Greetings S.A.L. Members.

One of the greatest gifts that has ever been bestowed on us as Americans is our Veterans.  These people, male and female some of whom never saw active duty, were willing to sacrifice anything and everything to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.  The same freedoms many take for granted. Too many service personnel returned home disabled.  Also, as many of our veterans get older, they have a harder time taking care of the basic needs that most of us don't even think about.

Commander Jerry Hjelle is asking each and every member in the Detachment, this year to participate in an Adopt a Vet campaign.  Look in your community.  Look in your post, not just at the members you see every day, but also at the Veterans who don't come around much anymore.  I'll bet you find a veteran who needs your help.  It may be someone who needs help getting to the doctor, or to the store. Maybe it's a veteran who needs help getting his laundry done, or cooking a meal.  Maybe its yard work that never gets done, or maybe they just need a friend, but whatever it is, there is a veteran who needs our help.

For the sacrifices these men and women have given for us, I think it is little to ask that we return the favor.  All you have to do is find a veteran and become his or her best buddy.  Run the errands they can't do for them selves.  Take them where they need to go.  Do for them what they can no longer do for themselves, and take time to visit and learn from their knowledge.  You will probably find out you're the one who gets the greatest reward from the experience. 

As always I remind you to record your hours and keep me informed of what is going on.  The primary objective is to help the veterans, but second we need to let the rest of the nation know that the Detachment of Washington is working hard to serve those who served our country.  I want to be able to report to Commander Hjelle that the Adopt a Vet program is a great success.

For God and Country
Ken Holloway
VA&R Chairman
Detachment of Washington