Updated 09 Jul 09 at 0003 EDT by Cagerbob

                                             UPDATE  STAGING INFORMATION

There is a slight change of plans for the Veterans Celebration.  The staging area has been changed.  The new staging area is as follows:

Marion County Senior Center
1 Senior Drive
Mannington, WV

This site is actually located on what is known as Meadow Ave. just off of Rt. 250.

For those coming from most of the state, proceed north on Rt. 250 out of Fairmont, just as in the previous directions.  After passing the McDonalds, take your next left, which is approximately 1/4 mile further up the road.  Just before crossing the bridge, the Senior Center is in your right. 

For those coming from the north, Wheeling, Moundsville etc., proceed Rt. 250 south, through Mannington.  One block after passing American Chevrolet on your right, take the next right onto Meadow Ave.

Patricia Hanifin
WV HOTH Coordinator 

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The PGR has been invited to attend an event designed to be a celebration and remembrance of our veterans and active military troops.  However, this event will be slightly different than others that we typically participate in.

This event is the first of what is hoped to be an annual event.  It is being coordinated by Ralph Suter, Sr.  Some of you have met Mr. Suter, as he stopped by our GOTG event at Holly River, and also showed up at the sendoff for the 115th in Bridgeport.

Mr. Suter's son, Ralph Jr., died on July 23, 2007, while suffering from PTSD.  He had been on the front lines in Iraq prior to coming back to the US.  He was also a member of the Kansas PGR.  You can read more about him at http://www.timeswv.com/todaystopnews/local_story_144023442.html

Ralph Sr. is as patriotic as any person you will ever meet.  The purpose of this event is to remember his son, but also to remember all veterans, MIA's, KIA's and active military.  He really wants the PGR participation, due in part to the fact that his son was in the PGR, but also because of who we are and what we stand for.

He has started a web based company, from which 90% of the profits will go to a wounded veterans group, and to the WV PGR.
 
The event is scheduled to begin at the Mannington Church of the Nazerene, which is located on Rt. 250 between North Marion High School and Mannington.  If you are coming from most places, take Rt. 250 north out of Fairmont (Exit 132 off of I-79).  You will go approximately 14 miles.  When you pass North Marion High School on your right, the church is less than a half mile further on the right.  If you get to McDonalds, you missed it.

For a few of those coming from the north, proceed down Rt. 250, through Mannington.  After you pass the McDonalds, the church is about one mile further south on your LEFT.  There is an address for the church, but it is a new street name, and likely will not be found in any GPS.

Veterans Celebration, Mannington, WV, 11 JUL 09


We will stage at the church at noon.  There will be a short ride from there, through town, with FD and PD taking part.  There will also be music and speakers.
 

Also, Mr. Suter owns a restaurant, called the Hero's Corner.  Great food.  It is located on Buffalo St. in downtown Mannington.  Any veteran who shows up there before 11:00 will get a free meal.

To get to Buffalo St., no matter which direction you are coming from, stay on 250 into Mannington, and turn across from the Rite Aid drug store.  The restaurant is half block on the left.

We will not need 3x5 flags for a flag line, but if you have flags that you can fly while riding your bike, we will be able to use those.  If you do not have a bike, but have flags for windows etc. bring those as well.

Please come out to support this event, not only because of what it is, but because Mr. Suter really wants to show his appreciation for us as well.  I know that typically this is not what we are about, as we ALWAYS direct attention to where it belongs....to the troops or veterans.  However, because of the nature of this event, and because Ralph Jr. was one of us, AND because so many of our members ARE veterans, I believe this is a worthy cause.
 

Any questions please email or call me.  Thank you.

Barry Bledsoe
304-692-6900