Michael Trebert Chapter-NSDAR will be cleaning veterans grave markers again this summer. I am in charge of wreaths at Dungeness Cemetery. We are mapping all the graves in the cemetery so we won’t miss a veteran.
We have collected names over the years of those whose grave markers do not say they are military, but their families have told us their stories.
If you have a family member buried at Dungeness Cemetery whose grave marker does not have any military designation on it, please get in touch with me at cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com so we can add the name to our list. You can also contact me if you would like to come and help clean headstones.
Spaghetti’s back on
The Sequim Valley Lions will be resuming their Spaghetti Dinner for Veterans tradition on Saturday, April 30, in the annex at the Sequim VFW, 169 E. Washington St. Veterans eat for free and guests of veterans are $5. Hours are 3-6:30 p.m.
MOAA meetings
The Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has resumed in person meetings. The April luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 19, at Las Palomas Mexican Restaurant, 1085 E. Washington St. You can order from the menu.
Judge Dave Neupert will be the guest speaker talking about the new Mental Health Court.
In 2021 the Chapter applied for grants from MOAA to purchase computer equipment for Sarge’s Place and Hobucket House in Forks. The seven personal iPads will enable the residents of Hobucket House to do telehealth appointments, keep in touch with their families and provide connection to the world.
The grants also purchased a printer, two laptops and three “office” computers for the two dwellings.
All who served as officers in the U.S. military are welcome to come to the luncheon. Please contact me (cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com) for information or to sign up for the luncheon.
Pickup truck needed
Sarge’s Place is looking for a pickup truck — an F150, Chevy Silverado 1500 or Dodge Ram 1500. The facility needs a single cab, regular bed with under 150,000 miles on it, to haul furniture, supplies, etc.
If you can donate one to help the veterans, please contact the director, Cheri, at ct.sargesplace@gmail.com. Ask all your friends! This would help out a lot.
Sarge’s Place also needs basic items for the cupboards and rooms at Hobucket House:
• canned soup
• chili
• pasta
• oatmeal
• honey
• liquid hand soap for bathrooms
• kitchen and laundry (x8)
• hand sanitizer (x6)
• toothpaste (x7)
• toothbrushes (x7)
• denture cleaner (x4)
• soft rugs by their bedside in various neutral colors such as brown, green and blue (x7).
You can bring items to me at 538 N. Seventh Ave., or call me at 360-683-6419 and I will pick them up.
Remember, you are all invited to the Hobucket House Blessing and Open House at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at 250 Ash Ave. in Forks. Please bring food for the pantry.
Save the date
Local veterans groups are hosting in-person events on Memorial Day, May 30. I will have details in the next column.
It would be wonderful to see good turnouts to honor deceased veterans.
Thank you to the Sequim VFW and American Legion for putting out flags and organizing the ceremonies.
Contributors: American Legion, Paul Renick, grennanalpost62@gmail.com; MOAA and Voices For Veterans, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, markisin2day@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; VFW 4760, Steve Henrikson, secretary@vfwpost4760.com; VFW 6787, Rod Lee, sealteam54@q.com.
