VFW - Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial Post 12185

HONORING SERVICE — FROM THOSE WHO SERVED TO THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

On October 6, 2026, Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial VFW Post 12185 and Auxiliary had the distinct honor of presenting a United States flag 🇺🇸 to Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

A flag is more than fabric and ink. It is a living symbol of our nation’s resilience, unity, and the freedoms we hold dear.

Our Veterans served on distant shores to defend those freedoms. Today, the dedicated staff at Shelby Baptist Medical Center serves on the front lines of our community every day—providing comfort, healing, and hope to our neighbors.❤️

This flag was presented as a heartfelt token of appreciation for their unwavering service to Shelby County. May it fly proudly as a reminder of our shared commitment to this community and the enduring bond between those who defend our nation and those who care for its people.

Thank you, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, for all you do for our community. ❤️

Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial VFW Post 12185 & Auxiliary ❤️ Serving Veterans, the Military, and Our Communities.

🎃 What a Day! Thank You for Making Saturday So Much Fun! 🚂❤️

WOW… what a Saturday! We had an incredible time at Ozan Winery for the Fall Cookout with Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, and it was so much fun seeing everyone come out, enjoy some great food, ride the train and support a great cause!

From the smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill to the excitement of the train rolling through the woods, Saturday was exactly what a community event should be—fun, family, fellowship, and supporting our local veterans. 🇺🇸

🍔 Burgers & hot dogs were flying off the grill!
🍎 Fried apple rings and funnel cake fries made the day even sweeter!
🚂 And, of course, there was an amazing train ride through the beautiful fall scenery!
Most importantly, every dollar we raised helps support local veterans and their families while promoting patriotism right here in our community. 🇺🇸❤️

🙏 A HUGE THANK YOU!
We couldn't have done it without the incredible support of our sponsors and community partners.
⭐ Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass — thank you for sponsoring us at this event!
🥩 KD’s Fine Meats - Alabaster — thank you for generously providing the meats for our grill!

And to EVERYONE who came out, bought a meal, rode the train, volunteered, donated, or simply stopped by to say hello—THANK YOU!
You helped make this a very successful and incredibly fun day! ❤️🇺🇸
🎥 Check out the video below for a little taste of Saturday's fun! 🚂👇
We can't wait to do it again on Saturday, October 31st, but this time at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

A VERY SPECIAL shout out to Greg Cunningham and Chris Phillips for cooking ALL DAY on that hot grill and to Rachel Haythorn for keeping our train 🚂 on the tracks and running smoothly.

We are having a blast here at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum . Just look at the crowd.

🍔 Fall Cookout for a Great Cause! 🌭

Come out for a delicious fall cookout at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum! Every single dollar raised goes directly toward supporting local veterans and their families, and promoting patriotism right here in our community. 🇺🇸
Bring the whole family and enjoy some incredible food and fun:

✨ On the Menu:
• The Meal Deal ($10): Your choice of a juicy hamburger or hot dog, served with chips and a drink (soft drink or water).
• Funnel Cake Fries ($5): Warm, sweet, and crispy!
• Fried Apple Rings ($5): The ultimate autumn treat.

🎯 Activities:
• Test your aim at our "Bunker Buster" game! Grab 1 toss for a $1 donation, or maximize your chances with 6 throws for a $5 donation.

❤️ A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors:
A special thanks to the firm Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass for sponsoring us at this event.
Shoutout to KD’s Fine Meats - Alabaster for generously providing the meats for our grill! 🥩

Come hungry, support a wonderful cause, and stand with our local veterans. We can't wait to see you there!

🚂 All Aboard for Pumpkin Junction! 🍂

🗓️ Event Date: Oct 3
🕒 Train Departures (CT):
• Saturdays: 10 AM, 1 PM, & 3 PM

✨ What to Know:
• The Experience: 25-minute train ride + 60 minutes of fun at Pumpkin Junction.
• Boarding: Begins 15 minutes before departure from the Calera Depot.
• Seating: First-come, first-served unassigned seating. Choose between open-air or climate-controlled cars!
• Accessibility: Accessible boarding is available at both locations. Please select "Wheelchair Spaces" when booking online to reserve adjacent family seating.
🎟️ Tickets: Advance online booking is highly recommended to guarantee your spot! Walk-ups are subject to availability.
👉 Book your tickets here: https://go.hodrrm.org/pumpkinjunction

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 .