Douty speaks on service at Kiwanis

On Veterans Day, Don Bentz introduced an Iraqi veteran, Jeff Douty, Jamestown, who spoke at Kiwanis. He is married and has two children. He is originally from Pipestem, Minn.

Douty joined the National Guard in 1992 in Minnesota and later transferred to the Jamestown unit. They were called up in 2003 to do security in England. In 2004 they were sent to Iraq for 22 months. They spent six months over there; there are still many long-term negatives because of their culture, Douty said. He told the group several stories of how they tried to train them to do certain things but it didn’t work. He said it is really challenging as their lifestyle can’t be changed.

The next speaker was Patti Solinger, Nortonville, N.D., a social worker with PATH. She has been with PATH for 12 years. PATH is a nonprofit organization involved with foster care with children who have a mental health diagnosis. These children have a higher level of intensity, usually didn’t have an ideal life and just need a little more help, Solinger said. Many have poor communication skills, coping skills or medical concerns. They will only place two children in each family, unless they are siblings. They have a special needs allowance for each child of $300 and this comes from donations. This is to help them with the things that are normal to most kids, like a class ring, graduation pictures or to help buy a computer. They need to have these things to fit in. Most of them don’t have family support so the community helps with their success.

Solinger serves on the Edgeley School Board and is active in her church.

Sandy Franke led the meeting and Don Caine accompanied by Sharon Caine led the group singing. Wes Hart collected “Happy Dollars” for the Salvation Army.

Don Caine will introduce the speaker at the Nov. 26 noon luncheon meeting at the Lantern Room.

Tags: community, clubs