I hope this day finds you enjoying our way of life in this United States. We are able to choose for ourselves what we will do today because of the veterans in your community. Let all of these heroes know that we appreciate the sacrifices that they made while serving this nation.
Feb. 18, the national commander of the VFW, Thomas Tradewell, is planning a visit to Veterans Corner. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to stop by and meet the commander. The time of his visit will be posted next week.
The weather kept the total number of veterans and widows down to 115 last Thursday. Of this number, there were 20 who were filing for the first time, four widows seeking assistance for benefits based on their husband's military service and the rest were second or third time visitors. When a recently widowed lady stops by, we try to help her to apply for benefits as quickly as we can. When signing in, state what you are there for and we will move you to the front of the line.
On another note, we continue to be successful helping veterans to receive benefits for the injuries that occurred while serving in the military. If you have not stopped by for assistance, we would like to offer you the opportunity to do so. We are seeing many people who never have asked for help before. The state of the economy is causing a severe hardship upon those who are on a fixed income and our younger workforce. We are receiving request for assistance with rent, foods, etc. on a daily basis.
Last week, we hired men to remove trees off of a widow's home and to repair damage that was done by the ice storm. We also have finished part of the home repairs that were started before Christmas for a Korean-era veteran. The benevolence fund that many of you help us with is being used to help those who have the most need. If you would like to help us with this project, talk to Ray Harden Thursday in the Community Center or call him at 408-6950.
The sale of bricks with the veteran's name and dates of service continues to be popular. See Harold Harvell Thursday or call him at 596-8755. Harold also has other fundraising items that are for sale.
You also may send checks or money orders for bricks or the benevolence fund to Veteran's Corner Post Office Box 704 Washington, OK 73093. All donations are tax-deductible.
Clayton Lee the man who is responsible for opening up each Thursday for us. He was off last week for surgery on his knee. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the job soon. Our sign-in continues to start at 1:30 a.m. with the first veterans being seen around 3 a.m. We will try to sign in 150 or so before reaching the maximum that can be seen. The last ones are usually signed in by 6 a.m. or so depending on the number of volunteers we have and the weather conditions.
For all of your questions and assistance about veterans benefits we are at the Goldsby Community Center each Thursday. We do our best to process each claim in a timely manner but be prepared to stay awhile and be patient.
Take time to visit www.veteranscorner.org. You can call me at 550-8806 or e-mail kdgraham@windstream.net
Semper Fi.
Dale K. Graham is service officer for VFW Post 4890.
