STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Dinner was served Christmas Day to salute Veterans and their families in Sturgeon Bay.
In just three years, the number of people signed up for the meal has doubled in size.
Inside VFW Post 3088 in Sturgeon Bay, volunteers like Terry Werkheiser are hard at work.
“It was my wife’s idea. She said why don’t we do a Christmas Day meal for veterans that maybe don’t have family in town? And we thought it was a good idea. The minute we mentioned it, there were so many other people that wanted to help.”
Werkheiser and his wife Sally tell FOX 11even though they weren’t in the military, they host the dinner out of respect for those who served.
Gerry Barlament was in World War Two, and Korea. His wife says the holiday dinner doubles as a tribute to all veterans.
“I just think it’s special to be remembered and to be appreciated and thanked. So thank you for doing it for him,” said Pat Barlament, Sturgeon Bay.
Gerry says it’s good to get out and socialize.
“It couldn’t be better.”
What would he be doing otherwise?
“Not a thing. Sitting at home, and twiddling my thumbs, probably relaxing in my lift chair. This is wonderful.”
Bill Weber, agrees. He spent 16 years in the Navy.
“So rather than sitting at home watching television, eating a sub sandwich, I got a nice meal here, get to interact with people and have a nice time.”
“This event, for all those veterans, for the most part, fulfills the need to have them be with other veterans, and family members, and that wonderful camaraderie that veterans have,” said Scott McFarlane, Door County Veterans Service Officer.
And perhaps, with some non-veterans too.
“Just a great bunch of people. That’s another reason to do it. It’s just to meet the people that show up, There’s always fun stories, there’s always great people, and that’s part of it too,” said Werkheiser.
Volunteers say they hope to make this an annual family tradition.
Plans are already-in-the-works for the Fourth Veterans Christmas Dinner.
