Every year, the Richard I. Bong Military Center hosts a thanksgiving meal for those who have served in the military. Ever since 2017, the Bong Center, Pattison Park Lions Club, and Manitou Inn have been partnering together to honor and show their appreciation for veterans in the northland.
Briana Fiandt is a volunteer from the Pattison Park Lions Clubs that contributes to planning and executing the plan for the Thanksgiving meal. This year was her 7th year doing it ever since it started back in 2017.
“When I started we served about 30 veterans at the Bong Center, and now this year with the deliveries and pickups we served nearly 300 plates. We had just shy of 50 people volunteer this year, we are very appreciative of our community for helping us out. We are also appreciative that we can give back to the veterans in the community because of all that they have done for us,” said Fiandt.
The meals that are served consist of a variety of options including ham, turkey, potatoes, corn, stuffing, dinner rolls, cranberries, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and other deserts brought in by the community.
Clint Mattson, a veteran who has been volunteering at the Richard I. Bong Center for 11 years, was able to attend and serve other veterans for the first time this year. Mattson volunteers at the Bong Center and helps with events, give tours, organize artifacts, and much more. He, along with many other volunteers, appreciate that the Bong Center hosts this event because it really shows their appreciation and respect for the veterans of the Twin Ports.
Mattson’s favorite thing about
the Thanksgiving meal is being around other veterans, their families, and enjoying the company of others like him.
“We’ve had over 4000 students and teachers come through here in the last year and I really appreciate the interest of them in veterans stories and learning about the history of the Bong Center,” said Mattson, “I’m just glad that we are able to return the favor to them.”
Peter Fiske, a Coast Guard veteran of 29 years has been working at the Bong Center for six years along with preparing food and serving meals. As a worker, he organizes events for the Bong Center, adds people to the memorial walls, acquires new artifacts, and much more. Fiske enjoys serving people and helping people that have also served.
“It’s a good place for veterans to come and hangout, enjoy a meal, and look around at what’s here,” said Fiske.
The Bong Center will continue to host the Thanksgiving meal for veterans every year, for free. If veterans would like to attend, contact Richard I. Bong center for more information for a sit down meal or meal delivery with fellow veterans.
PICTURE Cutline: Veterans Ben Atlgeson & Bill Churchfield enjoy their thanksgiving meal on Nov. 28, 2024 at the Richard I. Bong Center. By Miles Morris
PICTURE Cutline: Dale Summerfield Jr. filling a plate with food to serve to a veteran, on Nov. 28, 2024 at the Richard I. Bong Center. By Miles Morris.
