VFW Post 2908 and Auxiliary hosted local and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and nurses Jan. 20 with a free lasagna lunch at the Post home at 119 Anderson Road, Albemarle. Department of North Carolina Buddy Poppy Princess Alice Billips greeted the honored guests and distributed buddy poppies. From left are: Former Eastside VFD Fire Chief William Efird, 2023-2024 Department of North Carolina Buddy Poppy Princess Alice Billips and new VFW Post 2908 Commander Jon Bowlby. Billips is the daughter of Kimberly Billips and granddaughter of Dan and Theresa Billips, all of Albemarle. She attends Park Ridge Academy. Anyone who honorably served in combat, received hostile pay, served in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days while serving in the military is able to join VFW Post 290. Stop by the Post daily after 5 p.m. to pick up an application. (Contributed)