by Geoff Fox
To show their appreciation for area veterans, the Hancock United Methodist Church and Community Friends will be holding their annual Veterans Day Dinner on Tuesday, November 11, in the church’s Upper Room.
In 2024, roughly 175 were served.
Photo courtesy Shannon McKinley.
The meal was started 15 years ago by Shannon McKinley and Kristie Stotler and began when Rev. Duane Jensen was pastor of the church.
Veterans from the tri-state area and a guest, as well as veteran’s widows and a guest, are invited to enjoy a Blessing of Veterans followed by a fried chicken diner that includes green beans, macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes, pasta salad or coleslaw, and a homemade dessert.
After the first Veterans Day Appreciation Dinner, Jensen told the story of a veteran sitting by himself and striking up a conversation with him.
The veteran explained he had served in Vietnam, and after talking to Jensen, looked him in the eyes and said, “Thank you, I didn’t think anybody still cared.”
After that first dinner, the group knew they had started something that would continue into the future.
Organizers said laughter, smiles, a fully belly, fellowship, memories, and appreciation is guaranteed to be on the menu at this year’s appreciation dinner.
Last year’s appreciation dinner was the first to invite the widows of veterans who have passed on.
“Over the course of the previous years, some of our regular attendees had passed away,” McKinley said in an email.
She said a veteran’s widow had asked an event organizer if she and another widow could attend the event as they missed their spouse and the appreciation and fellowship of the dinner.
“By inviting the widows, we feel like we are still able to show appreciation to the Veterans that are no longer with us,” McKinley said. “We can give their spouse an opportunity to reminisce while enjoying a free meal with others.”
Last year after Veterans Day, the group decided to do a few more dinners for the veterans and also added local senior citizens.
In December, they hosted a holiday get together with spaghetti, dessert, craft time, and a special treat to take home for the holidays.
Organizers said it was much appreciated by those veterans and seniors in attendance.
