9/25/08

"First Mike" speaks at vets' dinner

by Beckye Randall

“I don’t know anyone who wasn’t shaped by their military experience,” said First Gentleman—and Vietnam veteran--Mike Gregoire at a recent dinner honoring local veterans.

“Americans are always willing to do what’s needed,” he told the crowd of veterans and civilians gathered at the Arlington Assembly of God Church. “That willingness to serve is what sets us apart.”

The appreciation dinner was organized by Take a Vet to Lunch, a nonprofit association established by Bob Rawe of Stanwood. Rawe, a veteran himself, was determined to find a way to express gratitude to veterans, and his simple idea of buying lunch for neighbors who have served in the military has caught on.

“We are here to honor those who wrote a blank check to their country, for a value up to and including their life,” Rawe said in his address to the group.

Among those attending the dinner was 96-year-old Chauncey Christofferson and his new bride, Thelma. Christofferson served in the Army during World War II and was the oldest representative of that war at the banquet, although two other World War II vets were in attendance.

“I volunteered and went in the service in May of 1941,” Christofferson said. He won an early release from his military duties after the death of his father, thanks to the efforts of local Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson.

The dinner attracted about 175 people, both veterans and non-vets, who came to listen to one another’s stories and make connections while enjoying a home-cooked meal. The dinner was supported with contributions of cash and supplies by a number of local businesses, and an all-volunteer force helped cook, serve and entertain the guests.

At one point in the evening, emcee James Mead asked for a show of hands from those who had served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and in Cambodia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Marla Patterson of Arlington raised her hand several times during the roll call.

A Navy nurse from 1973 to February 2002, Patterson served in Italy and Japan, and was stationed in Guam toward the end of the Vietnam conflict. Now retired, she gives flying lessons at Out of the Blue Aviation in Arlington.

“This evening was really nice,” said Patterson. “I was impressed with the dinner and all the people who helped make it happen. It was a real community event.”

Peggy McKay hosted two tables on behalf of Soldiers Angels, a national nonprofit organization that serves active duty and returning service members and their families.

“I was especially moved by the special table presentation reserved for our MIA and POW soldiers,” said McKay. “It brought back memories of the POWs I wore the silver bracelets for from 1967 to 1970.”

She added, “You can bet we are on the list of hosts for next year, and hope to help Bob make this event grow.”

Rawe, a retired machinist, sees a need for the continued support of veterans and military personnel. “Overall, I think the dinner went pretty well for our first time,” he commented. “When we do this again, we’ll allow more time for just conversations at the tables, and not so much from the podium.”

To find out more about Take a Vet to Lunch, send an e-mail to Bob Rawe at bobsoutback@verizon.net.

 

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