By SHERI STAFFORD
Contributing Writer
This Monday, Memorial Day, we will honor United States Armed Forces fallen soldiers. These men and women made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedom. Many of us will attend a parade, picnic, and participate in other activities that are possible because throughout our nation’s history, brave men and women have fought for these privileges.
Every day, we have the opportunity to thank our current military members and veterans, and they are very grateful when we do. Community support from patriotic citizens can mean a lot to a service man or woman stationed thousands of miles away from home, from family and friends, and in an unfamiliar place.
Wally Ohler, North Royalton’s liaison to The Veteran’s Relief Organization of Ohio, works hard to send packages all year long, not just during the holidays, to Armed Forces members serving overseas. These packages contain items that are especially appreciated when they are not so easily available. In return, Wally gets many meaningful thank you letters from the soldiers for sending “love from home” as his wife calls it.
“Wally Ohler’s package delivery service to soldiers is one of the most selfless things I have seen a veteran do for service members overseas,” said United States Army First Lieutenant Kevin Sklenicka. “He has a HUGE heart and he should be recognized not only for the generosity he shows today, but also for the sacrifices he had to make as a Vietnam Veteran.”
In an email to Wally’s wife, Lt. Sklenicka wrote words that touched Wally’s heart, and he will always remember. “Your husband’s generation of soldier was one to be remembered and honored. The time of war that they had to endure and the type of war that they had to fight and overcome does not even compare to what the present day soldier experiences,” said Lt. Sklenicka. “Many civilians will never understand the hardships they had to face not only overseas, but also the challenges that awaited them when they returned home. Those patriots will never be forgotten.” Lt. Sklenicka is a Valley Forge graduate. He is an AH-64D Apache Platoon Leader/Pilot in Charlie Company, 1-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
“My mission is to provide goodwill to our soldiers. I couldn’t do what I do without the help of others. Each time I make a request for help, people always come through and get the job done,” said Ohler. “I believe this is God working in all of us, bringing us together.”
Come out and support our troops at Carrie Cerino’s Weekly Cruisin, every Wednesday from 5:30 until 9 p.m., weather permitting. Bring your family for a night of delicious food and exciting hot rods and classic cars. DJ Chris Comodeca from Meltdown Sounds will entertain guests. There is a chance to win during the 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
Admission is free. Canned food, dry goods, and sundries will be accepted. A list of sundries will be available at the Cruisin. Carrie Cerino’s is located at 8922 Ridge Road. Proceeds benefit the Veteran’s Relief Organization of Ohio.