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10 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 By Dave Wellfare, Resident WOW! What an awesome event! From the very beginning when the color guard from West Valley NJRROTC, with pride and precision, did the presentation of colors to the tearful end remembering those who are no longer with us. Throughout the year the Veterans & Friends Club hosts several fundraisers raising funds for local charities that serve veterans. At this event donations were presented to Veterans Mobility Projects, Valley Wide Community Pantry, West Valley High ROTC and our very own quilters club who make quilts of valor for veteran residents who have not previously received one. This year the SDV Veterans & Friends Club will donate over $6,000 to various local charities that benefit veterans and the surrounding communities. Another one of the Veterans projects is the Mount San Jacinto College Veterans Services Office. Once a month we shop and deliver items to supply the Menifee MSJC "USO Center." They are so appreciative of our donations as they meet, study and relax between classes. Terry Russell, Director of Veterans Services Office, presented SDV Veteran's and Friends Club with a plaque prepared by the students showing their appreciation of our contributions. Last, but definitely not least, in a room surrounded by red, white and blue decorations, 135 attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch of generous pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches and baked beans from Calhoun's Texas BBQ in Murrieta. Dennis Haffeman, Vets Board Treasurer, made delicious coleslaw. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes iced in red, white or blue topped off the meal. A huge thank you to resident Lisa Harrison, photographer, who documented the event. Stay tuned for future events sponsored by the SDV Veterans and Friends Club in the coming year. Better yet, join the club and become part of the fun and giving back to the community. Thank you to all who attended this event and to all who donate time and money for those in need. SDV Veterans Day 2023 Lodge Holiday Decorating Winter Brunch