Heroes combine for a picnic
Heroes from two generations — Pearl Harbor and the War on Terror — will commingle Tuesday, Aug. 19, when the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association hosts Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11 at a picnic.
Cascade Chapter 5 of the Pearl Harbor group invited Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s EOD Unit 11 to its annual picnic at Shelter Bay Clubhouse in La Conner.
“The relationship between the two groups runs deep, whether it’s the Fourth of July at Freedom Park, or Dec. 7 memorial services at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, or attending memorial services for fallen heroes from EOD Unit 11 who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Randy Cross, a picnic organizer.
EOD Unit 11 has one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, disposing of live bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Several of its members have died in service to their country.
Three years ago, EDU 11 presented plaques to 20 Pearl Harbor survivors in appreciation for their service in World War II. At the picnic, the show of respect will be returned.
Fire facility halfway home
A $6.16 million fire instructional facility for Whidbey Island Naval Air Station has successfully made it halfway through Congress.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen said the money was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Administration appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2009, which passed the House early in August by a vote of 409 to 4. All it needs now is Senate approval and a signature from President Bush.
“A new, permanent fire instructional facility will help servicemen and women at NAS Whidbey train to fight fires and be ready for any contingency,” Larsen said in a news release.
The current, temporary facilities would be replaced by a permanent 4,600-square-foot academic fire instructional facility. Any crew member who deploys from NAS Whidbey must be trained to put out fires on aircraft.
Child Find screenings offered
Parents of preschool children can take advantage of special Child Find screenings to determine eligibility for early intervention programs.
The first screening takes place Monday, Sept. 8, at the Oak Harbor School District’s administration office at 350 S. Oak Harbor St.
The free screenings are designed to identify children with developmental delay so they can be included in preschool education programs. The screening is offered for children from age 3 to entering kindergarten.
Children are given free vision, hearing, speech, language and developmental check. During the children’s screening, parents will be asked to provide general information on their child’s development.
To make an appointment, parents should call 279-5076.
