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The annual Hometown Heroes Picnic is scheduled for Armed Forces Day, May 19. The Craig Daily Press will be the main sponsor with assistance from the public and the local veterans service organizations. The Daily Press and a steering committee are reviewing past events and trying to set up more services and support for the event. The main problem in the past has been inadequate poor weather shelter or shade for participants when the weather was hot. The committee is asking that if individuals or organizations have access to 10-by-20 canopy shelters or other large tent-like structures, that they contact the paper and offer their use, then be available early on May 19 to set them up and take them down after the ceremonies. If you can assist in any way, please offer it.

Some historical anniversaries are approaching. On April 6, 1917, the U.S. entered into World War I. This followed the events and battles that were caused by the alliances/treaties that took the European countries and kingdoms following the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand (June 1914) to war, the subsequent Declaration of War by Great Britain on Germany (August 1914) and the sinking on the USS Lusitanta (May 7, 1915). That sinking (torpedo from a U-boat) caused the deaths of 128 U.S. citizens in the 1,198 casualties from the passengers and crew.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts in Craig and the surrounding areas are in need of new members to continue their programs. I will be writing articles on the requirements for local returning veterans or previously honorably discharged vets so then they can join if so inclined. Without an increase in active members, there will be drop off in the community services they provide as our World War II veterans continue to pass to the eternal post everlasting. The nation is daily losing 1,800 to 2,000 WWII vets and as our funeral service states, "our ranks are growing thinner."

For information on these programs or other veterans benefits, call or stop in the Moffat County VSO office at 480 Barclay St., west of the Bank of Colorado parking lot. Call 824-3246 or use the fax (970) 824-7108. Our e-mail address is veterans@moffatcounty.net. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Other times can be arranged by appointment only.

Bring a copy of your separation papers (DD-214) for application for VA programs and for filing at our office.