The American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary had the privilege and honor of preparing and serving breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 14 for the Operation Cherrybend Wounded Veterans Program.

This year, it is our understanding there were 21 veterans participating in the week-long event. Our Auxiliary Ladies made breakfast, delivered and served it to veterans and those who were there helping out. I would like to extend our deepest “Thank you” to all that participated. We had a great time!

This is such a worthwhile cause and the experience was so humbling. We have been asked to do this again next year and, without hesitation, we have agreed!

We provided everyone who ate breakfast one of our patriotic bracelets. They were very appreciative and loved them. We even got lots of hugs! It was very exciting to see the veterans, the workers, and the entertainers all wearing those bracelets at the concert on Saturday night. Two of our ladies worked the Cherrybend merchandise table during the concert on Saturday night — we had our patriotic bracelets for sale at that table and lots of people bought them. We extend our thanks to those who did.

Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the donations that were given for our event. I will try to name everyone; if I forget anyone, just know that we are so very thankful for your unselfish support. Pat Settlemeyer donated $100 to us for this project from Clinton County Hospice; Janice Hidy, Kathy Cook, and Judy Rich prepared and donated a variety of breakfast casseroles; Barb Albrecht and Linda Moore made sausage gravy; Mary Conger and Valerie Rose provided a variety of fresh fruit; Cindy Butler prepared bacon; Kathey Carroll prepared biscuits and sausage; Combs Bakery donated three-dozen assorted donuts; and Kroger donated three-dozen assorted bagels (with cream cheese) from their deli.

We are so proud to come together as a community and serve our veterans!

American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary

Wilmington