The Sequim Sunrise Rotary has made me a Paul Harris Fellow and donated $1,000 in my name to the Rotary Foundation. I was chosen because I “exemplify the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation” and “the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.”

 

Rotary’s goals are promoting world health, peace and education. I am very honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow and once again I must thank all of my readers who have supported me in helping veterans and their families. You are making a difference.

Stand it down
The stand-down for Sequim and Port Angeles takes place from 9 a.m.-

3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Clallam County Fairgrounds in Port Angeles. I will be happy to pick up any items you would like to donate. We do not need used clothing. We do need coats (can be gently used), hats, gloves, new washed clothes, full-size personal hygiene items, dog and cat food, nonperishable food items and money. Call me if you have questions or to schedule a pick up at 683-6419. I need everything by Sept. 30.

 

The Sequim VFW is presenting a POW/MIA recognition ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at 169 E. Washington St. All are welcome to attend. Call 681-0434 or 683-9546 for more information.

 

The annual retiree seminars for persons in the U.S. Armed Services are slated for 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, in the Cinema Plus Theater, and from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island at the Nor’Wester. You will get information on legislative matters, policy and benefits. For more information, call Bangor at 360-396-4115 or Whidbey at 360-257-6289.

Disability reviews

The Physical Disability Board of Review provides veterans who were medically separated from military service between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2009, with a new chance to have their disability ratings reviewed for fairness, consistency and accuracy.

 

Unfortunately many who were discharged with “low-balled” disability ratings haven’t heard of the board or haven’t applied for a review. So far, only 2,700 have applied ... a tiny fraction of the 75,000 troops medically separated during the eligibility period. To be eligible, a veteran must have been medically separated between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2009, with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less and must not have been found eligible for retirement. Former reserve members with fewer than 20 years of active duty service and who meet the criteria listed above also can apply. A quick Internet search for “Physical Disability Board of Review” reveals plenty of valuable information.

Honoring Korean War vets

The local chapter of Korean War Veterans had dinner with 25 South Koreans on Aug. 27 at the India Oven, Port Angeles. The group of Koreans was led by Ellen Matheny, director of Education and Outreach for the University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center and College of Forest Resources.

The group is part of the Environmental Leadership Program from the Seoul National University, South Korea. Using a large picture of Korea, the local veterans showed the visiting Koreans where they were stationed during the war and told stories of their experiences. The Koreans thanked the veterans for their service in their country.

Contributors: DAR, Regent, Patricia Graham, pattyg@wavecable.com; American Legion and MOAA, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; VFW Commander Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; Fleet Reserve, Tom Flanik, gunny@sos.net.