Four Chaplains remembrance
Published on Wed, Jan 12, 2011Read More Gilchrist
• Many thanks to Patricia Morrison Coate, the editor of Living on the Peninsula magazine. The Winter 2010 issue was themed “Saluting Those Who Serve.” I hope you all had a chance to read in depth about some of the organizations I have touched on in this column — the NJROTC, Voices For Veterans, Sarge’s Place and the Coast Guard. A great job by Pat and we are most appreciative of the chance to get the word out.
• If you are a dog lover, check this out. There are military working dogs with our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. These dogs can get heat stroke in temperatures reaching 130 degrees; eye infections from the blowing sand; and injured feet from the hot asphalt, broken glass and pieces of shrapnel.
Starline Nunley started the Military Working Dog Cooling Vest Project in May 2008 (www.supportmilitary workingdogs.org). Nunley’s organization has outfitted 229 dogs with special cooling vests, protective padding for paws and dog goggles. She also sends grooming tools, collapsible water bowls and toys and hearing protection. These dogs are saving soldiers’ lives. They are doing a job and many have contributed to help them do their job. Can you help?
• There is a new organization started by the Military Officers Association of America called Voices for America’s Troops. This organization is an opportunity for members of the general public to support a strong national defense. “Voices is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization whose purpose is to support a strong national defense and sustain a top-quality all-volunteer force by ensuring fair treatment of all who serve in uniform — past, present and future — and their families and survivors.”
If you are interested in getting involved legislatively as advocates on these issues, call Voices at 1-877-775-6001 or go to www.moaa.org/voices fortroops. Annual membership dues are $15.
• The American Legion is the host for the Four Chaplains service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the hall at 107 E. Prairie St., Sequim.
All are welcome to attend and hear the story of the torpedoing of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943, and the four chaplains who perished after giving their life jackets to others. The ceremony emphasizes the cooperation and commitment between the chaplains of different faiths and suggests ways we can use this lesson in our lives today.
There is a Chapel of the Four Chaplains at Valley Forge, Penn., that has three altars — Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. Its memorials and furnishings bear forever the names of the men of different faiths who died as brothers-in-arms for the freedom of their fellows and generations yet unborn. Please come join us and hear their biographies and their epic story of heroism.
• The local chapter of the Korean War Veterans attended the fourth annual Washington State Korean-American Day celebration on Jan. 8 in Olympia.
In 2007, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill declaring Jan. 13 as Korean-American Day to recognize the contribution Korean-Americans have made to the state and to honor the sacrifices made by American citizens during the Korean War.
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.
• If you are a dog lover, check this out. There are military working dogs with our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. These dogs can get heat stroke in temperatures reaching 130 degrees; eye infections from the blowing sand; and injured feet from the hot asphalt, broken glass and pieces of shrapnel.
Starline Nunley started the Military Working Dog Cooling Vest Project in May 2008 (www.supportmilitary workingdogs.org). Nunley’s organization has outfitted 229 dogs with special cooling vests, protective padding for paws and dog goggles. She also sends grooming tools, collapsible water bowls and toys and hearing protection. These dogs are saving soldiers’ lives. They are doing a job and many have contributed to help them do their job. Can you help?
• There is a new organization started by the Military Officers Association of America called Voices for America’s Troops. This organization is an opportunity for members of the general public to support a strong national defense. “Voices is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization whose purpose is to support a strong national defense and sustain a top-quality all-volunteer force by ensuring fair treatment of all who serve in uniform — past, present and future — and their families and survivors.”
If you are interested in getting involved legislatively as advocates on these issues, call Voices at 1-877-775-6001 or go to www.moaa.org/voices fortroops. Annual membership dues are $15.
• The American Legion is the host for the Four Chaplains service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the hall at 107 E. Prairie St., Sequim.
All are welcome to attend and hear the story of the torpedoing of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943, and the four chaplains who perished after giving their life jackets to others. The ceremony emphasizes the cooperation and commitment between the chaplains of different faiths and suggests ways we can use this lesson in our lives today.
There is a Chapel of the Four Chaplains at Valley Forge, Penn., that has three altars — Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. Its memorials and furnishings bear forever the names of the men of different faiths who died as brothers-in-arms for the freedom of their fellows and generations yet unborn. Please come join us and hear their biographies and their epic story of heroism.
• The local chapter of the Korean War Veterans attended the fourth annual Washington State Korean-American Day celebration on Jan. 8 in Olympia.
In 2007, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill declaring Jan. 13 as Korean-American Day to recognize the contribution Korean-Americans have made to the state and to honor the sacrifices made by American citizens during the Korean War.
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.
© 2009 Sequim Gazette. All rights reserved. 147 West Washington, Sequim, WA 98382 • 360.683.3311 • Email the Webmaster