The American Legion Auxiliary again will be hosting the Retsil Christmas Store for the residents of the Washington State Veterans Home in Port Orchard. All residents can shop for five family members — they get Christmas cards, gifts, wrapping and mailing at no cost. This will be the third year I have worked at the store.

 

It is a very rewarding experience to be able to help the veterans celebrate the holiday.

 

We need money for postage and new gifts: small appliances, bath sets, men’s wallets, Swiss army knives, bath towel sets, kitchen towel sets, food gift sets, boxes of candy, etc.  

 

Also, gifts for teenagers: hat/scarf/glove sets, jewelry sets, iPod cases, iTunes gift cards, etc.
Call me at 683-6419 if you have questions or a gift or money to donate.

Sarge’s settles in

Sarge’s Place in Forks is open for business! This is transitional and permanent supportive housing for veterans and their families in Clallam and Jefferson counties. They still are working on getting it fully set up.

 

How about donating money or one of the items needed in honor of a family member who is a veteran? They need a new mixing bowl set, cookbooks, Rubbermaid storage containers, an office chair, 10 stacking chairs, a bookcase, a printer/copier/fax, a dishwasher, microwave, range, etc.

 

Many thanks to the Military Officers Association of America who donated $600 to purchase a flat-screen television for the common room. I have a complete list and can hook you up with the director if you can donate any of these things; call 683-6419.

 

They finally have reached 100 bricks donated and are starting on their second 100. If you would like to donate a brick, go to www.sargesplace.com and get the form. You also can learn more about what this program is all about!

Toys for Tots
The Marine Corps League and the American Legion will be collecting Toys For Tots in front of the Sequim Walmart, 1284 W. Washington St., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on four Fridays and Saturdays starting the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25). Only new toys or money donations are accepted  — no clothes. We always need gifts for teenagers. Everything collected will go to children in Clallam County. Thank you for supporting this program and making Christmas a happy time for the children.

Online health info access

My HealtheVet is the VA’s online personal health record, available at www.myhealth.va.gov. With My HealtheVet you can access some of your VA health information to better manage your overall health and wellness.

 

For veterans, there are enhanced features and facts about VA benefits and services to which you may be entitled. You can register at the site and then at your next clinic visit you can complete the In-Person Authentication (IPA).

 

Then you will have access to more features: appointments, lab test results and a VA list of allergies.

 

After registering you also may be able to communicate with your health care teams through a “Secure Messaging” feature. The IPA can be done at any VA facility, including the virtual clinic in Port Angeles.

 

A My HealtheVet coordinator will be at the Port Angeles clinic from 11 a.m.-
2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, to provide help and answer questions.

Benefits seminar set
The American Legion Service Officers and Discovery Memory Care will hold a Veterans Benefits Seminar from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the American Legion Post, 107 E. Prairie St., Sequim, on the corner of Prairie Street and South Sequim Avenue. Everyone is welcome to come and hear the presentation and get questions answered.

Free driving course planned

To recognize and thank veterans for their dedication and commitment to service, the AARP Driver Safety Program is offering a free classroom course in November to all veterans and their spouses. Contact Joe Borden, AARP instructor, for information at 683-3408.

 

The certificate you earn will get you money off your insurance. Every little bit helps, so check and see how much you will save, then sign up — it is free for vets!

 

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.