Last Week's Meeting
Our annual Veterans Day Program brought with it three perspectives from three men with similar, yet different, military backgrounds.
President Josh Prest invited Frank Kishel and John Fahnert, who were in attendance, to give remarks. Frank, who joked about joining the U.S. Army “by invitation only,” shared memories of working at Fort Hunter Liggett in California during the Vietnam War era. At 165,000 acres, Fort Hunter Liggett is the U.S. Army Reserve's largest training installation. Frank’s company managed the site, where Army and National Guard units performed maneuvers there. John, who also joined the U.S. Army, reflected on serving stateside and in Germany for 2 years.
Guest speaker Corban Baker, outreach office with the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission and a former news anchor at WYTV Channel 33, enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps after his graduation from Brookfield High School. As a high school junior, he was leaning toward military service. After the Sept. 11 attacks, “that just cemented it,” he said. He had three tours of duty during his 5-1/2 years in the Marines, including 6 months on the USS Harry S. Truman, a naval aircraft carrier. Baker was assigned to repair aircraft. His military service also took him to Iraq, North Korea and South Korea. Afterward, he enrolled at YSU, majored in telecommunications, and experienced many hands-on opportunities to augment his studies.
As Veterans Service Outreach Officer, Corban’s main objective is to connect veterans needing help to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to helping veterans apply for pensions and spousal benefits, they may qualify for seasonal utility help, disability services, and other assistance. Outreach to nursing homes ensures that vets get the care they need. There is a lot that Corban can do to help our veterans, so be sure to refer a veteran you know!
In other meeting news, past president Samantha Turner received her Paul Harris Fellow +1 award from President Josh. Congratulations, Samantha!
Sharon Letson invited members to fill Christmas stocking with gifts for children affiliated with Casa Madre, a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. Casa Madre participants are living with HIV, whether they or their caregivers are HIV positive. Sharon will have 50 stockings to distribute at the next RCY meeting. Cash contributions towards stocking contents also will be accepted.
