In the spirit of Christmas, all Menards home improvement stores are serving as a toy drive drop site now through Dec. 15.

There will be a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents. They will be then be donated to local organizations for distribution.

Officials with the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center announce a new partnership with the Woodson YMCA to strengthen training, expand programming and enhance overall pool safety for the community.

As a teenager, Homer Stinson knew he wanted to join the Navy. On Oct. 12, 1982, just three months after graduating from Shawano High School, he enlisted for what would become a 30-year career.

“I enlisted at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Milwaukee,” Stinson said. “The next day, I celebrated the Navy’s 207th birthday by starting boot camp at Orlando, Florida.”

David Behrend, of Morgan, joined the Navy in 1971 while a sophomore in a Michigan high school. Immediately after graduation, he went to basic training in San Diego.

“When I was 16 years old, I talked with the Navy recruiter and joined while still in high school,” Behrend said. “I couldn’t get away from home fast enough, but I had to wait till after my graduation from Powers-Spalding High School before I attended basic training.”

“All over the planet.”

That’s where Dr. Robert Langsten said the U.S. Air Force sent him after the Tigerton native enlisted as a college student at the University of Minnesota in the 1980s.

Nearly 40 years later, he’s back in Tigerton and is currently the commander of American Legion Post 239.

Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — living and dead — whether in wartime or peace.

In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.