PORTSMOUTH — Gianna McNally was the first-place winner in the VFW Post 5390’s Voice of Democracy essay contest.

Peter Fiaschetti took second place and Ellie Pratt, third. All winners will be presented with awards at the Portsmouth Junior Class Awards Day this spring.  

Gianna, who was asked to read her essay at the Post’s Memorial Day service in May, also won the District Two top award and placed second overall in the state. 

In other news, the Portsmouth Veterans Honor Roll Committee will present a progress update to the Town Council Monday night, Feb. 27. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

Cub Scout Pack 50 will hold its Blue and Gold banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the VFW on Anthony Road, Portsmouth. 

The R.I. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Lawson-Raiola No. 15 will be holding a “Bootcamp Breakfast” at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, at VFW Post 4487, 52 Underwood Lane, Middletown (off Coddington Highway). 

A full breakfast will be served and the cost is $5 per person. All veterans, spouses, active duty and guests are welcome. Hear updates on benefits, entitlements and more and have your questions answered by national service officers. 

Make checks payable to R.I. DAV, Chapter 15 and mail to Lawrence Matika, 35 Adams Point Road, Barrington, RI 02806. For more information, contact Walter Coelho, Jr., vice commander, at 508/965-1557.

Military Women Across the Nation is hosting a tea sponsored by R.I. Unit 118 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15. All female veterans and active duty personnel are encouraged to attend.

Veterans Corner is a roundup of news and events that are of interest to local veterans.