Page 9 Foothills Sentry JULY 2025 •Stop the spread. •Don’t move infected firewood. •Burn your firewood where you buy it. •Inspect your trees for signs of the borer. People spread the Gold Spotted Oak Borer. Your choice can make the differnce Gold Spotted Oak Borer Veteran Susan Wood has personal connection to “The Wall That Heals” By Chris Locke Orange resident Susan Wood, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, is dedicated to giving back to her fellow veterans. This Oct. 2-5, she is helping to bring “The Wall That Heals – Orange 2025,” a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to Grijalva Park. Wood's support of her fellow veterans is deeply personal. Growing up in Los Angeles during the Vietnam War, she witnessed the turmoil firsthand. Reports of casualties, widespread protests, and seeing male classmates drafted weighed heavily on her. As many prepared to leave for war from bases like Camp Pendleton and El Toro, Wood and her friends grappled with the reality of war looming over their peers. Called to serve After graduating high school in 1968, Wood enlisted in the Air Force, feeling a calling to serve. She worked as a clerk-typist, starting with basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. It was a significant transition; she had never been on a plane or away from her family before, leading to a twitch in her eye that lasted for six weeks. After basic training, she was assigned to Randolph AFB in Texas, then Malmstrom AFB in Montana, and later in Torrejon AFB near Madrid, Spain. She was honorably discharged while stationed there and returned home. Following her military service, Wood worked at Northrop and later at Disney. Upon retirement, she felt a strong desire to contribute to her community. After attending a party at the Orange American Legion in 2019, she joined and quickly took on the role of finance officer in 2020, where she now manages various operational aspects, including the bar and human resources. Her recent initiative, “The Wall That Heals,” holds profound significance for her. Having seen the Vietnam Wall in D.C., she connected it with her memories of the lives lost during the war. Although she personally didn’t lose friends in Vietnam, she feels a strong sense of responsibility toward the memories of those who did. Sacrifice remembered Wood hopes that “The Wall That Heals” will educate younger generations about the Vietnam War and its historical context, fostering awareness and understanding. For veterans, she wishes for the Wall to provide a sense of peace. It is also vital, she says, for Gold Star families to see firsthand, the acknowledgment of their loved ones’ sacrifices. She stands proud of the role she plays in honoring her fellow veterans in a way that fosters healing and remembrance for all affected by the Vietnam War. Front, from left, Harriett Wedemeyer, Ann Sallar, Monica Helzer, Marianna Cooper, Eva Wyszkowski, Jonna Allison. Back row, from left, Bill Baker, Jack Cleary, Authors Mike Befeler and Duane Swierczynski. Author presentation benefits Villa Park Library The Friends of the Villa Park Library hosted a mystery authors presentation in its continuing series of author speaking events. This included New York Times best-selling mystery series authors Mike Befeler and nonfiction crime author Duane Swierczynski. Befeler is known for his mystery series, including "Retirement Homes are Murder" and "Living with Your Kids is Murder." Befeler has penned more than 11 other mystery novels. The audience asked him if he builds the story around one character. His answer, was that he enjoys developing the story to fit all the characters as he builds the story line. Swierczynski has authored 15 novels, some of which have been adapted into TV scripts and a movie. His current best-selling novel is "California Bear." Additionally, he has written over 250 comic books, e.g., "Deadpool" and "Birds of Prey." The format of the event featured many interesting questions to the authors and their informed responses. At the conclusion of the event, the authors signed books for eager readers, while all enjoyed beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Event proceeds will be used to purchase books and art materials for the library's expanding children's programs. The Orange Rotary and Chapman Crafted sponsored the largest ICS international chili cook-off this side of the Mississippi in Old Towne, June 21. Chili chefs competed for a slot at the World Championship Chili Cook-off to be held next year. Chili tasting booths were joined by artisan vendors and live bands. Seen here at the Lagunatic Chili Company booth are, from left, Lagunatic team members Simon, Julie and Charlie Link, and Coldwell Banker’s David Silva. Orange Elks donate to the OHS ROTC The Orange High School Marine Jr. ROTC program is a program for male and female students, designed to help them succeed in college, in their career and in life. The students, many of them survivors of traumatic events, develop leadership skills, self-discipline and physical fitness. These cadets excel in the classroom and participate in school activities and athletics. They join ROTC teams in drill, marksmanship, academia and cybersecurity, and test their skills in local and national competitions. They also do much for their community and the Elks. Cadets have helped clean up Santiago Creek; assisted with the lodge's Christmas Basket Program; and posted the colors at the 9-11 Memorial Program, Fleet Week Breakfast and the Flag Lowering Ceremonies at the Plaza. Several members have been presented with the Elks' Youth Appreciation Awards. Several have gone straight into the military to serve our country. The Elks donated $1,475 to retired Col. Mark Tull, who leads the program. The funds will be used to participate in local and national competitions. Susan Wood Elks members with OHS ROTC cadets
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