Veterans have given us the Greatest Gift!
Aleethia’s “Friday Night Dinner” held on December 19th was hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the National Press Club. VFW Commander-in-Chief John Stroud; D.C. Executive Director Bob Wallace; Deputy Director Aleks Morosky; Senior Legislative Associate Brendon Gehrke and Director of Public Affairs Joe Davis greeted and met with each wounded/injured/ill service member during the dinner.
The fireplace was glowing as over 75 wounded/injured/ill service members, family members and guests enjoyed a four-course dinner including a rather large “porterhouse steak,” as well as, celebrating three Birthdays, welcoming back a service member who was injured in 2007, acknowledging the retirement of an USMC service woman and saying “goodbye for now” to a service member going home to Alabama.
We had a surprise visit by our dear friends, Admiral Winnefeld and his wife Mary who visited with every service member and caregiver in the room.
Happy Birthday to Nathan, Angela & Jim!!!
Since this was the last dinner before Christmas, Aleethia’s Santa, John Sommer had gifts for all the children. Norine provided door prizes and goodie bags for all the service members. A “knitting group” provided handmade knitted scarves for all the ladies.
VFW National Commander John Stroud reminded us that as we celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year, “we must give thought to the thousands of America’s finest men and women who are spending this sacred holiday away from their loved ones. They’ve sacrificed this time away from home to ensure that we’re able to enjoy Christmastime in freedom and with peace. Our veterans and service members have truly given us the greatest gift.”
Thank you VFW for another wonderful evening! Special Thanks to the staff at NPC for their kindness and assistance with our many requests. Happy New Year to All!