Veterans Day Open House

As some of you know, I am spending the winter managing the Divide Camp Headquarters building, located at 603 N Main Street in Joseph (next to Community Bank.) I love the concept of the Divide Camp endeavor- that Nature heals- and that veterans can find a place to relax with outdoor activities at the former elk hunting camp.

Though Camp is buttoned down for the winter, the DC Headquarters doors are open with regular hours. I keep a pot of coffee on and have dozens of cookies made by the Joseph Methodist ladies, so veterans and their families are welcome to drop by for "a cup of joe."

Speaking of cookies, the Veterans Day Open House held at HQ could not have gone better. It started with a wonderful sign made by Rod Dearth, Ret. Marine, welcoming veterans on a clear, sunshiny day.

Starting the day before, the Methodist ladies, and at times, their husbands, brought in plate after plate of homemade cookies.

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​They wanted to make sure we had enough. I had two thoughts as they marched in Thursday and Friday morning... "Ask and you shall receive..." and Jesus multiplying two fish and five loaves to feed 5000 folks. I was overwhelmed with the ladies' generosity.

​Friend Janie Tippett picked up Van Blaricom, Ret. Marine. He seemed to enjoy the company as we all listened to his WWII stories. The Rubin's dropped in. Angie left flyers to promote Fishtrap's 2017 Big Read activities, geared around the book selection, "The Things They Carried," about the Vietnam experience. Husband Steve served in the Navy during that era.

Steve now volunteers with "Doctor Without Borders," traveling to foreign countries to provide medical services to those in need.







I didn't expect tears to be in the mix, but Kenni Running, WWII Navy veteran was seated at a table with his Senior Living friends and staff when a young family entered the room and hugged him. It was his grandson, Jared and family from out of town.
"What are you doing here?" Kenni asked.
"We knew you would be here and wanted to surprise you!" There were smiles all around.

​The tears were mine.

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We gave away Divide Camp caps at each hour. Serge Morgan, Ret. Air Force, came the next day to get his. I recognized his dog, he recognized mine- turns out we're neighbors! Look at that smile...

Coffee, cookies, veterans and their families. It was a very good Veterans Day. Thanks to all who came, and to all who helped make it happen. Drop in during regular hours: Mon- Wed. 1-3 p.m.; Thursday- Saturday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The coffee will be on, and we have plenty of cookies!