Saving Stories of Service 

Amanda Duncan: Preserving Military History in Edmond 

Although Amanda Duncan doesn’t have active military service on her resume, her work with Edmond’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is remarkable. As an Auxiliary officer, historian, and advocate, Amanda tirelessly supports military members and their families, a passion deeply rooted in her military lineage. 

“My husband, Deric, is a US Navy veteran. I’m an Air Force granddaughter, an Army and Air Force niece, and my little brother is enlisting after high school,” Amanda said. “Every generation in my family has served our country, so I’m happy to serve the military community.” 

Understanding the VFW 

The VFW, which was founded 125 years ago, started as a voice for wounded soldiers following the Spanish-American War. Today, the organization supports veterans who have served in combat zones by providing assistance with financial claims, mental health, and family services support. 

The VFW Auxiliary extends this mission, with family members of veterans promoting patriotism and organizing events open to all. “We host swap meets, art contests, scholarships, and even eSports combat gaming leagues,” Amanda said. “We sponsor Wreaths Across America at Gracelawn Cemetery and support groups like the Purple Heart Association and Gold Star Mothers.” 

A New Home After 80 Years 

After 80 years at its Campbell Street location, Edmond’s VFW relocated in 2023 to a larger building off 2nd and Fretz. Both Amanda and Deric played pivotal roles in the move. As the post’s Senior Commander, Deric believed the new space would better serve the community. 

Amanda revived the Auxiliary, which had been inactive since 2015, and increased community events while overseeing the safe transport of the post’s historical collection. “Moving the VFW was a massive endeavor. We had eight decades of history—photos, newspaper clippings, funeral flags, dog tags, and even a rocket launcher!” Amanda said. “But it was more important to get events running. A post is supposed to have life in it.” 

Honoring Francis Hamilton 

During the move, Amanda discovered the story of Francis Edward Hamilton, a 23-year-old native of Edmond who was killed aboard the SS Paul Hamilton during WWII. Along with four other servicemen from Edmond, Francis remains missing in action. 

Amanda discovered that the First Methodist Church once displayed a brass lamp in his honor, but the lamp has since been lost. Determined to preserve Francis’s legacy, Amanda suggested naming the post after him. This became official in 2024. 

“I think it’s important for his name to be spoken because it probably hasn’t been in years,” Amanda said. “His photo was finally found this March, so we are seeing his image for the first time.” 

Saving Service Members’ Stories 

Amanda’s dedication to preserving military history has earned her the reputation as a “saver of military history” throughout Oklahoma. She often ventures into barns, attics, and even pawn shops to rescue military artifacts. 

“Veterans save photos, uniforms, and letters—pieces of their lives—because they want them to be seen someday,” Amanda said. “I’ll go wherever I’m needed, headlamp and gloves ready, because once something is gone, it’s gone.” 

Lost artifacts often belong to veterans without close family, but Amanda works to find proper homes for them, such as historical societies or VFW posts. She also volunteers to transform military uniforms into teddy bears for families to treasure. 

“Mementos of service deserve to be preserved or displayed where they’ll be appreciated,” Amanda said. “Edmond has so many servicemen and women connected to our town’s history, and they’ve had an incredible impact. The VFW is dedicated to helping the living while remembering the past. I’m proud to save their stories.” 

To learn more, visit VFW4938.org or VFWAUX4938.org.