25 years later, we remember

Last Friday, communities around the region (and the nation) paid tribute to those we lost during the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. It has been 25 years since that fateful day, and it is important to take time to remember. For some it is just stories, to others the memories can be haunting. Yet the …

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Arts, Health, and Employment focus of Serving Those Who Served 2026

The Serving Those Who Served (STWS) Conference is a two-day, Veterans resource providers’ conference aimed at establishing better collaboration and connection, as well as providing a wealth of knowledge from industry experts in areas that impact the lives of our Veterans and their families. This conference provides collaboration with professionals from a variety of state …

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Only a few days left!

graphic depicting 4 board members having a meeting around a table with a chart in the background

There may be some big changes coming to how veterans in Chelan and Douglas counties receive support and services from their local Veteran Service Officers. But we need to hear from our community members first!   Open until 31 August 2026, we have a survey for you to share your thoughts and opinions on the …

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Purple Heart Communities come together for Honor

Purple Heart medal

[Editor’s note: segments of this article are taken from Norm Manly’s recap of the Manson event, combined with additional writing from this website’s reporter.] Manson’s inaugural Purple Heart Day celebration drew a crowd of 75 community members on a smoky August 7, filling the back yard of Tapped Out Sports Bar for an afternoon dedicated …

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Your Input is Needed!

graphic depicting 4 board members having a meeting around a table with a chart in the background

There may be some big changes coming to how veterans in Chelan and Douglas counties receive support and services from their local Veteran Service Officers. But we need to hear from our community members first!   Open for the month of August 2026, there’s a survey available where you can share your thoughts and opinions …

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Manson declared a Purple Heart Community, installs signs

On 20 April 2026, Chelan County Commissioners read a proclomation declaring the city of Manson as a Purple Heart Community, joining Wenatchee, Chelan, East Wenatchee, and Waterville on the Purple Heart Trail. Since 2024, the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding communities have recognized and honored Purple Heart recipients on 7 Aug each year. This year Manson …

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Recap of 2025 Purple Heart Day

Plaque titled Hall of Honor Purple Heart Recipients and the list of names honored during this year's event.

Chelan and Douglas counties and the cities of East Wenatchee, Waterville, Chelan and Wenatchee came together Aug. 7 to honor local recipients of the Purple Heart. Families of the honorees joined us, as did veterans and leaders from around the community. The 2025 Purple Heart recipients honored are: Shane Delaney: U.S. Army, Gulf War Vernon …

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Nominations open for Purple Heart 2025 Hall of Honor

Purple Heart medal

Chelan County officials are seeking Purple Heart recipient nominations for the 2025 Hall of Honor. Known as the oldest U.S. decoration for military merit, a Purple Heart is awarded to veterans who have been killed or wounded serving their country. In 2024, the local community came together to honor and recognize Purple Heart recipients (as …

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Flagpole gets a fresh coat of Pride

Two veterans stand in front of a flagpole with painters in the raised bucket of a firetruck's ladder behind them.

The Manson American Legion Post 108 extends a heartfelt “Thank You!” to Fire Chief Arnold Baker and firefighters Micah Petersen and Raynor Baker for repainting the flagpole at American Legion Park in downtown Manson. With help from Tower 51, Micah and Raynor were safely lifted to the top, where they applied two coats of bright …

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Wenatchee includes ceremony to honor those lost at sea on Memorial Day

As part of the Wenatchee Valley’s series of events on Memorial Day, there has always been a small ceremony to recognize and honor those who were lost at sea. In years passed, this took place on the black pedestrian bridge crossing the Columbia River with a ceremonial wreath being tossed out onto the water. Due …

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Columbia Basin Veterans Hub (FOB Columbia) now open!

Introducing a new local resource center focused on providing our veterans with the tools they need to better navigate life after service. At FOB Columbia, we are dedicated to empowering veterans and their families by providing comprehensive social services programs tailored to meet their unique needs. Our mission is to bridge the gap between veterans …

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Equine Therapy provides veterans healing and growth

Male veteran and horse share a close moment; courtesy of VA: https://www.va.gov/salt-lake-city-health-care/stories/equine-assisted-therapy-helps-veterans/

Have you heard about this emerging option, equine therapy? It is specifically geared toward veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, or other issues adjusting to civilian life. Equine-assisted therapy has been around for nearly 60 years has been shown to have a significant positive impact on various types of psychotherapy patients (reference). There …

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