As you are probably aware, the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and accompanying displays were here last week on the GH County Fairgrounds. I am hopeful that many attended at least once during the week and were, like myself, overwhelmed by the impact of its message: The terrible price that has been paid for these freedoms, so taken for granted, enjoyed here in America.
Quite a humbling experience, to say the least.
I am now making a public appeal for one of the members of the Rolling Thunder organization, responsible for bringing the Wall and all of the activities surrounding it to Grays Harbor. His name is Jim Sorensen. He, like all of the others of Rolling Thunder, are veterans, some served in combat.
They actively support veterans across America, along with the families of these patriots.
They also strive to keep alive the names of those missing in action, expending great effort to locate ones currently unaccounted for and those from other past conflicts. Many of the fallens’ remains have been found and brought home to be laid to rest on these shores, much to the relief of surviving families.
On the 4th of July, on his way home from a function, Sorensen suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident. The most obvious wound was the loss of a portion of one leg. He remains at Harborview Hospital at last report.
So, the road ahead for him and family will be long and difficult, filled with many more “bumps and bruises.”
Among their needs is financial assistance.
He gave his life and still does for this nation. On his behalf and his family, I appeal to you out there to help these folks in any way you can, namely with financial donations.
The address to make contact is: P.O. Box 1113, Elma, WA 98541.
Jim Taylor has consented to have his phone number listed as a resource person for other suggestions to help this family. He can be reached at 360- 482-6362.
We especially owe individuals like Jim who are combat veterans a “Well done, welcome home!
I am thankful to God that while in the U.S. military, I was never called to serve on any battlefield, seeing the devastation of those who have.
Linda Schaeffer
Westport