Community dinner honors local vets
Published on Thu, Mar 12, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
More than 100 local citizens came together to honor the service of military personnel in a community dinner February 28, organized by Take a Vet to Lunch.
Bob Rawe, founder of the nonprofit organization, was pleased with the turnout of both veterans and civilians alike.
"It's important for us to pay tribute to the sacrifices made for us by these brave men and women," he said. "Providing a meal seems like a very small gesture, but it's the conversations that we really encourage."
With eight people seated at a table, most of them strangers at the start of the afternoon, it was a prime opportunity to talk to the local veterans and find out about their service experiences.
Interesting speakers, including artist Michael Reagan and decorated veteran Elisio Garcia, kept the guests enthralled, and when Ernestina came on the scene she brought some belly laughs along for the ride.
Rebecca McDonnel of Stanwood performed beautiful renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America," and Terry Woinowsky of Memories Forever presented an audio-video slide show commemorating military personnel over several generations.
Rhodies Smokin' BBQ of Marysville provided the delicious pulled pork for sandwiches, which were served along with salads and desserts.
Rawe's message is simple: Our veterans deserve our thanks for "writing the country a blank check for a value up to and including their own life."
Take a Vet to Lunch plans more events in the future. To find out more, e-mail Rawe at bobsoutback@verizon.net.
Marysville's Elisio Garcia, a decorated veteran of both Korea and Vietnam, spoke at the recent dinner. Garcia is the recipient of 5 Purple Hearts, 3 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, and he was twice recommended for the Medal of Honor.
Ernestina, aka Sally Brandenberger, provided comic relief at the recent community veterans' recognition dinner, organized by Take a Vet to Lunch. In a thick Norwegian accent, Ernestina regaled the crowd with a humorous story about her "brother's" enlistment adventures.
Bob Rawe, founder of the nonprofit organization, was pleased with the turnout of both veterans and civilians alike.
"It's important for us to pay tribute to the sacrifices made for us by these brave men and women," he said. "Providing a meal seems like a very small gesture, but it's the conversations that we really encourage."
With eight people seated at a table, most of them strangers at the start of the afternoon, it was a prime opportunity to talk to the local veterans and find out about their service experiences.
Interesting speakers, including artist Michael Reagan and decorated veteran Elisio Garcia, kept the guests enthralled, and when Ernestina came on the scene she brought some belly laughs along for the ride.
Rebecca McDonnel of Stanwood performed beautiful renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America," and Terry Woinowsky of Memories Forever presented an audio-video slide show commemorating military personnel over several generations.
Rhodies Smokin' BBQ of Marysville provided the delicious pulled pork for sandwiches, which were served along with salads and desserts.
Rawe's message is simple: Our veterans deserve our thanks for "writing the country a blank check for a value up to and including their own life."
Take a Vet to Lunch plans more events in the future. To find out more, e-mail Rawe at bobsoutback@verizon.net.
Marysville's Elisio Garcia, a decorated veteran of both Korea and Vietnam, spoke at the recent dinner. Garcia is the recipient of 5 Purple Hearts, 3 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, and he was twice recommended for the Medal of Honor.
Ernestina, aka Sally Brandenberger, provided comic relief at the recent community veterans' recognition dinner, organized by Take a Vet to Lunch. In a thick Norwegian accent, Ernestina regaled the crowd with a humorous story about her "brother's" enlistment adventures.
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