Extend Veterans Day this holiday

On certain days, I can be a smidgen slow on the uptake. Perhaps that is why it has taken me so long to recognize the genius behind scheduling Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day in the same month.

Many of the blessings for which we are thankful have been made possible through the courage of those fighting. Not to be overlooked are the families of our brave troops. Their sacrifices can be heartbreaking and gut-wrenching.

Fortunately, our community offers a vast array of opportunities for expressing our appreciation. The Fort Wayne chapter of Blue Star Mothers will be sending packages to soldiers stationed overseas and veterans recovering from addiction at The Shepherd’s House. Various food banks are providing holiday meals to military families in need, and churches and businesses will be ensuring these same families have a merry holiday season. They all would welcome your gracious support. If time is tight, families can multitask by simply creating or signing holiday cards during their Thanksgiving celebration. Cards can be delivered to the Red Cross or other organizations preparing care packages.

I proudly count among my many blessings the valiance of our veterans, the strength of our soldiers, the resilience of our reserves and National Guard, and the fortitude of the families who provide a wealth of love and support.

For giving so heroically, I will offer my heartfelt thanks.

LISA M. FABIAN Project READS parent program manager Allen County Education Partnership

Veterans grateful for support

The Allen County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40 wishes to thank everyone who came out in support of the recent veterans’ events from the O’Daniel “Jeep Jam” to the Veterans Day Parade, as well as those businesses that support our local veterans with discounts and free meals throughout the year.

The chapter wishes to extend a special thank you to the O’Daniel Motor Group, Golden Corral Restaurants, McMahon Tire and Home Comfort Experts Heating and Air of Columbia City as well as Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse and Granite City for helping raise more than $25,000 in donations. Your efforts and funds will help us support our local veterans and create a better life for them and their loved ones.

It is imperative that we do not forget those who have served, are serving and will serve to not only protect our rights and freedoms, but to protect and defend those who are oppressed and our way of life.

The chapter also wishes to thank those who donated to our efforts. Donations may be sent to 16531 Tonkel Road, Leo-Cedarville, IN 46765. Make checks payable to “DAV, Chapter 40.”

Should you know of a veteran in need of assistance of any sort, or you are looking for more information about our organization, contact our chapter.

The chapter meets at noon the first Saturday of every month at the Fort Wayne VA Hospital Auditorium. Our next scheduled meeting will be Dec. 1. Feel free to attend.

JASON SMITH Fort Wayne

Mission’s meal made extra special

On Nov. 14 I was shopping at Scott’s in Waynedale. I was looking at Kroger turkeys for 89 cents a pound when a young man asked me whether that was a good deal and I said it was. I also mentioned that I was buying a couple of turkeys for the Rescue Mission and that I wished I could get more than just two. He then pulled out his cash and handed me $40 to buy a couple more turkeys.

I felt uncomfortable taking his money, but he helped me get the turkeys into my cart. I asked him if he wanted a receipt for his gift but he said it was not necessary and that he was glad I was taking the turkeys to the Rescue Mission for him. I was so blown away I forgot to get his name, but I did thank him profusely.

My husband and I took four turkeys, four winter coats and a cash contribution to the Rescue Mission. They were so grateful for our contribution. I also mentioned that an unnamed young man had given me money for the turkeys. I was overwhelmed that this young man trusted me implicitly to take his cash and provide a couple of turkeys on his behalf.

I just believe this guy deserves an honorable mention for his trust and faith in his community. It made me have hope and promise for good things ahead, I hope everyone – including him – has the greatest holiday possible.

ELLEN BECERRA Fort Wayne