On behalf of all the organizations that are represented in this column, I want to thank the Sequim Gazette and our community for being so supportive and giving to veterans and their families.
At this time of year we think of gifts, so we wanted to tell you how much we appreciate your gifts to us and let you know that you are making a difference in many people’s lives.
Cheers for Swain’s
John Brasch, president of Voices For Veterans, would like to thank Swain’s for its continued strong support for the Homeless Veterans Stand Downs.
Swain’s always is there without fail to make sure the homeless vets get the items they need.
John also would like to thank the Coast Guard for its help and all the volunteers who help with or donate to the three Stand Downs.
Appreciate the efforts
Sid Gerling, Commandant of the Marine Corps League, would like to thank all the ladies and groups that made lap quilts for veterans in the local care facilities. He thanks all the businesses and volunteers that made the 240th USMC birthday party a wonderful success.
Many thanks to all the community for donating to Toys For Tots. Toys will be collected from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19, in front of the Sequim Walmart, 1110 W. Washington St.
Thanks for the help
Jerry Rettela, President of the Korean War Veterans, thanks all those who participated in facilitating the Warrior Transitional Battalion fishing trips, especially KONP NewsRadio 1450 who hosted him on the radio to promote the event.
There has been support from VFW Post 1024, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Voices For Veterans, BPOE Naval Elks and the Clallam County Veterans Association in providing hot dogs and buns monthly to the Northwest USO.
DAR comes together
Janis Flanagan, Regent of Michael Trebert Chapter of the DAR would like to invite all interested ladies to the Chapter Christmas meeting.There will be a fundraiser bazaar/bake sale and a talk on Colonial Christmas food and drink. The meeting is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Veterans Center on Francis Street in Port Angeles. The DAR is giving money to the Coast Guard morale fund as a “thank you” for their service. Questions? Contact Joyce Stroeher at n7jpw@juno.com.
Officers to gather
The Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is holding its Christmas luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Fanaticus Sports Grill, 1026 E. First St., Port Angeles. Trail Mix will play, officers for 2016 will be installed and a good time will be had by all!P
lease e-mail me if you have questions or would like to attend at cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com. MOAA is open to all officers who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or spouses of a deceased officer.
MOAA thanks all those who are contacting their elected representatives to let them know how they want them to vote on military and retired issues.
There are many changes taking place with military retirement and health care so please get educated and let our representatives know how you feel on the issues.
Kudos for dedications
We all thank Sen. Jim Hargrove for the success of getting part of U.S. Highway 101 in Clallam and Jefferson counties dedicated to our four Medal of Honor recipients.
Strong together
From this list you can see that it takes all of us working together to keep these programs strong.Thank you for being interested enough to read this column and then reach out and help the veterans and their families.
I am always happy to answer questions.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Contributors: DAR, Joyce Stroeher, n7jpw@juno.com; American Legion and MOAA, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Sid Gerling, sidjean6@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; Fleet Reserve Association, Marty Arnold, martinarnold2001@yahoo.com.
