Veterans Corner: Reasons to join a service organization

I would like to take a few lines to encourage all veterans to consider joining a veterans association — VFW, American Legion, MOAA, Korean War Veterans, Marine Corps League, etc.

Clallam County has a strong veterans umbrella organization called the Clallam County Veterans Association (CCVA) which all these belong to. The CCVA distributes funds to veterans in need, organizes the Veterans Day program at the Coast Guard Base and is a voice to the County Commissioners for veterans.

Each of the organizations in the CCVA is nationally recognized. These organizations advocate for veterans, our active duty and their families on the state and national level and help homeless veterans and those in need on the local level. Working together we have accomplished many good things.

If you are interested email me and I can put you in touch with the appropriate organization. If we do not join and participate these organizations on the peninsula will cease to exist. Yes, you are needed — as MOAA says, “Never Stop Serving.”

Help out at Sarge’s Place

Sarge’s Place, housing for veterans in Forks, is asking for assistance with food and transportation funds. If you can help please send a check to: Sarge’s Place, 250 Ash Ave., Forks, WA 98331; or, go to their website, www.sargesplace.com, and donate through Paypal. On the website you can find the history and see a photo of the building.

DAR sets March meeting

Michael Trebert Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the Veterans Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles.

The program is “Women in the Military” and three women from the U.S. Coast Guard Base will be the speakers.

Please email me with questions. All who are interested in their patriot ancestors are welcome.

Celebrate with your local American Legion

Jack Grennan Post 62 of the American Legion invites all veterans and their families to the 99th birthday celebration of the American Legion on Sunday, March 18, beginning with social hour at 2 p.m. Dinner will be served at 3 p.m.

The Post is at 107 E Prairie Street. For more information, call Commander Carl at 360-683-5915.

Contributors: American Legion, Carl Bradshaw, thbkdragon@yahoo.com; MOAA & DAR, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, markisin2day@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 Neil Gamroth, sequimvfwpost4760@gmail.com.