Veterans In Our Community

Editor’s Note: On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops stationed in Vietnam came home to face the significant disapproval that characterized the American scene at that time. Today, in 2017, forty-four years later, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed the, “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017,” declaring every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The article below recognizes this first-ever day set aside to honor those that served in Vietnam as well as providing information regarding a Lions program aimed at helping veterans.

Honor, Dignity and Valor

Those are words deeply engrained in the heart and soul of every veteran.

As we celebrate the new day to honor our Vietnam veterans, I thought it would be a great time to talk about the Lions’ “Involve A Veteran Program.”

It is an amazing and exciting time to be a Lion. With our 100th Anniversary celebration in June, there are thousands of people around the world joining Lions. One group we wanted to focus on this year was our Veterans. Chugiak – Eagle River is the perfect place to find those veterans. We have a community of veterans here that span all our service organizations.

Lions clubs work as a team to get things done, and we need veterans on our team. Veterans serving their community can help make an impact in people’s lives. As a member of your local Lions club, a veteran can:

• Apply your leadership skills to implement service projects that make a difference in your community.
• Strengthen your ties to the community and broaden your support network.
• Work with leaders in your community who help each other and collectively help others.
• Gain exposure to an international network of people with common interests.

U.S. veterans have made so many great contributions and sacrificed so much to serve our country. With many service members being honorably discharged from the military, this is a good time to provide them with an opportunity to get involved in their communities. “The Involve a U.S. Veteran Program” provides qualifying veterans the opportunity to continue serving in a different way as Lions.

Many veterans want to find a way to give back, and they have a lot to offer your Lions club, including:

• The ability to turn plans into action and get the job done
• Practical skills and leadership skills
• Innovative ideas
• Dedication, loyalty and commitment
• Understanding the importance of teamwork

Involve a U.S. Veteran – ask about it today!

The program is available to the first 5,000 certified U.S. veterans and runs through June 30, 2017.

Qualifying veterans receive an entrance, or charter fee waiver when joining a Lions club. Eligible veterans include active/retired U.S. military personnel (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard Services, Marines, National Guard, Navy or Reserves) or those honorably-discharged from these services. Eligible service members may also be in the National Guard, or Reserves.

If you would like more information about being a Lion, please contact Karen Burns at 242-1129, the Eagle River Lions online at www.eagleriverlions.com or the Sleeping Lady Mountain Lions at www.sleepingladylions.org.

General information about Lions International can be found at www.lionsclubs.org.You can find us on Facebook.