||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER |||
As November ushers in Veterans Day, Orcas Island stands united in its dedication to those who’ve served our nation. This small island community exemplifies the power of local support for veterans, offering a tapestry of services that weave together care, respect, and practical assistance.
The Heart of Service: American Legion Post #93
At the core of Orcas Island’s veteran support network stands the American Legion Post #93. More than just a local chapter, it’s a beacon of hope and a hub of activity for veterans year-round. The Legion’s mission resonates through every initiative: enhancing the well-being of veterans, their families, and the community through mutual helpfulness.
The Legion will be sponsoring a Veterans Resource Fair on November 16th, 2004 from 10am-2pm. This event provides an excellent opportunity for veterans and their families to learn more about the various services available in the area. Attendees are encouraged to stop by and explore the wealth of resources and support offered to our local heroes.
A Legacy of Support: Sons of the American Legion (SOAL)
The island’s commitment to veterans extends to the next generation through the Sons of the American Legion (SOAL). This group, composed of descendants of Legion-eligible veterans, has made a significant impact on the community’s youngest members. Their annual Shoe Program, in partnership with the Orcas Community Resource Center, provided 78 children with new footwear this fall.
As one grateful parent shared:
“The SOAL Shoe program was a lifesaver when I learned about unexpected PE shoe requirements for my kids. Living on Orcas, we can’t just run to the store. The program not only helped us out but made my daughter’s day with sparkly star shoes!”
Nourishing Body and Soul: American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary brings warmth to veterans’ lives through their monthly meal program. What began as a modest effort serving 12 meals has blossomed into a cherished tradition, now providing 30+ homemade meals each month. These meals are more than sustenance; they’re a heartfelt reminder of the community’s gratitude.
Orcas Community Resource Center: A Vital Link
The Resource Center serves as a crucial connector, offering a range of services tailored to veterans’ needs:
- Referrals to the San Juan County Veterans Advisory Board
- Distribution of holiday grocery cards from the American Legion
- Provision of trigger locks for firearm safety
- Coordination with SOAL for the annual shoe program
San Juan County Veterans Advisory Board: A Broader Support Network
Veterans on Orcas Island benefit from the support network of the San Juan County Veterans Advisory Board. This county-level organization (accessible HERE) offers many resources and services.
National Resources
For additional information about veterans resources beyond our local community, visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website HERE. This comprehensive resource provides a wealth of information on national programs and services available to veterans.
Join the Cause
The spirit of service that defines Orcas Island’s approach to veteran support is open to all. The American Legion Post #93, Auxiliary Unit #93, and Sons of the American Legion Squadron #93 welcome new members eager to make a difference. Whether through participation in fundraisers or direct involvement in programs, there are numerous ways to contribute. To learn more about joining the American Legion family, call 360-376-4987.
On Orcas Island, every day is an opportunity to honor our veterans. Through the combined efforts of these organizations and the broader community, the island ensures that those who served are supported and never forgotten.
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Just recently we lost two service members:
https://www.aol.com/2-navy-aviators-found-dead-191554176.html
“Two crew members who were missing following the crash of a fighter jet in mountainous terrain in Washington state during a routine training flight have been declared dead, the U.S. Navy said Sunday.
The EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron crashed east of Mount Rainier on Tuesday afternoon, according to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Search teams, including a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, launched from the air station to try to find the crew and crash site.”
Hey MJ,
I hear you, but…in the interest of intellectual fairness I am going to argue from a different POV.
Newspapers have a tradition of “Editorial” commentary. Learning to track the editorial slant of a newspaper is a critical thinking skill I was taught as a young ‘un by an English teacher who got blacklisted as a young actress in the McCarthy era. I believe it is imperative to understand that everyone has a lens, and you must calibrate your own information processing accordingly.
Robert Parker, a famous wine critic, loved big, fruity, oaky reds with plenty of ripe chewy tannins. I like silky, aromatic reds, and often disagreed with his scoring. However, his reviews were an excellent resource for me as a wine professional because the basic facts offered (vintage, technique, appellation) were reliable, and he was consistent enough in his preferences that I could tell whether a mediocre score meant a wine was poor quality, or was well made and likely to please someone with a different palate. In the same way, though my own political priorities and interests are not those of an investment professional or a multinational corporation, I read Reuters. Very useful information can be gained from knowing who is paying attention to what. I think once you understand the audience and editorial agenda of a particular news outlet, it can then be extremely helpful to know whether they endorse particular candidates. After all, the staff is paid to spend their days studying past records and contextualizing the people who hold and seek power.