WILKES-BARRE — The second floor recreation room at the VA Medical Center was filled with green decorations on Sunday for the 11th annual American Legion District 12 St. Patrick’s Day celebration where veterans and their families marked the holiday with delicious food, games, and music.
For the occasion, Rentko’s provided traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, as well as stuffed shells, while Schiel’s Family Market offered festive treats such as green and orange iced cupcakes and cookies.
As per tradition, DJ Mikie Mike played lively music and was honored at the event with an American Legion Certificate of Appreciation Letter for his years of volunteering his skills at legion gatherings.
The event was made possible through the American Legion District 12 Canteen Fund, which supports everything from the women’s clinic to social services in all five wards.
Local Legions in Luzerne County that regularly contribute to the fund include: Nanticoke, Freeland, Ashley, Plains, Harveys Lake, Kingston, Larksville, Plymouth, Exeter, Wilkes-Barre Township and Jenkins Township.
For the celebration, the fund provided wall decorations, tableware, balloons, as well as hats and leis for the veterans to wear.
Canteen Fund Representative Nicole Guest took a break from dancing to explain why events like this mean so much to her.
“It’s the happiness on the veterans' faces. To see them smile, especially after everything they’ve been through. It’s just … they’re the loves of our life,” she said.
Guest explained how important it is for veterans to socialize, especially those affected by PTSD or a traumatic brain injury.
“It’s good for their mental health. It’s better than any medicine,” she said. “The District 12 American Legion will never ever let them sit alone on a holiday – ever.”
U.S Air Force Veteran Albert Heydt, 78, said he tries to attend as many events as possible to be with people and share their experiences together.
“The music is a little too loud for me, but that’s okay. Loud noises upset me, with the PTSD, so I have to be careful,” Heydt explained. “But I love seeing all of these guys from Vietnam, sitting down with the Vietnam vets and talking about it.”
Heydt joined the military directly after finishing high school and served eight years as a communications officer. Part of his responsibilities included listening to and transcribing Morse code.
Hailing from Allentown, Heydt decided to join the Air Force partially due to his family’s history. His father’s youngest brother, who he was named after, served in the U.S Army Air Corps during WW II as part of the 500th Bomber Squadron and was killed in action in 1944.
“I’m happy I did it. I enjoyed it. Got to see the whole world and taste different kinds of food,” Heydt said.
U.S Army Veteran Marty Horvat, 77, who spent two years in Vietnam, said he appreciates holiday gatherings at the VA because they help “break up the monotony” of everyday life.
Normally, Horvat keeps himself occupied with gardening and mentioned that he recently spent time propagating some butterfly bushes.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Horvat worked as a truck driver for 30 years after his military service and was always on the move, traveling all over the country.
“I observe the trucks pass and it causes me to feel longing for home,” Horvat said. “A lot of memories.”
However, when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, it pleased him to see many joyful people.
“Everyone is Irish today.”
