Many came together to honor veterans at annual dinner

On Friday, May 14, the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner was hosted at the Soldotna Sports Center. More than 400 veterans and family members were fed as a result of a mini-grant from the city of Soldotna and a donation made by the Soldotna Elk's Lodge No. 2706.

The dinner was a huge success because of the community spirit by all those involved.

A very special thanks goes to Vicki Leach and Wanda VanBuskirk for again being superb cooks.

Adults Dagmar Mayer and son, Rhonda Orth, David Leach, Teresa Dalebout and Linda Raemaeker deserve recognition as do the regular and AP U.S. history students at Skyview and the National Honor Society students from Cook Inlet Academy.

The hospitality and entertainment was especially appreciated. Coca-Cola of the Central Peninsula supplied soft drinks, and the staff of the Sports Center were invaluable.

Thank you veterans for your support of America and thank you local students for recognizing them.

Dave Carey

Event coordinator