Veterans Day Observance to Remember

Area Veterans were honored at St Timothy Lutheran Church in Crystal River on Veterans Day in a service led by Deacon Frank Hofstetter. The impressive candle lighting observance emphasized remembering veterans who died in service to our country and concern for those currently serving in foreign countries on in dangerous situations. Veterans present served in World War II, Viet Nam and Afghanistan.

Floyd Blodgett, Commander of Harry M. Bailey AMVET Post 839 in Beverly Hills also spoke of the huge involvement of women who worked in the shipyards and built aircraft, and the women in the military who flew the new planes across the ocean to the men doing the fighting. Some women actually were involved in the conflicts. We need to also remember that the veterans' service hugely impacted the family members while their loved ones also served by carrying on with running the family while the veteran was gone.

Our AMVETS (American Veterans) post along with the American Legion, VFW and their auxiliaries are currently working to assist area veterans and/or their families with rides to doctors, getting counseling, and even obtaining housing for those currently living in the woods.

Pictured left to right: Richard Kleinsmith, USAF; Frank Hofstetter, USAF; Tony Nawrooki, USAF; Floyd Blodgett, USAF; Randy Holden, US Navy; Roger Lafond, US Navy; Keith Johns, US Navy; Joes Moore, US Army; and Richard Flury, US Navy.