Looking out for those who serve
Published on Wed, Sep 8, 2010 by Lorri GilchristRead More Gilchrist
The fair fun continues
Military Appreciation Days at the Puyallup Fair are Sept. 13-20. On these two Mondays, gate admission is free to all active, reserve and retired military and National Guard and their dependents, plus disabled veterans with valid military ID. Check out what will be happening at the fair at www.thefair.com or call 253-841-5045. Sounds like a good time.
Come to the ball
The Marine Corps Ball is Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Elks Lodge in Sequim. Information is posted on the Mount Olympus Detachment website at www.mtolympusmcl.org. Click on 2010 MC Ball. If you don't have a computer, you can call Commandant Tom Flanik at 477-4077 and get information/make a reservation. All veterans who have served honorably are invited to attend the ball.
Keep veterans warm this winter
This is my last plea for money or equipment for the homeless veterans who will be coming to the Voices For Veterans Stand Down at the Port Angeles Fairgrounds on Thursday, Oct. 7. Please call me if you have questions or donations at 683-6419. Money would be much appreciated to buy personal items and fill in where there are no donations. Winter is coming and they need sleeping bags, blankets, heavy coats, hats, gloves, etc.
Medical centers are in need
Our VA Medical Centers, as well as the Soldier's Home and Veterans' Homes, continually are in need of "comfort" items. The VA will not accept anything that is not name-brand quality, alcohol-free, new and factory-sealed. They need shower shoes (size large), shaving cream, toothbrushes, combs/hairbrushes, nail clippers, deodorant, denture cleaner, denture cream/adhesive, razors and non-metal emery boards.
The greatest need for these products is at the Seattle and American Lake facilities. If you can donate, contact me and I will pick up and get them delivered - 683-6419. Next time you go in Costco, please think about this and pick up a pack of toothbrushes, etc.
Regimental reunion
The 369th Engineer Amphibious Service Regiment is having its last reunion Sept. 16-19. This was a basic training outfit located at Fort Worden during the Korean War. Members went to Korea, Greenland or France. The 369th was dissolved in 1953 after the Korean War. A proclamation will be issued by the Clallam County commissioners in honor of the unit.
Speaking with representatives
I was part of a group that deals with area veterans who met with Sen. Patty Murray's staff to describe area issues and problems including staffing for the VA Virtual Clinic, transportation, women veterans needs, mental health support, housing for homeless veterans, etc. The staff members were very knowledgeable and open to our comments. Meetings were set up to meet on several specific issues. Please let your representatives know you support their efforts on behalf of veterans.
New items wanted
I'd like to put in an early reminder that we need new gift items for the Retsil Christmas Store. The American Legion Auxiliary will be working in the store the week after Thanksgiving. Each veteran living there can choose free gifts for five family members. Those gifts are wrapped, packed and mailed, all free of charge. Some ideas: small appliances, gift sets of perfume or food, boxes of candy, wallets, etc. I also can use boxes of Christmas cards - the vet makes out a card to each person getting a gift.
Contributors: DAR, Regent, Patricia Graham, pattyg@wavecable.com; American Legion and MOAA, Lorri Gilchrist, lpgilchrist@webtv.net; VFW Commander, Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com, Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com.
Military Appreciation Days at the Puyallup Fair are Sept. 13-20. On these two Mondays, gate admission is free to all active, reserve and retired military and National Guard and their dependents, plus disabled veterans with valid military ID. Check out what will be happening at the fair at www.thefair.com or call 253-841-5045. Sounds like a good time.
Come to the ball
The Marine Corps Ball is Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Elks Lodge in Sequim. Information is posted on the Mount Olympus Detachment website at www.mtolympusmcl.org. Click on 2010 MC Ball. If you don't have a computer, you can call Commandant Tom Flanik at 477-4077 and get information/make a reservation. All veterans who have served honorably are invited to attend the ball.
Keep veterans warm this winter
This is my last plea for money or equipment for the homeless veterans who will be coming to the Voices For Veterans Stand Down at the Port Angeles Fairgrounds on Thursday, Oct. 7. Please call me if you have questions or donations at 683-6419. Money would be much appreciated to buy personal items and fill in where there are no donations. Winter is coming and they need sleeping bags, blankets, heavy coats, hats, gloves, etc.
Medical centers are in need
Our VA Medical Centers, as well as the Soldier's Home and Veterans' Homes, continually are in need of "comfort" items. The VA will not accept anything that is not name-brand quality, alcohol-free, new and factory-sealed. They need shower shoes (size large), shaving cream, toothbrushes, combs/hairbrushes, nail clippers, deodorant, denture cleaner, denture cream/adhesive, razors and non-metal emery boards.
The greatest need for these products is at the Seattle and American Lake facilities. If you can donate, contact me and I will pick up and get them delivered - 683-6419. Next time you go in Costco, please think about this and pick up a pack of toothbrushes, etc.
Regimental reunion
The 369th Engineer Amphibious Service Regiment is having its last reunion Sept. 16-19. This was a basic training outfit located at Fort Worden during the Korean War. Members went to Korea, Greenland or France. The 369th was dissolved in 1953 after the Korean War. A proclamation will be issued by the Clallam County commissioners in honor of the unit.
Speaking with representatives
I was part of a group that deals with area veterans who met with Sen. Patty Murray's staff to describe area issues and problems including staffing for the VA Virtual Clinic, transportation, women veterans needs, mental health support, housing for homeless veterans, etc. The staff members were very knowledgeable and open to our comments. Meetings were set up to meet on several specific issues. Please let your representatives know you support their efforts on behalf of veterans.
New items wanted
I'd like to put in an early reminder that we need new gift items for the Retsil Christmas Store. The American Legion Auxiliary will be working in the store the week after Thanksgiving. Each veteran living there can choose free gifts for five family members. Those gifts are wrapped, packed and mailed, all free of charge. Some ideas: small appliances, gift sets of perfume or food, boxes of candy, wallets, etc. I also can use boxes of Christmas cards - the vet makes out a card to each person getting a gift.
Contributors: DAR, Regent, Patricia Graham, pattyg@wavecable.com; American Legion and MOAA, Lorri Gilchrist, lpgilchrist@webtv.net; VFW Commander, Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com, Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com.
© 2009 Sequim Gazette. All rights reserved. 147 West Washington, Sequim, WA 98382 • 360.683.3311 • Email the Webmaster