Most of the service clubs take a break from regular meetings during the summer. They hold picnics and events to get people interested in joining their organization. This way they have fresh faces, new ideas and are set to go in September!
Please consider joining a service organization. Strength in numbers is important in voicing concerns to state and national legislators about how our troops, veterans and their families are treated in legislation.
Go local
Many people ask me about what groups are good to donate money to because they want to help veterans. I always recommend giving locally.
These local branches of national organizations use your money right here in our communities to help our local veterans. None of the money is used for “administration.”
Every dime is used to help veterans and their families.
Officers group seek members
The Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is holding a membership drive on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Pioneer Park in Sequim. Any eligible prospective member is invited to attend the noon picnic with music by The Old Sidekicks.
Current chapter members are asked to bring a friend who is eligible for membership.
To be eligible, a person must have served as an officer in any of the U.S. armed services; you do not have to be retired. If you have questions or want to RSVP, e-mail me or call me at 683-6419.
There will be a reception for those interested in becoming chapter leaders at the Quality Inn, 134 River Road, Sequim, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Coffee, tea and desserts will be provided. A representative from MOAA national headquarters and the president of the Washington Council of Chapters will be there to discuss the future of the chapter.
Corps league seeks new faces
The Mount Olympus Detachment of the Marine Corps League also is recruiting members.
If you are a former Marine or Fleet Marine Force Corpsman who would like to learn more about the detachment’s activities, contact Commandant Sid Gerling at 417-3710 or sidjean6@gmail.com, or Vice Commandant Guy Iredale at 417-0875 or guy092248@hotmail.com.
Anyone, regardless of prior service, is invited to be an associate member. The detachment provides honors at funerals and runs the Toys For Tots program on the peninsula.
Take a shot
American Legion Post 62 is hosting the third-annual Veterans Turkey Shoot on Saturday, Aug. 22, with a 10 a.m. start. It will be held at the Peninsula Long Rifles facility on Slab Camp Road. Entry fee is $10. You will need to bring your own .22 caliber rifle with open sights. Ammunition will be provided. Prizes are $75 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third, and each will get a turkey.
Call Carl Bradshaw if you have questions at 775-1477.
Hearing their voices
Voices For Veterans will have a booth at the Clallam County Fair. Please come by and visit and learn about the stand-downs for homeless veterans and how you can help.
The next stand-down is at the fairgrounds on Thursday, Oct. 1. Donations of money to purchase new clothing (We need size 2x, 3x and 4x T-shirts and skivvies), personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste, denture tablets, dog and cat food/treats/toys and outdoor equipment are needed.
Contact me if you have a donation at 683-6419.
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.
