People always ask what it is that we do at the Fort. Our beloved Eugene Davis summed it up…

“I love to come down to the Fort to hang around with the guys. They’re always talking about how to help veterans but one of the things that I love the most is watching what they teach the kids and hearing them talk to the kids about history and why they should love our country and our flag.  I can’t believe that children don’t learn this in school like we did when I was a kid. Freedom is a beautiful thing and kids should know all of the ways that veterans are responsible for their freedom.” –Eugene Davis

We’ve already started a few traditions at the Fort. One of those traditions is hanging our coffee cups up on the wall. 

Eugene, we know you’re up there looking down on us and we hope you can see that your coffee cup is hanging up on the wall. We love and miss you, brother.

In Memory of Eugene Davis

Eugene was a dedicated member at the Fort, giving his time and resources, even though he was going through a difficult time with his health. Eugene helped make last summer's Kids Camp special for all of the children who participated by donating materials and time. He also contributed many items to the Fort's museum. He was a good friend to his fellow members and he will be greatly missed. Eugene proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and continued to be of service by helping others in his community.

EUGENE  “GENE”  DAVIS,  SR.,  age  78,  of  LaFayette  passed  away  Sunday,  March 06, 2016.

Eugene Davis, 1955

Eugene Davis, 1955

He  was  a  veteran  of  the  United  States  Army  and  was  a  member  of  Fort  Villanow.

Preceded  in  death  by  his  first  wife,  Bessie  Henson  Davis  and  second  wife,  Thelma  Ruth  Studdard  Davis;  his  parents,  Henry  “Shorty”  and  Iris  “Peggy”  Davis;  two  sisters,  Louise  Jones  and  Joanne  McCarley.

Survived  by  his  daughters,  Karen (Charles Mathis)  Smith,  Rebecca  Turner,  Kim  Cameron,  Pam  (Randy  Mikles)  Dye  and  Crystal  Morris;  sons,  Eugene  “J.R.”  (Amanda)  Davis,  Jr.,  William  Davis,  Eric  Davis,  Brad  E.  Davis  and  Robert  Clifton;  sisters,  Elouise  Campbell,  and  Joan  (Kenny)  Mellick;  brother,  Harmon  Davis;  forty-one  grandchildren,  thirty-four  great  grandchildren;  several  nieces  and  nephews  also  survive.

Funeral  from  the  Wallis  Memorial  Chapel  Wednesday,  March 09,  at  2:00  p.m.  with  minister  Marshall  Kellett  officiating.

Interment in the LaFayette City Cemetery.

Pallbearers are the members of Fort Villanow.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 08 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette. 

2016 Kids Survival Boot Camp starts soon!

Retired Special Forces teach kids what it takes to survive.

Coming Soon!!

Do your kids have the skills that might save a life? Kids Survival Boot Camp returns to Fort Villanow this spring.

The veterans at Fort Villanow will hold day camp classes every Saturday beginning April 16, 2016 through June 25, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kids will learn and participate in the following activities:
 

  • Primitive land navigation
  • Camping & Fishing
  • Swimming & Hiking
  • Staying safe in nature
  • Using a compass
  • Self Defense
  • First Aid

Kids receive dog tags, a compass and Fort Villanow T-Shirt with enrollment!
Cost to enroll is $25 per child.. Recommended for ages 8 to 15. All children under 12 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Fort Villanow will be guarded and gates will be closed during class times for safety. No outside visitors permitted during boot camp, except for parents/guardians.

"As a dad, I was proud and relieved that I sent my 7 year old son to the camp after he pointed out Poison Ivy. I was about to grab the leaves when he stopped me. The camp is a great thing and more parents should bring their kids." -Andrew A. of Chattanooga, TN.

Call or visit the Fort to enroll your child today.

Space is limited.

Fort Villanow is a place built by veterans to help other veterans, while also providing a place for kids to have fun while learning more about the important role that veterans have played in the lives of every American while inspiring a love of our country.
 
Fort Villanow is located at:
12650 East Hwy 136, La Fayette, GA.  30728, between Calhoun & La Fayette.
In Villanow, beside Pocket Road.     
Call 706-397-8860  for more information.

Thank you to Chuck Schmult for a beautiful work of art!

Chuck, thank you for an incredible piece of art work and the time and dedication it required for creation!

The second flag raising at Iwo Jima

The second flag raising at Iwo Jima

About the Artist:

Chuck visited the Fort in the summer of 2015 to get involved. He showed us his beautiful portfolio of paintings and offered to contribute his artwork to the Fort Villanow Museum. Fort members requested the scene from Iwo Jima and Chuck delivered! This is our first piece of original artwork. The Fort will hold a special dedication to recognize Chuck, who is a U.S. Military Veteran and a working freelance artist. If you're searching for a mural artist, look no further. Chuck's work is impeccable and he's currently available for commission. Chuck currently resides in Rome, Georgia.

The painting depicts the famous scene of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.

Fort Villanow Veterans Wes Alexander and Ralph Casey (left) with Mural Artist, Chuck Schmult (right)

Fort Villanow Veterans Wes Alexander and Ralph Casey (left) with Mural Artist, Chuck Schmult (right)

About Iwo Jima:

"On the morning of February 19, 1945, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions invaded Iwo Jima after an ineffective 72-hour bombardment. The 28th Regiment of the 5th Division, was ordered to capture Mount Suribachi. They reached the base of the mountain on the afternoon of February 21 and, by nightfall the next day, had almost completely surrounded it. On the morning of February 23, Marines of Company E, 2nd Battalion, started the tortuous climb up the rough terrain to the top. At about 10:30 am men all over the island were thrilled by the sight of a small American flag flying from atop Mount Suribachi. That afternoon, when the slopes were clear of enemy resistance, a second, larger flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman: Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon H. Block, Pfc. Franklin R. Sousley, Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, and PhM. 2/c John H. Bradley, USN." -from NPS.gov
 

Display your Military Uniform at the Fort!

uniforms wanted 1.jpg

Fort Villanow would like to display your Air Force, USMC or Coast Guard uniform! The uniforms will help educated visitors and children at the Fort as well as honoring the service member who wore them.

Our mannequins can display Head Wear/Hats, Shirts, Coats & Ties. We currently have Army and Navy uniforms on display and would like to represent each branch of the U.S. Military. Uniforms from any era are welcomed.

Call us at 706-397-8860 or email us at ftvillanow@gmail.com if you would like to display a family member's or your own uniform.