(The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services canteen serving veterans at "Sail to Prevail" in Newport.)

Sports Clinic a Success!

You name it... they did it!

NEWPORT – Fort Adams State Park Complex hosted some of this year's VA New England Healthcare System's 2015 Summer Sports Clinic events on July 21 and 22. This event is known as a "rehabilitation through sport clinic," which is open to military service veterans with spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputation, visual impairments, neurological problems, and other disabilities. Veterans had the opportunity to participate in activities like kayaking, cycling, water skiing, sailing, fishing, field events, and archery. And they did!

When it was time to feed the “troops,” The Salvation Army was ready. The Salvation Army has a long history of feeding people and with serving veterans. This event was no different. The opening day meal consisted of sandwiches, potato salad, a wide variety of drinks, and cookies. When everyone was seated, Salvation Army volunteers went table to table, offering more sandwiches, cookies, and snacks. When the meal was complete and the trash was collected, the canteen went back to the Newport Corps to prepare for the next day’s meal, which consisted of chicken, beans, potato salad, corn bread, and cookies. There were also a dozen veggie burgers for the vegans!

Everyone who participated was very appreciative of The Salvation Army’s efforts and Lieutenant James Bang was presented with an appreciation plaque for all of the hard work and service that The Salvation Army does. Lieutenant Bang, Corps Officer for Newport, remarked, “It is an honor to serve these dedicated men and women and thank them for their sacrifices for others.”

Rich Wildman said, “This was a great event. We were asked to provide the meals by the organizers; and we were more than happy to oblige, just another opportunity to give back to the community and our veterans!”