On November 14, at the Patriotic Luncheon of the Warren Christian Women’s Club, Birdie Crandall opened the meeting in prayer, remembering our veterans. The featured guest was Ed Burris, Warren County Veterans Affairs Director, and the speaker was Jill Rager of Jamestown, N.Y. Music was provided by David Ford of Jamestown, N.Y, who began the program with “Let Freedom Ring,” sung to honor our veterans.

Crandall asked members for help with filling vacant offices and committee positions for next year. Yvonne Lee asked the attendees to gratefully acknowledge

Birdie for many years of service as Chair and asked for others to step forward.

The club is affiliated with Village Missions to which Christian Women give a donation each month. The group is non-denominational with no membership required and no dues.

Birdie then introduced featured guest Burris who has served as Warren County Veterans’ Affairs Director since 2002. Ed spent 22 years in the military, is Chairman of the state Veterans Commission, and has met with Gov. Tom Wolfe prior to his recent appointment to the Governor’s Veterans’ Service Agency. Mr. Burris is not only responsible for helping veterans, but also helping his/her family members reminding us of President Lincoln’s promise to help those who have borne the battle, and also his/her orphan and widow. Burris explained the Dependent Indemnity Compensation for surviving family members. Benefits are extended to family members when the veteran has suffered permanent disability and/or chronic diseases as a result of chemical warfare while defending our country.

Burris noted Pennsylvania has the 4th largest population of veterans in the US, and the Erie VA hospital is rated one of the top in the nation. It is not one of the largest, but it is one of the most specialized in treating chronic illnesses. Burris concluded by saying that the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs is the only government agency that receives a budget increase every year. Audience members fielded Burris with many benefits questions of which Burris was thoroughly knowledgeable with his responses.

Next, David Frost sang, “Lord, I Don’t Want to Drive Another Day.” Birdie then introduced guest speaker, Rager, who shared her testimony of how her life was negatively affected by tragic family loss and heartbreak. After many years of personal struggle and setbacks, Rager revealed how God intervened in her life during hard desperate times to help her on her journey to healing. She quotes, “God is the reason for everything that happens in our life.”

Ford concluded the program with benediction and his closing song, “The Word of God Speaks.”

The next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, will feature a “Happy Holidays” Luncheon at noon at the Allegheny Community Center with Jon Meyer of Scandia Covenant Church as the spiritual speaker. Featured guest will be Sandy Droney of Sheffield showing her handmade knitted and crocheted creations. Vi Birchard will provide the music. Nursery and babysitting are provided at the Nazarene Church at no charge. This program meeting is a non-denominational gathering for fellowship where new faces are always welcome.

Call Yvonne Lee for reservations. (814) 726-0796.