I JUST RECEIVED THIS LETTER FROM REPRESENTATIVE RICK LARSEN 2nd DISTRICT.
Dear Mr. Flanik :
Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. It is an important reminder of those who died serving our country. On Memorial Day and every day, I join you in honoring those who gave their lives to protect us.
This Memorial Day comes at a time when many men and women in the armed forces are deployed around the globe. As a nation, we owe a debt to them and to all veterans who have served and sacrificed. In Congress, one of my most important responsibilities is to advocate for the needs of servicemembers and veterans to ensure that they get the healthcare, educational benefits and retirement pay they have earned.
As part of these efforts, for a number of years I have been urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to open a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Northwest Washington . I am pleased to inform you that on May 27th, the VA will open a new interim CBOC on the campus of United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. This interim facility will allow the VA to serve more Northwest Washington veterans in the coming months as it continues to work to open a permanent CBOC, which will be located in the Mount Vernon area.
I am pleased that the opening of a new interim CBOC will allow more local veterans to get the care they need. Please be assured that I will continue push ing the VA until the doors of the permanent facility are open for business.
I will keep working to honor the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country. I thank you for your service and join you in recognizing Memorial Day by remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Sincerely,
Rick Larsen
United States Representative
Washington State, 2nd District
THE HOME PORT LEARNING CENTER, BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON
In 1993 the Juvenile Court of Whatcom County discovered that 55% of the 287 juvenile offenders that year were not enrolled in school. In order to address the needs of this population, the juvenile court started exploring alternative options and funding to give these teens an alternative to the street and get them enrolled in school. Opening its doors in 1994 in response to our County Court's efforts, the Home Port Learning Center, Located in the Port of Bellingham's waterfront, formed as a transitional education program serving adjudicated and at-risk youth of Whatcom County. Through experiental learning, students acquire academic, vocational and work readiness skills. They are committed to the preservation of our maritime heritage, environment and the well being of our community... Staffed by a highly competant and motivated group of certified instructors working with "hands on" and academic curriculum, the Learning Center has achieved a remarkable student recovery average rate of 85% ...
THE BOAT "THE STEWARDSHIP" A Student work in progress!
Boat Length: 24 Feet
Beam:
8 Ft. Beam
Weight: Approximately 2000 Lbs
Configured for single outboard propulsion, designed for 150 Hp 4 stroke outboard motor...
Construction: Fiberglass over plywood, Hull design - Shallow Vee with Soft Bow... And, "by the way" We sure do need donations for that motor! .. Once completed the boat will be used as a platform for environmental studies, ecological remediation and other student projects that can enhance student education... The application of classroom math to practical navigation problems comes quickly to mind...
THE FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION, BELLINGHAM BRANCH 245 Our Bellingham Branch has for several years, proudly supported this very worthwhile youth activity with fund and material donations, technical instruction and public relations support...
THANKS TO Shipmates Barney Barrick USN Ret. and Vern Puckett USN Ret.
"OPERATION PIZZA"