It is hard to believe that Christmas 2013 has arrived already and will be celebrated in less than a week. I feel very blessed this year.
I think about those who will be without for the holidays and all that I have and I am blessed.
I see family members home safe and think of those serving overseas in dangerous areas and I am blessed.
I think of those who have no home as I am warm inside and I am blessed.
I think of those who may be going hungry and my table is laden with good food and I am blessed.
To the families of the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who are protecting us and to those on active duty and veterans of this country, thank you. We are blessed.

Korean War veterans given thank you

Korean War veteran Gene Gaster of Madison attended the Korean-American Association invitational luncheon on Dec. 6 at the association headquarters in Cleveland. The luncheon was given to express gratitude to all Korean War veterans.

“The South Korean people are so humble and appreciative of all that America has done for them,” Gaster said. “As a rule and not the exception, they are extremely polite, well-mannered and friendly.”
Gaster said it is heartwarming to know that as a country, we can be sincerely thanked for our sacrifices, and a simple thank you goes a long way.

Hosting the event were Ann S. Jhin, president of the National Unification Advisory Council; Kil Young Kim, president of the Federation of Midwest Korean-American Association; Sang-Il Kim, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Chicago; and Song-Pil Gak, chairman of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Council from Kyeongsangbuk-do province of South Korea; and the lovely Korean ladies who prepared and served the meal.

Photos courtesy of Gene Gaster

“I want to thank each and every one personally for the beautiful medal awarded and the certificate of acknowledgement that every Korean War veteran in attendance received,” Gaster said.


Veterans Upward Bound offers educational transition program
The Veterans Upward Bound Program at Cuyahoga County College will begin the next session of the Academic Enrichment Program on Jan. 7.
The program at the Metro Campus will be 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and will offer refresher/preparatory programs in a classroom setting with other veterans. The program will help with math, English, science and basic computer skills to prepare veterans for the college or vocational placement test and help them to achieve higher scores.
VUB provides veterans the opportunity to enter post secondary education prepared for a more successful program of study.
Veterans interested in enrolling in the program call 216-987-4938.

Greater Lake County Young Marines accepting registrations
Greater Lake County Young Marines is now accepting registrations for the next recruit class orientation at 2 p.m. Jan. 18. The next recruit class will begin Feb. 15.
The Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the official youth program of the U.S. Marine Corps and the focal point of the Marine Corps Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
The Greater Lake County unit meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. one Saturday each month. Drill is at the Eastlake Police Activities League (PAL) Center, Kennedy School, 34050 Glen Drive in Eastlake.
For details visit www.glcyoungmarines.org or call 440-413-6707.

Gunny’s Hall breakfast AWOL for holidays
There will be no breakfast served at Gunny’s Hall on Sunday and Dec. 29 because of the holidays. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will return again in January.

Burton post plans January breakfast
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the post home. Tickets are $8 adults; $5 ages 12 and younger. For more details, call 440-834-8765.

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