Veterans enjoyed fellowship and lunch at the Veterans Day Lunch last week. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

For 13 months, Terry Rahner of Marblehead fought for his country in the jungles of Vietnam. Rahner served in the Navy from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War, an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life.

“It was rough, but you’re young and can adapt to it. It doesn’t really hit you, what you did, until years later,” Rahner said. “But I’d do it again because it’s the right thing to do.”

Rahner was one of dozens of military veterans who were honored at the Veterans Day Lunch at the Jet Express/Port Clinton Island Port Terminal on CFridy, Nov. 11. The event was sponsored by Crown Battery and Hal and Diane Hawk.

Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider interviews a veteran at the Veterans Day Lunch on Friday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“It was a brainstorm we had at the same time,” Diane said. “We wanted to be part of taking care of our vets and giving back to them for what they sacrificed for us.”

The lunch was catered by Bistro 163, elaborate platters of pulled pork, beef brisket, several side dishes and homemade desserts baked by Bistro chef Dan Snyder.

“It was wonderful that Diane Hawk contacted the Bistro and asked us to cater the dinner,” said Bistro Board Member Mary Caracci. “We actually closed the Bistro today because it was all-hands-on-deck for the staff and volunteers.”

Co-sponsors of the event included the Ottawa County Veterans Services and Port Clinton High School Leadership Council. Port Clinton teacher and Leadership Council advisor Scott Cross said about 15 students helped with the project, two of which were instrumental to the event’s success.

Port Clinton High School Leadership Council members Claudia Gillum and Taylor Bollinger were instrumental in the success of the Veterans Day Lunch. About 15 Leadership Council members helped with the project under the direction of advisor Scott Cross. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Claudia Gillum was the chairman, and she made the flyers. Taylor Bollinger spearheaded a project to have elementary students color pictures for the veterans,” Cross said.

Caracci said Bollinger brought hundreds of pictures to the lunch.

“It made me cry when she brought them in,” she said.

Cross said the girls met with Diane to plan the lunch and helped promote it by contacting local nursing homes and hanging flyers around town. Several students greeted veterans in the rainy parking lot with umbrellas or at the door as they entered the event.

Bistro 163 volunteers serve lunch to veterans at the Jet Express port terminal in Port Clinton. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Among the veterans at the luncheon were Tuskegee Airman Harold Brown and his wife, Marsha Bordner, and Air Force veteran Wayne Duez and his wife, Ann Duez. The Duezes were anticipating a visit from their grandson, Alex Erfmann, who is on leave from the Army for the holidays.

“I haven’t seen him in three years, and he’s bringing my great-grandson, whom I’ve never seen,” Wayne said.

James Wagnitz of Marblehead served in the Army from 1968 to 1970.

Bistro 163 catered an elaborate lunch for veterans attending the Veterans Day Lunch at the Jet Express port terminal on Friday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“I trained as an infantry officer and graduated third in my class, so I got to pick my branch. They asked me where I wanted to go, and I had a girlfriend in Strongsville, so I went to Cleveland,” Wagnitz said. “I was a very fortunate guy back then, and I’m still a fortunate guy.”

Wagnitz was grateful that so many people came together to host the Veterans Day Lunch.

“It’s a great honor, and I appreciate all the people working so hard to make it happen,” he said.