SCI Mercer held its 10th annual Veterans Day luncheon/cookout to honor and thank all veterans for their service and dedication to their country.
The celebration began with the 10-6 shift on Nov. 10 and on Nov. 11 for the daylight and afternoon shifts. Approximately 125 employees working on Veterans Day enjoyed the luncheon.
A commemoration for the 100-year anniversary of the Armistice of WWI was on display both days.
Management staff and staff members from the local "Support the Troops" committee cooked and served the meals both days. The menu included: Hamburgers, fried chicken, potato salad, chips, ice cream bar, and cupcakes.
Mercer's Support the Troops committee began when staff were being deployed to Iraq with very little resources available to them while in this country. The committee sent care packages to the deployed staff to help show support and lift their morale. Several years later, the committee started organizing a special meal for employees on all three shifts on Veterans Day each year. The committee members volunteer their time on Veterans Day to come to the institution to cook, serve and thank those who have served our country and are not able to enjoy their well-deserved day of recognition at home.
The committee holds one fundraiser a year to help with the costs of the luncheon and care packages when needed. The fundraiser this year was a lotto/cash basket raffle won by Sgt. Andrew Meisel.
Management staff and the Support The Troops committee would like to thank AVI and the Employees' Association for their donations that helped make this a great day for all.