Dean Gotham, VVA president (center), with Don and Peg Mc Cown. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – vietnam Vets Chapter 951 President, Dean Gotham, decided to liven up a monthly meeting with a luau theme, which evolved into a successful social.

The vets met at the usual location, St. Mary’s Church Hall in Lakeport Aug. 14. It was the traditional spread of scrumptious food (without the roast pig, however) with authentic Hawaiian chants resounding as background music. Genevieve Snow, VVA member, danced the hula.

Chris Caravayo, retired U.S. Army of Kelseyville, won the prize for the best Hawaiian shirt while Ms. Snow, former Navy Wave, claimed a prize for her Hawaiian attire.

Gotham presented a certificate of appreciation to Don and Peg McCown, retired Navy vets actively participating in Avenue of the Flag preparations on Memorial and Veterans Day for five consecutive years.

The North Bay Veterans Resource Center of Santa Rosa gave Gotham special recognition, an award for his long hours in assisting a returning Iraqi soldier who needed medical treatment.

Ginny Craven from Operation Tango Mike updated the group on the last packing party; 60 boxes were shipped overseas.

The chapter members donated three Patriot Guard Rider flags, signed by chapter members. At the request of soldiers, these flags will be flown in Iraq, then returned to Lakeport.

The Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide group of more than 100,000, ride together to honor fallen soldiers at funeral services. Whenever physically possible, the bikers will shield the mourning family from interruptions created by protesters.

Marlene Kurowski, executive director of Lake County Hospice, was the featured speaker that evening. Kurowski informed chapter members about hospice and the need for volunteers.

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