FARGO, N.D. - Volunteers with the North Dakota National Guard will show their appreciation to the men and women in the state who served before them during an annual trip to the North Dakota veterans home in Lisbon, N.D., on Wednesday.
Guardsmen from across the state donated funds to purchase gifts for 129 residents at the facility.
Each year, the branches of the state's Guard, the North Dakota Army National Guard and North Dakota Air National Guard, exchange lead roles in organizing the event. This year, volunteer airmen took the helm with Tech. Sgt. Tracy Zidon coordinating the effort. Master Sgt. Kathleen Shasky, Operations Group first sergeant, and Kristi Clifton, the 119th Wing's director of psychological health, volunteered their time to purchase the many gifts on the veterans' wish lists. Last week, even more volunteers came together in Fargo to wrap all of the gifts.
On Wednesday, about two dozen Guard members, including Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, will personally deliver the gifts and visit during lunch with the men and women in Lisbon.
WHAT: Veterans Appreciation Day
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012
10 a.m. - Arrive at North Dakota Veterans Home and unload presents
10-11 a.m. - Tour of the facility
11 a.m. - lunch with residents followed by distributing and opening gifts
WHERE: North Dakota Veterans Home, 1600 Veterans Drive, Lisbon, N.D.
MEDIA: No precoordination required. Amy Wieser Willson (701-412-6895), deputy public information officer, will be on site for assistance.