Veterans dinner returns

Oct. 7—GEORGETOWN — The Otto Newlin Shooting Range is proud to put on its annual "Sponsor a Veteran Dinner" at the Georgetown Fairgrounds.

This year's event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14. Doors will open at 4:15 p.m., with the event starting at 5 p.m.

The dinner is to honor veterans and the sacrifices they have made for the nation.

The event is for both veterans and individuals currently serving in the U.S. military. You do not have to be a member of the Otto Newlin Shooting Range or live in Georgetown to attend. All veterans are welcome.

Each year, veterans attend the dinner from all over Illinois in addition to Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri.

Seating capacity is limited to 200.

By sponsoring a veteran and his or her spouse (or significant other), the sponsor agrees to purchase the dinner tickets. The cost to sponsor a single veteran is $15 and $25 for a couple.

The veteran of choice will have an invitation letter sent to him or her, thanking them for their service to country and that you are their sponsor.

There will be an introduction at 5 p.m. The pledge of allegiance is spoken. A prayer is then given, followed by the playing of Taps.

Once Taps is finished playing, a buffet-style meal is served.

Guests will be given the choice of chicken and noodles, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, etc. There are many different pies and cakes. Tea, lemonade, coffee and water will be offered as drinks.

At the conclusion of the meal, there is always more than $1,000 in gift certificates given out as door prizes for restaurants such as the Beef House, Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Ribeye, Wendy's, Chili's, Subway, Fazoli's, Olive Garden and many more.

The event is put on by volunteers who appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made. Additional volunteers are welcome. All volunteers are allowed to eat for free after the veterans have been served.

To sponsor a veteran, contact Chairpersons Ken West at 217-597-8504 or through email at STL20G@GMAIL.COM; Jay Tate, 217-474-8332; or Ed Peevler, 217-260-2862.

If you are a veteran and have no sponsor, contact a chairperson to receive a ticket to the event.

Every year, they have many individuals who don't know a veteran to sponsor but would like to make a financial donation to help purchase gift certificates.

If you would like to make a financial donation, please send a check (made out to O.N.S.R.) to: O.N.S.R. — Sponsor a Vet Dinner, P.O. Box 142, Georgetown, IL 61846.

Their goal is to always sell out. All monies raised goes directly to the event and the veterans.