February 14th VA Medical
Centers and community�
Salute to Veterans. Salvation Army
personnel hand out gifts, home-
made baked goods, coffee, toiletry
kits, stamps and envelopes, Bibles
and lap robes, and host ice cream
socials and barbecue dinners. This
year's efforts involved:
Corps, in partnership with the
support an annual event at the
Redding Veterans Memorial Hall
to honor veterans. "It is an opportu-
nity to connect with veterans to
see how we can better meet their
needs," says Lieutenant Daniel
Whipple, corps offi cer.
hosted Veterans Week and Open House in August to honor
servicemen and women for their devotion to our country.
are available in the community. The
American Legion Post 807 conducts a
moving service and events include a
classic car show, music, boat rides and
food and refreshments. The more than
500 attendees this year included men
and women from the Wilkes-Barre
Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital,
many of whom deal with physical and
mental disabilities. Tom McDonald
from the Veterans Administration (VA)
spoke with veterans about what the
VA could do for them. Tom Kayhill
from Congressman Tom Marino's of-
fi ce was present to assist. The Ameri-
can Legion arranged for transportation
obtain medical equipment. "As veter-
ans age they need to know that they
are still appreciated for all they have
given and to know that they are not
alone," says Major Giselle M. Acosta,
Community Care Ministries secretary
for the Eastern Pennsylvania and Dela-
ware Division. Camp Ladore also hosts
the Healing Waters program orga-
nized by the Trout Fishing Association
and the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Cen-
ter. This event is actually a therapy
session. The VA buses wounded veter-
ans to the camp and teamed with a
mentor to learn the art of trout fi shing
and to enjoy the company of local
American Legion members.
Ministries secretary for the Hawaiian & Pacifi c Islands Division
is passionate about serving Active Duty Members approaching
She visits Tripler Army Hospital and Tripler Veterans Care Facility regu-
larly along with volunteers to give gifts and supplies and to encourage
the veterans and the staff members who provide for them. "We prayed
with 30 individuals, one being a fi rst time commitment to Christ! We
brought smiles and encouraged many," Major Gilden remarked after one
visit earlier this year. She also works with the USO to offer the comfort
and peace of knowing Jesus Christ to families awaiting the return of
loved ones from their deployments.