Military museum, American Legion host veterans? dinner

Washington County Military Museum and American Legion Post 29 are once again co-hosting a free dinner for veterans and their families on Veterans Day.

The dinner will be held at the United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. Main St., Washington, at 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Veterans and their families may make a free-will donation at the pork loin dinner, but the meal is free and no reservations are required.

Pastor J. ?Mac? McDonald, of Tama, is the keynote speaker. His talk is titled, ?What Does a veteran Look Like Today?? First Sergeant McDonald retired from active duty in the Marine Corps in 2003 following service in Operation Desert Storm where he participated in the liberation of Kuwait. Currently McDonald and his wife ?Berny? serve as co-directors of the Mesquakie Friends Church in Tama. Both have served as volunteer staff for Freedom Flights in Jasper County.

The evening will also include introductions of Cale Rausch, who was sponsored by American Legion Post 29 to attend Boys State; and the four Girls State attendees who were sponsored by the Unit 29 Legion Auxiliary: Hannah Black, McKenna Brinning, Melissa Hinkley and Kaylee Vogel. All five youths will speak briefly about their experiences at these week-long citizenship and democracy training programs.

Also at the dinner Unit 29 Auxiliary members will recognize designated veterans with the gift of a quilted ?comfort blanket.?

?We are pleased that the Veterans Day dinner has become a tradition in Washington,? said Mike Worley, president of Washington County Military Museum and Legion member. ?We are glad to have such an opportunity to thank those who have served our country.?