Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary Post 5837 Recognizes Andrew Gidcumb for Veteran of the Year
Andrew Gidcumb (front center) with fellow VFW members.
Staff Report
From serving overseas in the United States Air Force to protecting his hometown and leading community outreach efforts, Andrew Gidcumb exemplifies a lifetime of service to others.
The Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary Post 5837 is proud to recognize Andrew Gidcumb for his outstanding military service, dedication to law enforcement, and continued commitment to the Butler County community as its Veteran of the Year honoree.
A Butler County native, Gidcumb graduated from high school in 1997, where he served as Student Body President. He continued his education at Cumberland College on a track scholarship before answering the call to serve his country. On December 14, 1999, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
After graduating from Security Forces School in May 2000, Gidcumb deployed to Saudi Arabia, where he served from November 2000 through February 2001 in support of Operation Southern Watch. During his deployment, he served on the Random Anti-Terrorism Measures Team with the 363rd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. He was later selected to attend and graduated from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division training program at Shaw Air Force Base.
Although Gidcumb separated from active duty in December 2004, his military commitment continued. He was recalled to service twice before completing his reserve obligation in 2007.
His dedication to protecting others carried over into civilian life. On February 14, 2004, he joined the Morgantown Police Department, beginning a career in local law enforcement that continued until 2014. During his tenure, he advanced to the rank of sergeant and served as acting chief. He received numerous awards for his work, including two Governor’s DUI Awards, and made 143 arrests in 2007 alone. He also graduated with honors from the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
In 2020, Gidcumb became a member of Granville Allen VFW Post 5837. His leadership journey within the organization included serving as Quartermaster, Junior Vice Commander, and ultimately Post Commander in 2023. He has also served as Senior Vice Commander of VFW District 5 since 2023.
As Post Commander, Gidcumb has worked tirelessly to change public perceptions of the VFW and strengthen its role in the community. His efforts have helped demonstrate that the VFW is much more than a gathering place for veterans; it is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, families, children, and neighbors in need.
Gidcumb has helped raise funds for countless causes and families throughout the community. One of the programs that has grown under his leadership is Cookies with the Commander, which has helped more than 500 children over the past three years. The program reflects his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of local families and ensuring children receive support when they need it most.
From his service overseas in the United States Air Force to his years protecting the citizens of Morgantown, Gidcumb has consistently demonstrated a commitment to duty, leadership, and service. Today, he continues that tradition through his work with the VFW, helping veterans and strengthening the community he calls home.
The Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary Post 5837 recognizes that service does not end when military duty is complete. For many veterans, it becomes a lifelong commitment expressed through leadership, compassion, and a willingness to step forward whenever help is needed.
Andrew Gidcumb’s record of service reflects that very spirit. His dedication to his country, his profession, his fellow veterans, and the families of Butler County makes him a deserving recipient of recognition as Veteran of the Year.
The Granville Allen VFW Auxiliary Post 5837 is honored to recognize Andrew Gidcumb for his outstanding contributions and continued service to his community.
