Many participants of the annul Nursing Home Veterans Christmas Dinner enjoyed a great meal and holiday celebration at American Legion Post 23 in Portsmouth Monday.
"I think it's important that these folks get out of the home for a little bit," James Saddler of Post 23 said. "Our nursing homes and activities directors in Scioto County do a really good job. They take care of our veterans. This is another opportunity for our veterans to get together and rejoice with each other, and maybe they've bumped into an old wartime buddy or something like that."
Saddler said people are able to provide things like socks, hats, bird feeders and other items requested by the veterans.
"This is my first year. I got very involved in the district, and everybody said they turn out real nice down here," John Montgomery, Second Vice President for the Seventh District of the American Legion, said. "I just wanted to come down and see it."
Lou Dimmerman, State Vice Commander of the American Legion of Ohio, said he wishes there were more parties like the one staged by Post 23.
John Barnhart, department chaplain for the state of Ohio said his reasons for attending the event is his experience working at the Chillicothe Veterans Administration for more than 30 years.
"I've always enjoyed talking to our VA, and I enjoy going to our VA and passing out Christmas presents, and I have always enjoyed traveling to district events," Barnhart said.
The commander of the Ohio American Legion, Bob Kimball, was in attendance and talked about coming to the event every year.
"I'm really proud to honor a veteran every chance I get," Kimball said. "But I'm especially proud to come to James Dickey Post 23 here in Portsmouth because it is in my district."
Kimball emphasized his dedication to supporting Post 23 and events like the Christmas party.
"I was here before I was state commander and I'll be here long after it."
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