Letter to the Editor

Loyalty Day picnic scheduled

Sunday, February 27, 2011

To the Editor:

The Veteran Picnic that we have every year is usually the first Saturday of May.

This year, it is on May 7, at the National Guard Armory in Brazil.

It is a free pork dinner for Clay County veterans and their spouse/guest.

It is presented by the Clay County Veterans Group. This function is solely funded by donations from citizens and businesses of Clay County. Without your donations, this worthy event would not be possible.

The Elks Lodge donates, prepares and serves the meals. Last year, the Elks and Pappy's worked together.

Every year, we have free handouts such as hats and pens or pins for the veterans who attend the function.

Also, there are door prizes given away, TVs, coolers, fishing poles, etc.

We have a guest speaker this year. I am working with District 44, hopefully, it will be Jim Baird. He is a Vietnam War Veterans and that same morning, we will be rededicating the Vietnam War Memorial on the courthouse lawn at 9 a.m.

By adding Harold Dickerson's name, he was also killed in action in Vietnam, but somehow was left off the memorial when first dedicated.

Harold's sons and family will hopefully attend.

Their intentions are to be here. One son lives in Texas and one lives in Louisiana.

Joyce Cox, the Administrator from the VA Clinic in Terre Haute will be there also to answer any questions you may have about benefits.

They still have more than 300 slots open.

If you would like to apply to the VA for healthcare benefits, bring your discharge paper or your DD 214.

There will be a signup sheet for the dinner posted at the V.F.W.'s in Brazil and Clay City, the Elks Lodge in Brazil and my office in the courthouse.

You may also call my office (448-9015) and leave a message if you are able to attend and if you are bringing your spouse/guest with you.

Please sign up as soon as possible so the Elks will have a head count for the meals.

So please give what you can for this yearly event.

Send donations to Clay County Veterans, 609 E. National Ave., Room 104, Brazil, Ind., 47834.

Michael Holland,

Clay County Veterans Service Officer