LAKEPORT – “Semper Fi” (always faithful). That Marine Corps motto prevailed at the Nov. 13 potluck/meeting of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 951. The group gathered at its usual location, St. Mary’s Immaculate Parish Hall, Lakeport.

The following Marines were saluted and received certificates of appreciation: Skip Hulet, Larry Mick, Gene Tone, Ron Nagy, Warren Fox and Dean Gotham.

Gotham, the chapter's president, awarded certificates to Navy Corpsman Mike Hennig and Navy Seabee Craig Barnett while Marcie Taylor accepted the award for her late husband, Marine vet Billy Taylor. Louis Rigod accepted the certificate for his wife, former Marine, Jean Blethen-Rigod. Several Marine vets were unable to attend the function.

Another highlight for the event was Ginny Craven’s presentation for the chapter. Craven spearheaded the Operation Tango Mike project, shipping comfort packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Craven gave the chapter a plaque from Capt. Allen, one of the Tango Mike recipients. She also presented a flag that was flown Aug. 29, in Iraq honoring VVA 951, Lakeport. It flew over the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd), Headquarters Marine Air Base, Al Asad, Iraq.

The chapter anticipates another social and brief meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11, the third annual Christmas Dinner, starting at 6 p.m.

Again, the VVA chapter will meet at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall in Lakeport. The invitation is extended to veterans of all eras, their families and friends and the general public.

Genevieve Snow is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}