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Local church thanks veterans

The Herald-Dispatch - 4/10/2018

CYCLONE - Inspired by longtime member Bobbie Perry, Cyclone Missionary Baptist Church extends an annual outreach and a small token of appreciation to local veterans who reside at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Beckley. Each year, the church delivers Valentine cards and notes of thanks to remind each one that they are thought of and appreciated.

Perry recalls that the ideas stemmed from an ad she read in a "Dear Abby" column more than 15 years ago. The column reminded its reader not to forget veterans on Valentine's Day. With that inspiration, Bobby began working through the church to provide multiple valentines to all those who reside at the hospital every February.

Over the last few years, the effort was broadened by Shelly Bailey, also a member of the church. Bailey visits the hospital regularly providing care packages year-round for the residents there. Bailey recalls when she worked for the Army in Germany, getting to talk to them and shake their hands - she came to have such a respect for the military and what they go through.