As a commemorative partner with the Department of Defense (DOD), the Michael Trebert Chapter of the NSDAR (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution) will host a recognition and pinning ceremony for Vietnam War era veterans, set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Clallam County Veterans Resource Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles.
This ceremony is for all living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955-May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
We will also recognize the surviving spouses of deceased veterans who served during that time.
Anyone who would like to receive a commemorative lapel pin can contact Candace Gammel at 360-460-6478 or gammels@olypen.com.
The DOD has a great Vietnam War commemorative website at vietnamwar50th.com.
NORVHN buys veterans home in Sequim
North Olympic Regional Veterans Housing Network (NORVHN), also known as Sarge’s Place, has purchased an existing eight-bedroom adult home in Sequim to house six elderly veterans who just need a little extra on-going care.
To do this, there will be a social worker working out of the building and a resident house manager. There are sprinkler, fire alarm, intercom and monitoring systems that are functioning. There needs to be some remodeling done of the kitchen and bathrooms.
The public can help by donating money for paint — $25 a gallon — to paint the total interior. Please send a check made out to: NORVHN, 250 Ash Ave, Forks WA 98331.
I am personally so excited to have housing for veterans in Sequim! Thank you for your support of our efforts to make this happen.
VFW celebrates winners
Sequim VFW Post 4760 had 41 entries in this year’s youth essay contests. The high school winner for Voice of Democracy is Anabrie Hales. The middle school winner for Patriots Pen is Layla Parker with Marlee Breithaupt finishing second and Kody Detorres third.
The students will receive their awards at the District 14 VFW meeting on Feb. 12.
Clothing closet boosts
Steph, Lyn and I appreciate all the donations to the Clothing Closet located by the Veterans Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles.
The ladies would like to give a gentle reminder that no used underwear, including socks, is acceptable. Packages of new are welcomed. All clothes should have been washed, as we have no facilities there to wash and dry things. They have learned over the years what the veterans will take: jeans, flannel shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, heavy coats and waterproof boots. Please limit your donations to these items in like new condition.
At the end of summer for the cold weather seasons are when we most need these items. They also accept towels and sheet sets — twin or double, again in like new condition. If you will not wear or use these items please do not bring them to donate. Please respect our veterans and give them items in like new condition. Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep veterans in warm, dry and waterproof clothing.
To access the Clothing Closet go to the Veteran Center office. They are open 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Stand Down events set in ‘23
Voices For Veterans will be holding the three traditional, in person, Stand Downs for 2023. Save the dates and watch for more information as each gets closer:
• West End/Forks, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at the Forks Elks Lodge
• Port Townsend, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday July 31, at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge
• Port Angeles, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5, at the Clallam County Fairgrounds
Contributors: American Legion, Paul Renick, grennanalpost62@gmail.com; DAR, 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.
