The Veterans Picnic was held Aug. 16 with some 150 plus veterans and immediate family attending the event. We were honored to have four World War II veterans in attendance (70-year anniversary). The American Legion Auxiliary Alaska State President Sharon Cherrette and Phyllis Boskofsky (nurse/manager of Kenai Clinic and crew) were in attendance and visited with many veteran families.  Drew Baker from Kenai Peninsula College was also in attendance on educational opportunities. It was a gorgeous day for a picnic.

We would like to thank all those who contributed to the picnic in one way or another.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

We thank the following organizations for their monetary and in-kind donations: Kachemak Bay Marines, VFW Post 10221 Men’s Auxiliary Anchor Point,  Homer Emblem Club, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 Ninilchik  and Homer American Legion Post 16.

We thank the following for help the day of the picnic:  Sons of The American Legion Squadron 16 for manning the barbecue wagon and numerous jobs; American Legion Post 16 for use of the barbecue wagon and hall and help where needed; and many  wonderful American Legion Auxiliary Ladies who helped throughout the day giving away door prizes, registration,  preparing and serving food, managing the children games outside, and taking care of the cleanup detail. Thanks to Spud Dillion for overflow parking.

Also, thank you to the awesome entertainment: Hillary Arwen and 8-Mile Band.

The following businesses deserve recognition for they donated door prizes and groceries: Kachemak Wholesale, Safeway, Save-U-More, NAPA, Boat Yard Café, Timeless Toys, Tire Town, Down East Saloon, Kachemak Gear Shed, Ulmer’s, Petro Marine, Coles Clean Living Lodge Caribou Lake, Carolines Gifts, Kharacters, Anderson Fiberglass and Homer Spit Campground.  If I missed thanking somebody, I am sorry and we thank you also.

We hope all that came had a good time and if you didn’t make it hope you come next year. The committee had a fun time organizing the picnic.

Darlene Sheldon

VAVS Picnic Chairman