I had the honor of helping at the Veterans' Stand Down in Port Angles on Thursday, Oct. 1. This event is put on by the Voices For Veterans.

The clothing room helped 140 individuals, 50 of whom said they were homeless. The barber gave haircuts nonstop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Vets were able to get flu shots and talk to folks from the V.A., Peninsula College, OlyCAP and other organizations.

Everyone who came was provided a hot breakfast and lunch. All could go through the clothing room and get boots, clothes, blankets, etc.

There are so many businesses, individuals and organizations that help make this happen that I won't try to name them, but "Big Mamma" wanted me to thank all of you. Without you, the stand down would not happen. She also wanted all to know that Voices received a certificate for the No. 1 Stand Down in the state.

Stand Downs all over the country are going to be patterned after our local one - these people have worked hard to make it a positive event for the veterans. All who work there must have genuine respect for the vets.

I learned a lot and am even more determined to help - 50 homeless vets is 50 too many. Please think about this and give to Voices For Veterans or call me with donations of coats, tents, sleeping bags, etc.

_ The Military Officers Association of America, Olympic Peninsula Chapter, invites you to join them at their general membership luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the CrabHouse in Port Angeles.

The speaker will be Lt. Col. John Steele, deputy commander, 191st Infantry Brigade at Fort Lewis. His Stryker Brigade recently returned from Iraq. To make a reservation, call me at 683-6419.

_ The 234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles. The Mount Olympus Detachment of the Marine Corps League invites all veterans to celebrate with them. There will be a live band, and the Port Angeles NJROTC will present the colors. For tickets and information, call Tom Flanik at 477-4077 before Oct. 30.

_ Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Coast Guard Station in Port Angeles. Retired Rear Adm. Robert McClinton, U.S.N., will be the speaker. His focus will be the Vietnam conflict. Please join us in remembering the Vietnam veterans.

_ The Winter Sports Clinic promotes rehabilitation by instructing veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational sports and activities. Benefits of participation include learning how to travel with a disability, self-development and challenge while developing winter sports skills.

You can donate to sponsor veterans or you can participate if you are a veteran. Call Vince Pease at 206-277-1648 for more information.

_ A reminder - the Lloyd Strand Veterans Relief Fund is available to assist veterans, widows and families of veterans who are facing financial difficulties. You can call VFW Post 4760 at 683-9546 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday for more information. There is help here, so call.



Contributors: DAR, Regent Kayellen Garrison, kgarison@olypen.com; American Legion, Lorri Gilchrist, lpgilchrist@webtv.net; VFW Commander, Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; MOAA, President Jim McEntire, jmcentire1@wavecable.com, Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com.