As stated in the chapter news, we were honored to be able to do food baskets and gift certificates for the Veteran's widows for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Scholarships

This year we were honored to present two scholarships in the sum of $500.00 each. 

The first to Anna Lee to assist with her college education.

The second to Jeffery Ashley to assist in his education.

Donations and service projects

We were able to donate $500.00 to the Akron Opportunity Center ( a last chance school for 7th and 8th graders who can no longer participate in the public school system).  AOC is for the kids from broken homes, battered womens shelters, living on the street, etc.  The school requires uniforms to be worn and has a very strict displinary regimen.  Any privilige is earned, the kids are taught respect and self discipline, along with values.  This is probabily the closest they have ever had to having a family.

We honored to be able to take a group of six of the boys and train them in proper flag handling and display.  They were given the assignment to post and retire the colors at the school with proper respect and honor.  This is done daily when school is in session.  They were all excited to have the responsibility and have done very well.  We purchased and donated the flag to the school from the Summit County Veteran's Service Commission.  It had been flown in the fields of flags display at the VSC.

We also provided a pizza party for the school and staff in March.  We purchased and served the pizza to the kids with the help of the staff.  Many times the question from the kids was: "why are you doing this?"  The answer was simple: "because we care".  To say they were overwhelmed would be an understatement.

We also contributed $100.00 in conjunction with the Jewish War Veterans to supply refreshments and snacks for the veterans who visited the Akron VA center during the week of Memorial Day.

We were honored to provide the food and assist the family of Mike Arnold, VVA Chapter 34 President who passed away suddenly.  Mike was a true brother and will be missed by all of us and the community.  Mike was the mainstay of The Superkids Classic for over 25 years.  This event was a soapbox derby race for those who would never have had the opportunity to participate in an event like this.

We were also able to provide assistance to a chapter member whose father passed away suddenly out of state, supplying emergency funds for travel expenses.

As the year came to an end we have continued to serve and honor our traditions.  It was a very good year,  Many thanks to all of you for being who you are.  It is a great honor to serve with you all.

Lee