The 11th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner was held at West Fork Park, Arnoldsburg, last Saturday, sponsored by VFW Post 5959 and Ladies Auxiliary.

The event began with a social hour for veterans and their families to get reacquainted with other veterans. Music was provided by Backfork Bluegrass.

After dinner was served, guest speakers Dr. Sidney Jackson and Del. David Walker were introduced.

Jackson, who has 23 years in the Air National Guard, is a Veterans Administration representative for a mobile clinic that comes to Grantsville once a month. The clinic, sponsored by a Mobile Health grant, is primarily for “veterans taking care of veterans.” Jackson discussed the importance of health care for veterans.

Walker, who has nine years with the Army National Guard, spoke about the importance of veterans joining the VFW or American Legion in order to have larger numbers and more influence with legislators.

VFW and Ladies Auxiliary officers were introduced: Commander Victor Whytsell, Sr. Vice Commander Robert Bush, Jr. Vice Commander Scott Mathis, Quartermaster Stan Norman, Service Officer Paul Whytsell, Chaplin Bob Yoak, and trustees Adrian Ball, Larry Cradock and Charles Snyder.

Ladies Auxiliary officers are: President Frances Turner, Sr. Vice President Francie Adwell, Jr. Vice President Linda Staton, Secretary Freda Whytsell, Treasurer Tina Whytsell, Guard Marie Hays, Conductress Linda Norman, Chaplin Patty Wyatt, and trustees Leer Miller, Freda Whytsell and Judy Hayes.

DAV van drivers were recognized for the time spent trans-porting veterans to Clarksburg and Morgantown for treatment: Bob Yoak, 1,220 hours, 19,154 miles and 122 patients, and Burl Simers, 790 hours, 12,403 miles, and 79 patients.

PHOTOS COMING ON THURSDAY