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Community Corner

Rotary Thanks VFW Vets With Trip To DC

Last week, Fort Lee Rotary took local veterans of World War II and other conflicts on a day-long bus trip to Washington, D.C. to view several monuments honoring fallen American soldiers. The trip was free to veterans, in honor of their service.

Last week, Fort Lee Rotary took local veterans of World War II and other conflicts on a day-long bus trip to Washington, D.C. to view several monuments honoring fallen American soldiers. The trip was free to VFW members, in honor of their service to the country.

In all, 14 VFW members from Fort Lee and nearby towns attended, in addition to 16 Rotarians and friends. Highlights of the tour were the National World War II Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

"It was a real nice trip; I really enjoyed it," said Joseph Schneider, 87, of Fort Lee, who served in the Navy during World War II.

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Schneider was particularly impressed with the realism of the Iwo Jima statue and the Korean War Memorial. He was grateful to the Rotary and VFW Post Commander Jim Viola for making the trip possible. The trip was organized by Rotarians John Koch and Lillian Ciufo.

, 37, of Fort Lee, both a Rotarian and a VFW member, also had a great time. He served in the Balkan Mission in 1996/1997.

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"The bus ride was probably the best part, talking to all the other veterans," Jensen said, also commenting that he was the youngest veteran there. Younger veterans tend not to join the VFW; Jensen said he joined in order to "give something back" to the older veterans because they have a common experience that non-veterans can never truly understand.

The Rotary would like to conduct another trip in a year, or possibly sooner, to accommodate aging veterans. This trip was planned to specifically honor World War II veterans, but Schneider and Stanley Atkins, also of Fort Lee, were the only two able to make the trip.

Several World War II veterans had to turn down the trip because they couldn't handle a long bus trip. Both Schneider and Jensen commented on the dwindling numbers and failing health of World War II veterans, who are now in their mid-80s or older.

"Hopefully we can raise enough money to do a trip where veterans can stay overnight," Jensen said. "To allow more World War II veterans to participate."

The Rotary will be holding a number of for the next trip and also accepts donations. Patch readers are also welcome to give a check directly to the Rotary, earmarked for the "WWII Veterans Trip."

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