I know we all complain when Christmas decorations are in the stores before Halloween, but I would like to inform you of a great service the American Legion Auxiliary Ladies do for the residents of the Washington State Veterans home at Retsil in Port Orchard that they need your help with.

The week after Thanksgiving, the Ladies set up a Christmas gift shop in the basement of the Chapel. All residents can choose gifts for five people. They are given cards to write, their gifts are gift wrapped and then wrapped for mailing and then mailed — all free for the resident.

I am a member of the auxiliary and have participated in this event many times. We need new gift items for men, women, teens, children and families.

Some examples:

For men — tool sets, wallets, grooming sets

For women — jewelry sets, scarf/glove sets, perfume sets

For teens — accessories for their electronic gear

For children — toys, color books

For families — small kitchen appliances, boxes of candy, games.

We can always use monetary donations for postage. Let me know if you have questions or a donation. We want the residents to have the joy of giving gifts to their family members at this special time of year.

Armed forces birthdays

Speaking of special days: the U.S. Air Force turned 71 on Sept. 18. The U.S. Navy was formed on Oct. 13, 1775 and the Continental Marines were close behind on Nov. 10, 1775.

Please wish personnel that served in these services a Happy Birthday!

Get hired

There is an American Veterans Hiring event on Monday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 5717 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma. This event is open to the public and there will be many firms present looking for qualified employees.

For more information, call Mauricio Kenny with the WA State Employment Security Department-Veteran Representative at 253-593-7364, or email to mkenny@esd.wa.gov.

Contributors: American Legion, Carl Bradshaw, thbkdragon@yahoo.com; MOAA & DAR, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrl gilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, markisin 2day@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; Fleet Reserve Association, Marty Arnold, martinarnold2001@yahoo.com; Voices For Veterans, John Brasch, voicesforveterans@yahoo.com; VFW, Art Thomas, sequimvfwpost4760@gmail.com.