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52 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2024 | Our meeting in January was interesting and provided camaraderie between our veteran members and the seven new members in attendance. Once again, subsequent to our meeting, many members gathered together in small groups enjoying the association with fellow veterans. We opened our gathering with the Pledge of Allegiance and we display a POW/MIA Missing Man table. Meetings will be on the second Tuesday of every month from 9 to 11 am in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom until August at which time may change. Sun Lakes veterans and their spouses are encouraged to attend and at this time there are no dues required. Three members of the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services were present and provided very important information related to the services that their organization can provide for veterans, their dependents and survivors. Thank you to Adam French, Greg Coffos and Silvia Andrasion for your presentation. They provided contact information for local services at no cost: Riverside (951) 955-3060, Indio (760) 863-8266, and Hemet (951) 766-2566. Many attended the Veteran Expo in January. There were over 60 organizations/vendors there to share information to help Veterans and spouses. Between Ron and myself we have 15 organizations that have expressed the desire to come and meet with our group. Beverly Reneau is accumulating a list of local businesses that provide veteran discounts. Beverly is a local resident who assists veterans with information and assistance related to their needs at no cost. Her phone number is (951) 846-3655. If you know of a business that gives discounts to Veterans, please refer them to Beverly. Did you know that Farmer Boy's gives a 25 percent discount to Veterans? Just make sure you ask for it, and provide proof. Member Tracy Logan shared his experiences serving in the military which included several tours of duty to Korea in addition to tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and at several military bases. Thanks to Dollie Swanson for arranging a bulk order of See's Candy from the commissary. Those that ordered realized a savings of $7 -$10 per box. We discussed a possible commitment in the future of providing local high school students information about service experiences and benefits related to serving our country in the military. A volunteer list is being made for this community commitment. Nyla Hallon has offered to provide biographies for our members related to their military missions and memories at no cost. With the veteran's approval, this biography may be included in our Lifestyles Magazine. Her phone number is (951) 524-0025. Will Baker is attempting to schedule future trips for our group to military installations, museums and other locations of interest which will be disclosed at future meetings. If you have any questions related to any of our group's activities or if you need any assistance, please contact Will Baker at (951) 946-0412. God bless our Sun Lakes community, our military and first responders and our beloved country. Please enjoy a blessed and healthy 2024. Veterans Group