Still serving, this time with turkeys and fixings
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on November 27, 2008 1:46 PM
News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER
Thomas W. Scales, left, president of the Goldsboro Military Retirees Club, James Elliott and Randolph Augustus pack Thanksgiving meals for 35 Wayne County families at Scales' Goldsboro home Tuesday.
They didn't do it for the thank-yous, but plenty of gratitude was extended to members of the local Military Retirees Club Tuesday as they passed out Thanksgiving meals to struggling Wayne County families.
Club president Thomas Scales said the men who showed up to pack and distribute boxes full of cans, meat, macaroni and cheese were simply honoring a commitment each made long ago.
A commitment to serve -- one, they say, that does not expire when a stint in the armed forces comes to an end.
"There are a lot of families, a lot of people, who because of their pride don't speak up. They don't want to be seen as needy," Scales said. "So we find them."
By mid-afternoon, the group had found 35 families -- some, recommended by WAGES, church congregations and concerned neighbors.
"They are definitely glad to see us," Scales said. "As a matter of fact, they can't thank us enough."
Founded in 1975, the Military Retirees Club is involved in many community service projects each year.
Making sure every family in Wayne has a Thanksgiving has been one of them for 25 years.
But the club also provides scholarships to children without the necessary means to go to college.
And they are always looking for help -- and new members.
For information on joining the club or to make a donation, call Scales at 734-9088.