Voice of Veterans: Busy Fall for Post 4067

The local Veterans had busy and fulfilling activities in October and November.

VFW ACTIVITIES: The VFW Buster Deo Post 4067 hosted the District Conference on October 16, with Department officers from across the state joining the locals for the meeting and lunch. In attendance were Commander Arron Riggs; Donald Klinko, Post Service Officer; David Wilkes. Post Trustee and Derek Oshio, Post Jr. V. Commander. Past Post Commander Jim Layton who serves as the Department Sr. Vice Commander, also attended.

The Auxiliary met at the same time. Attending were local president Michelle Stevens, District President Violet Tharp and Department President Tamee Harvilla. Carolyn Schmoeckel, Mellissa Sandvick and Cheryl Wallace attended from Malta.

The top three entries for the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest and a Teacher of the Year nominee have been selected and submitted to district level for consideration.

AMERICAN LEGION: The American Legion and Auxiliary also had their District meeting the same day and traveled to Rocky Boy for their business meeting and lunch.

During the lunch, awards were presented to the Unit 57 American Legion for achieving 100% membership; Commander Vince Schmoeckel accepted the award; he also accepted the award for the Post, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion for the Family Award. Richard Barnard, of the Saco American Legion was in attendance. Those from Unit 57 attending were Jim Sintler, Ken Wiederrick, and Kevin Stevens. Charlie Stevens, attended as Sons of the Legion.

District President Kari Hould, conducting the Auxiliary meeting, and also attended as Department Chaplain. District Secretary Sharon Kindle also attended.

BREAKFAST was served on Veteran's Day, for veterans at the High School Cafeteria, compliments of the school. Guests were greeted by members of the student council, who shared breakfast and visited with them. Approximately 20 guests enjoyed starting the morning with the students.

VETERANS DAY: Members of the military joined the Malta Elementary School students for a patriotic observance and celebration of Veterans Day. Attending were Col. Donald Klinko, Jerry Mahan, Greg Kirkwood, David Wilkes, Jay Southwick, Bob Kapp, Ken Wiedderick, and Vince Schmoeckel who gave a welcome. VFW Auxiliary Department Americanism Chairman Hould provided an opening prayer; National Guardsmen Matt VanWinkle and Louie Oyler demonstrated the folding of the flag, while Col. Klinko provided the meaning of each folds. Students and band members provided music and songs.

Toni Ziegler, representing the Malta Dirt Daubers, erected a Blue Star wreath honoring all who have and are serving in the military. The wreath is on display at the "Welcome" sign located at the rest stop north of Trafton Park; it is an annual event. Thank you, Toni.

VETERAN'S DAY DINNER: Completing the day, dinner was served at the VFW Friday evening, honoring all who have served our nation. Those who have passed away in 2022 were recognized in a memorial by James Layton, assisted by Ken Wiederrick. Following dinner, door prizes were awarded. Local Boy Scout Troop 4432 and parents assisted with the serving of the meal.

If you haven't done so lately, take time to thank a Veteran for their service.