Veterans Corner: Evergreen Boys State is looking for citizens

Housing specifically for veterans is non-existent in Sequim. Port Angeles has the Outpost, Forks has Sarge's Place, and soon Hobucket House, for disabled veterans.

However, the board of the North Olympic Regional Veteran's Housing Network (NORVHN), of which I am a member, is beginning to look to the future and is thinking of having something like Hobucket House in Sequim.

This would be a seven-bedroom house for disabled veterans near bus routes and stores with city water and sewer; it needs about a half acre to 1 acre of land for the home and parking. Since NORVHN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit the donation of the property would be tax-deductible.

If any of my readers know of, or own, a suitable piece of property please let me know. If any of you are interested in being on the Board and helping make this happen in Sequim, please contact me at cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com.

Boys State

The American Legion Department of Washington is working on getting the word out about Evergreen Boys State (EBS), set for June 20-26 at the Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood.

Because of last year's restrictions, a special exception this year is that graduating high school seniors may attend as well as those boys that have completed their junior year.

EBS aims to replicate Washington state government through a fun and engaging program. The citizens construct local, county and state governments. Activities include running for office, court proceedings, creating and enforcing laws, pizza parties, a talent show, celebrations and recreation programs.

Attendees hone public speaking skills, experience how government works, get inspired by guest speakers, have fun and make new friends for life.

Scout of the Year

Sequim VFW Post 4760 gave its Scout of the Year award to Jonathan Scott during its meeting on April 13. Jonathan is an Eagle Scout and a member of Troop 1460.

Jonathan was also the VFW District 14 Scout of the Year and he moved on to the Washington state competition.

At the national level Scout of the Year can receive up to a $5,000 scholarship.

The Sequim VFW also awarded two Patriot Pen winners on April 13: Maddie Smith and Timothy VanProyen received the awards for their essays on "What is Patriotism to Me."

Every year the VFW has an essay competition for school-aged youths to promote Americanism — the ideals of the United States. Essay divisions are: grades 3-5; 6-8, and 9-12.

The top essay contest for high schoolers is called "Voice of Democracy." The first place "Voice of Democracy" winner at National receives a $30,000 scholarship.

Meeting once more

The Commandant of the Mt. Olympus Detachment of the Marine Corps League recently attended the Department of Washington Staff meeting. Mark Schildknecht has been the Department Sergeant at Arms for 10 years and in 2016 was awarded the honor of Department Marine of the Year.

This month, the detachment will resume its regular monthly meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. Meetings are held at the Veterans Center, 216 S. Francis St., Port Angeles. Mark will be reporting on the state staff meeting.

All Marines are welcome. Members of other services can become Associate Members. I was in the Navy and I am an associate member.

Save the date

Jack Grennan Post 62 American Legion is planning to hold in-person Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 31, unless there is a change in COVID-19 restrictions. You will be asked to wear a mask and keep socially distanced.

I will give specific times for the ceremonies at Sequim, View, Jamestown, Dungeness and Blue Mountain cemeteries in the May column.

Please plan to attend a ceremony.

Contributors: American Legion, Paul Renick, grennanalpost62@gmail.com; MOAA and Voices For Veterans, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, markisin2day@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; VFW 4760, Steve Henrikson, secretary@vfwpost4760.com; VFW 6787, Rod Lee, sealteam54@q.com