CREEK HAMILTON 19691108

SHORT JOSEPH WILLIAM ARMY CPL 19480824 HIXSON HAMILTON 19680413

SHRUM KENNETH EDWARD ARMY SP4 19430512 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19661015

SKYLES GORDON RAY ARMY SGT 19370101 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19660624

SMITH CHARLES EDWARD JR ARMY SP4 19480605 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19690830

To see more info visit: https://www.archives.gov/research/vietnam-war

The National Archives has a wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in the Vietnam conflict. These include photographs, textual and electronic records, audiovisual recordings, exhibits, educational resources, articles, blog posts, lectures, and events. What's Happening? Lea...

05/27/2026

Memorial May (Day 27)

Today we honor and remember 10 of the 89 Service Members from Hamilton County Killed in Action during the Vietnam War.

NAYLOR GEORGE EDWARD MARINE CORPS LCPL 19470627 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19671201

NELMS DANIEL EARNEST ARMY PFC 19491126 HIXSON HAMILTON 19700522

NORMAN ARTHUR EUGENE AIR FORCE A2C 19440321 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19650116

NUNLEY WALTER WILLIAM JR ARMY SGT 19480801 NORTH CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19700122

PEMBERTON WILLIAM LARRY MARINE CORPS CPL 19471201 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680729

PLESS WILLIAM HUDSOL MARINE CORPS LCPL 19491031 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19690104

PODY JOHN CHRISTOPHER III NAVY AN 19421227 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19670729

POE ROBERT EDWIN ARMY SP5 19461017 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19680304

POTTER JAMES RALPH ARMY SSG 19470221 DAISY HAMILTON 19690911

PRINCE JOHN R ARMY SSG 19250626 CHATTANOOGA HAMILTON 19670115

To see more info visit: https://www.archives.gov/research/vietnam-war

The National Archives has a wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in the Vietnam conflict. These include photographs, textual and electronic records, audiovisual recordings, exhibits, educational resources, articles, blog posts, lectures, and events. What's Happening? Lea...

05/27/2026

National Auxiliary Shoutout!!

On Memorial Day, we shared photos from the Memorial Day programs, projects, events and ceremonies posted or sent in by VFW Auxiliary members, which we will also be compiling in an album for future perusal. We have received many more submissions over the weekend and are sharing them throughout the day today, Tuesday, too. Thank you to all who have participated for all that you do!

VFW Auxiliary 1697, Department of Tennessee
Angelyvette Hardy, Life Member of VFW Auxiliary Post 1697, shares that she and another Auxiliary member joined members of VFW PFC Travis F. Haslip Memorial Post 1697 from Ooltewah for a memorial service at Veterans Memorial Park in Collegedale, and together were able to place American Flags by the headstone of more than 100 service members in Collegedale Memorial Gardens and Snow Hill Cemetery over the weekend.

She sent several great pictures; this was one of our favorites.