The ladies at the Clothing Closet at the Veterans Center, 216 S Francis Street in Port Angeles, thank all for the support to get winter clothing for veterans in need. It is time to stop taking winter clothing and change to spring/summer items. Right now they are asking for food – tuna, canned chicken, chunky soup and Spam.

All veterans are welcome at the Clothing Closet and emergency pantry; just check in with the staff in the Veterans Center. They are open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

American Legion Evergreen Boys State

This premier summer program is designed for high school juniors (class of 2026) and aims to inspire and empower future leaders through civic education, teamwork, and leadership training. It will take place at the Warm Beach Convention Center in Stanwood June 15-21. Registration forms can be found online at https://EvergreenBoysState.org.

Jack Grennan Post 62 in Sequim is the contact once the high school student has filled out the form. Financial aid is available for up to the full cost to attend. Please pass the word to grandkids, neighbor’s kids, etc. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Youth essay, teacher awards

Sequim VFW Post 4760 awarded its youth essay and Teacher of the Year awards in January. Middle school Patriots Pen winner is Andrew Walters. The high school Voice of Democracy contest winner is Gracee Liske. The theme for the essays changes every year and is selected by the VFW National Commander.

The Teacher of the Year award goes to Brian MacKenzie whose passion for teaching, innovation, modeling of good citizenship and community involvement has been exemplary. Congratulations to all!

Navy Band Northwest

Navy Band Northwest is sending their Brass Band to perform a free hour-long concert at the Sequim High School auditorium, 601 N Sequim Ave., on Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. This will be part of the First Friday offerings in downtown Sequim, as well as part of the Sunshine Festival offerings for Friday, with other activities taking place on Saturday, March 8. No tickets are needed. This will be New Orleans style Jazz! Hope to see you there.

Happy 106th

Jack Grennan Post 62 of the American Legion will be celebrating the 106th birthday of the American Legion at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the post home at 107 E Prairie St.

The American Legion was established in Paris, France, on March 15-17, 1919, by 1,000 commissioned officers and enlisted men, delegates from all the units of the American Expeditionary Forces to an organization caucus meeting, which adopted a tentative constitution and selected the name “American Legion.”

Come and celebrate with us!

Support group

Shelley Huntington, LMFT, MA and Dalis LaGrotta, LMHC, MA are organizing a third group for military women who have experienced military sexual trauma – sexual assault and harassment. It will start Feb. 24 and will be from 2-4 p.m. at 908 Georgiana St. in Port Angeles.

There is no requirement to share your experiences of trauma. It is a group for learning, healing and self-discovery. For more information call Shelley at 360-797-3458 or email sahuntington@gmail.com.

Contributors: American Legion, Nancy Zimmermann, nmtzim@gmail.com; MOAA & Marine Corps League, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Voices For Veterans, Rita Frangione, rita.frangione@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans,Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; VFW 4760, Steve Henrikson, secretary@vfwpost4760.com ; VFW 6787, vfwcarlsborg@gmail.com, Fleet Reserve, Paul Rogers, paul.rogers5@comcast.net.