I've been a bit naughty: we haven't gone to press with this article yet but I thought it was worth publishing right away since it makes menion to individuals who are highly thought of in Buckeye, and deservedly so.

Buckeye Lions Club backs

86th ESB

 

Recently we reported on the arrival of goods donated by Buckeye residents at the 86th Expeditionary Signals Battalion’s camp in Afghanistan..  Of particular note is Eloise Dean who, at 78 years of age, had spent days making cookies and other treats for the men and women of the 86th.  Pictured below is Sgt McDowell benefitting from her efforts.  Weighing 30lb, her donation was included with a  large number of packages shipped to the Army unit by the Buckeye Lions Club.  Mr. Roland “Dutch” Dean, a member of the Lions Club since the 60’s, and regrettably deceased, had brought the matter to the Club’s attention and it was then that the $150 was donated to ship the care packages. 

  Interviewing on behalf of the Buckeye Lions Club, President Brent Huddleston agreed that this kind of undertaking is routine: “Our organization’s focus is always giving back to our community through service projects and fundraisers.  Lions are the largest service organization in the world.”  The Lions Club has been involved with Buckeye for more than 50 years including a number of notable endeavors, “Our activities raise  funds for the Lions Vision Center, Lions Sight and Hearing, Camp Tatiyee and much, much more.  When the members of our community come to our club, we do everything we can to help”, adds Mr. Huddleston.  Will there be  further shipments to the 86th Expeditionary Signals Battalion?  “As our budget allows we are always open to these types of assistance,” he concludes.

   Roland “Dutch” Dean held a number of positions in the Lions including service as Club President 1993 and1995, board member and Krazy Kar Chairman for 15 years.  He was also selected Lion of the Year in 1991.  Commenting about “Dutch” to Buckeye Valley News, 2nd District Vice Governor White said, “Dutch was  a Lion who served in the true spirit of Lionism he loved helping others in our community.”  He continues, “He knew everyone and everyone new him. Dutch embraced and lived the Lions motto, “We Serve”. Some men's lives are measured by there acquired monetary wealth, Dutch can be measured by the foot print he has left on the Buckeye Community.”

  Those interested in joining the Lions Club are welcome to come to meetings, held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month in the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce building, 508 E Monroe Ave.  Meetings start at 11:30am.  Or try http://www.buckeyelions.org/ the website for your local club.

  To support the 86th Expeditionary Signals Battalion email to: srafumo@msn.com

  For those who’d like to support the Army, Air force, Navy or  Marines, try:  http://www.uso.org/ for the USO, or  alternatively ww.anysoldier.com to choose any military unit and send donations, care packages or letters.