Dana Journey is an author and law enforcement officer who hopes to bring his vision for economic development to the city council table. Contributed photo
Dana Journey is an author and law enforcement officer who hopes to bring his vision for economic development to the city council table. Contributed photo
U.S. Rep. Greg Walden was on hand Saturday at a fundraiser for local soldiers and veterans, where he auctioned off a flag to be flown over the U.S. Capitol and a guitar painted in a flag theme.
At the “Guards, Cards and Guitars” event at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center, bidding for the flag was brisk, so Walden offered to award the two remaining bidders with their own flag at the highest bid price, which was agreed upon.
The guitar was won by Capt. Chris Perrotti, who is the commander of the local guard unit based out of the readiness center.
Walden has auctioned off flags at events before.
“I think for our vets and those who support our veterans, there’s a high level of patriotism,” he said. “Having a flag that can be flown over the United States Capitol in honor of a veteran who is serving or who has served, we always get a good response and I want to help this organization. They do wonderful work to help men and women in uniform and their families feel appreciation that they have earned and deserved, because we all know the sacrifice that both the families and service members give for our country and our freedom. It’s important for us to give back.”
The event was put on by a local non-profit group, The Dalles Soldiers and Veterans Support Fund.
Carol Roderick is president of the group, and said Saturday’s event was “a successful, fun evening that many people enjoyed. We didn’t have as many people there that we’d like but there were some other events that people attended.” She said, “We more than made enough to pull off the National Guard Christmas party and have a reserve left over for emergencies for soldiers and vets. Everybody enjoyed meeting their state representative, John Huffman, and Greg Walden.
“They kind of relaxed and visited with the crowd and played the casino games and had a good time. The Dalles Mayor Steve Lawrence was there too.
“I think everybody that was there had a good time. the food was delicious and everybody that helped with it was just marvelous,” she said.
Before the auction, Walden said, “I am not an auctioneer, but I’ve done a few of these over time. I’m no Dave Griffith,” he said, referring to a local auto dealer and auctioneer.
The flags will be flown over the Capitol on a date of the person’s choosing, and in honor of a person they designate, and then they will receive the flag and a certificate of commemoration after it has flown.
Walden said several flags a day are flown over the Capitol.
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