Thanks for help with Vacations for Vets program

I am very proud to be involved with Vacations for Vets. This organization is a nonprofit group of volunteers that invites combat veterans to Southern Maryland for a weekend of rest and relaxation with their family. They are patients from various local veterans hospitals, and the weekend is targeted at assisting in their recovery. They are housed at local retreats and provided meals. Also, they get to enjoy planned activities.

Recently, V4V hosted a poker run for motorcycles and classic cars. Approximately 100 vehicles participated in this money-raising event. All participants were given a T-shirt and a meal at the end of the poker run. This year, the American Legion post in Ridge provided the food. V4V would like to thank them for their hospitality, as well as the riders, participants and sponsors for this event.

On behalf of V4V, I would also like to thank Lt. Tom White of the Leonardtown barrack of the Maryland State Police; 1st Sgt. Brett A. Canfield of the MSP’s motorcycle unit; and Sgt. Jon Burroughs of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office traffic operations unit for providing the police escort for the safety of the participants riding in the poker run. It was a safe and fun event.

I have talked with some of our veterans selected to spend the weekend, and realize just how valuable this program is — and how much the veterans appreciate and enjoy our hospitality in beautiful Southern Maryland. Some of them have had their first boat ride, first time fishing, and first time enjoying our delicious seafood.

I would like to encourage and invite others to join us in providing this annual weekend for our veterans. V4V is a worthwhile organization and allows us to appreciate our veterans of combat in the armed forces.

For more information, contact Connie Pennington, the local director of V4V, or give me a call at 301-536-3603.

Dan Morris, Mechanicsville The writer is a former St. Mary’s County commissioner.