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36 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2024 | Woodchucks As the June Gloom dissipates sawdust continues to f ly at the Woodchucks' shop. Some members are already on their way to completing hand-built toys for the Annual Camp Pendleton Holiday Toy Drive. Others are making heirloom quality wooden pens for Pendleton's Wounded Warrior Battalion fundraiser. If you would like to get involved in either project or start one of your own, we now have a Shop Host program. Every Monday thru Thursday, at 9 to 10:30 am and 3 to 4:30 pm, a member volunteer will be at the woodshop to guide you through your project or answer your questions. This month we are highlighting the creative talents of Woodchucks member, Ernie Pick. Born in Miami to what he describes as an 'impoverished family,' Ernie was educated at Yale University where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Ernie's wooden sculptures are a delight to the eyes. He describes creating each of them as a puzzle where each piece leads to another piece. Incredibly, he doesn't envision the created piece until it's finished. Ernie credits past club members, Mitch O'Connell and Carl Strehling, as his mentors in the shop. He says whenever a design feature seemed impossible to create in wood, one or both of these gentlemen would kindly offer him suggestions. Dozens of these artful creations adorn the Pick's home, both inside and out and many of you may know Ernie's wife, Susan, as the President of the Art Lovers Club. We invite you all to expand your artful horizons or to simply create sawdust at the shop! Written by Larry See Village Vets "Hello! It's a pleasure to meet you. Are you a veteran?" As the Commander of the Village Vets, I often pose this question, and the responses never fail to surprise me. Many individuals claim they served but question if they truly qualify as veterans. Some mention serving only a couple of years or confide that their service was limited to the Reserves or Guard. Allow me to clarify. In the United States, the official definition of a military veteran is set forth in federal law. According to Title 38 of the United States Code, a veteran is defined as "a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable." This definition encompasses individuals from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged or released from their service commitment. Additionally, reservists and National Guard members who fulfilled their service obligations and received an honorable discharge are also considered veterans under Title 38. Why is this definition crucial? Many veterans are unaware of their entitlement to VA Benefits simply because they don't recognize themselves as veterans. If you served honorably, you're a vet! Apply for your VA Benefits! As far as membership in the Village Vets? We welcome any resident who is interested in what the club does and who we serve! Our upcoming General Meeting is scheduled for July 25, 2024. We have an exciting event planned for the day. Joe Ashby and Dee Wardell will share their experiences from their visit to Normandy. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. You don't want to miss their presentation as well as another Challenge Coin ref lection. As always, light refreshments will be served. As for the originally scheduled breakout sessions with county Veteran Service Representatives, the County Outreach Officer indicated that they have had much better success when veterans needing VA assistance contact them directly. In working with one veteran, they filled out all the forms for him while they were on the phone. Need help with your VA claim, please contact the San Diego Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at (866) 726-8831. If you run into any problems contacting them, then please contact me at (209) 663-5088 or bechillnavy@gmail.com. ank you! Bob Bechill, bechillnavy@ gmail.com