Fifth-Annual Feed Our Heroes Dinner Announce
The Feed Our Heroes veterans’ dinner will be held again this year at the Medway VFW on Saturday, November 28. The annual event brings together veterans from all across Ohio for a free holiday meal, and although the meal is the centerpiece of the afternoon, most of the past attendees say that the camaraderie among fellow veterans is the most important aspect of the event.
The Feed Our Heroes and Friends of Brandon Foundations were created by a man from Champaign County known as “Holly Wood” Pooler, a Greenon graduate and Cold War veteran who started the dinner as a way to bring a sense of security to veterans in need of food or a friend.
The dinner itself has expanded to include veterans from all demographics now, as those who don’t require assistance in obtaining a meal can sometimes need someone to share it with. The veterans who have found themselves in a position of need, however, are also sent home with several weeks’ worth of basic supplies and food items.
The event is completely free for veterans of all ages and branches and their immediate family, however, they must be registered ahead of time.
Last year, students from Tecumseh’s Jr. ROTC assisted with the dinner, and stopped to comfort a gentleman who became overwhelmed by the emotion of the event. Another veteran was overheard speaking with new friends he had just made, telling them that Thanksgiving Dinner was just no good without someone to share it with.
Feed Our Heroes operates only through donations and Holly Wood’s own resources, and food donations of all kinds are still needed for this year, including entrees, desserts, canned goods, drinks, and all other food items. These donations will be picked up with prior arrangements.
To register, donate, or for more information, call Holly Wood at 937-788-2638.
Holly Wood said that although the foundation feeds and assists veterans all year-round, the dinner is held as a special way for veterans to assemble and revel in one another’s company.
“It’s a chance for us to have our day—get some vets together, tell some stories with the kids around to hear,” he said. “It’s a chance for people to realize that vets rock.”
