_ The Military Officers Association sent a $300 check to the Washington State Veteran’s Home at Retsil so they could buy a new lawnmower. Please remember that I always am collecting puzzles, paperback books, games, magazines and personal hygiene items for the residents. You can plan ahead and get some nice small gift items for me to put in their Christmas gift store for them to give to their families. Think of it as Christmas in July.
_ The American Legion is supporting the Chief Petty Officers Association at the Coast Guard Station by giving the Seaman of the Quarter on the Swordfish a $50 I Bond. This recognition helps boost morale.
_ Many thanks to my Coast Guard buddy from the Winona who gave 18 brand-new sleeping bags for the Stand Downs in Port Townsend and Port Angeles. If you have personal hygiene items, camping gear or nonperishable food to donate, call me at 683-6419 after July 15.
_ The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The potluck lunch is at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at noon. If you are interested in joining them, call President Bonnie Woeck at 681-0434 or 683-9546.
_ The VFW serves breakfast from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. The cost is $5 for ham, eggs, hash browns, toast, juice and coffee. The money made goes to support veterans’ programs.
_ The Marine Corps League is a certified honor guard (funeral detail) for our area. They can provide the veteran’s family a firing detail as well as flag folding. Branch of service does not matter. Call Tom McKeown, sergeant at arms, at 457-5339 for funeral arrangements.
_ The American Legion Post will be installing officers at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. All veterans are welcome to attend. You can meet the leaders of the post, learn more about how the American Legion helps veterans and the benefits you get from being a member.
Contributors: DAR, Regent Kayellen Garrison, kgarison@olypen.com; American Legion, Lorri Gilchrist, lpgilchrist@webtv.net; VFW Commander, Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; MOAA, President Jim McEntire,
jmcentire1@wavecable.com; Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com.
Benefits update
Veterans, spouses of veterans or surviving spouse of veterans are invited to a veterans benefits update 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 25 at the Port Angeles Veterans Affairs Service Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles. Questions and information from all veterans and their families are welcome. Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and sodas will be provided.
