VETS’ CORNER: Local youth participate in Boys State
By Ron Verini
Friday, June 19, 2009 10:08 AM PDT
Here we are at Boy’s State and already we have had the Governors State of the State speech, Legislature elect leadership, and lobbyist trying to influence the legislative process. John Kroger our Oregon Attorney General has spoken with us and has motivated the boys and gave a one on one session. We have talked with Representatives Dennis Richardson, Andy Olson and our own Cliff Bentz where we had a chance to sit and have dinner with Cliff and discuss the politics of the minority party and how he gets things done for us on this side of the state and some of the maneuvering that takes place on both sides of the isle.
Then Ben Westlund our state Treasurer stopped in to talk about his duties. Sen. Ted Ferrioli had much to say about the process in the Senate and how things got done as well as well as why it takes so much time for the process to take shape. I am always impressed to listen to the caliber of questions that these young men of Boys State bring forward. The 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. schedule is grueling but the excitement of the political process and involvement sets the stage for real life.
A sample of the letters that we get from the boys that have gone through this in the past talk about Boy’s State definitely having an impact on getting into the Air Force Academy, leadership and volunteerism was a huge part of what medical schools look for during the admissions process. The letters continue talking about this one week increasing the knowledge and awareness of the governmental process has helped in securing jobs and higher education that would not have been available without Boys State. The staff of Boys State is made up of men that are dedicated to this program and making it one of American Legion’s premier projects, and the Posts that participate by bring it into the schools and finding the support to send students are the ones that make a difference in our community. This year we have seven students participating from Vale, two from Nyssa and one from Ontario.
The American Legion Baseball is off to a great start. The Treasure Valley Stars have two teams in their program. One is the single “A,” and the other is the double “AA.” The “AA” team is made up mostly of kids that are older, and more developed. They have around 35 kids in the program this year. The “A” team is coached by head coach Russ Wright and asst. coach Brandon Coley. They play their home games at Fruitland High School. The “AA” team is coached by head coach Matt Mejia, asst. coach Aaron Sutton and asst. coach Nick Birch — They play at Treasure Valley Community College. Joining the coaching staff this year is pitching instructor Aaron Mackenzie. He played for TVCC, and pitched in the Angels organization. They have kids from six different high school programs — Ontario, Fruitland, Vale, Nyssa, New Plymouth, and Payette. Information and updated schedules are available on their web site:
treasurevalleystars.org Contact Vern Davis, (208) 573-5579; Carroll Coley, (208) 741-3558; Randy Waite, (208) 230-2286.
The “A” team is off to a 6-2 start, and the “AA” is currently 6-0 on this young season. Gate prices are adults $5, seniors $3, students $3 and under 12 free. Best part of the whole deal is they have great food in their concession stands.
Operation Quilts volunteers are meeting every other Thursday to help assemble government approved blankets for our service men and women. If you want to help please note you do not have to know how to sew. The next sewing day will be July at the First Christian Church located at 450 ‘A’ St. W, Vale Oregon. For more information on this important endeavor, as well as needed donations contact Barbra Russell, (541) 473-3084.
If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help right now, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.
Ronald Verini is a local veterans advocate who writes a weekly column for the Argus Observer. He can be contacted at (541) 881-8881.
