BROOKINGS The Brookings Police Department will host its second annual Veterans Thanksgiving Meal on Nov. 10. All local veterans and their families are welcome to attend the free meal prepared and served by BPD uniformed and civilian staff.
The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center at 625 Fifth St. A social time with coffee and muffins will start at 4 p.m. Care in the Community VA will give a brief presentation at 4:30 p.m. A welcome by Police Chief Michael Drake, the posting of colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance will follow with dinner service starting at 5:15 p.m.
Last years event was a great success, so were excited to offer it again this year, said Detective Geoffrey Pollman. Everyone at the Brookings Police Department appreciates this opportunity to show our gratitude for our local veterans. With both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving right around the corner, this seems like the perfect way and time to do that.
The idea for the Veterans Thanksgiving Meal came from a conversation between Drake, Pollman and Communications Officer Eric Lee. Pollman and Lee serve as BPD liaisons to veterans programs and resources in Brookings. Lee served 10 years in the Minnesota National Guard and five years active duty in the U.S. Army. Pollman is a major and executive officer in the South Dakota Army National Guards 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Sioux Falls.
The event is more than a meal, Lee said. Food has a special way of connecting people. With this gathering, we want to remember and honor our local veterans sacrifices and service to our country. We want to help them connect with others and feel a strong sense of community.
Leave a Reply