Lt. David Kang, a resident of Rochester Hills, is training at Naval Chaplaincy School to serve as a chaplain for America’s seafaring warfighters, according to a press release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Kang graduated from Rutgers University in 2004 and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 2008. Kang joined the Navy one year ago.

“I joined the Navy because there was a need for chaplains,” said Kang. “My wife and I also felt that after years of serving youth, God was training me to serve our men and women in the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.”

Chaplains and religious program specialists (RP) play a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force through the delivery of professional religious ministry and compassionate pastoral care. Chaplains and RPs are embedded within commands operating at sea and ashore to ensure 24/7 availability. They provide a source of comfort and refuge that enables service members and their families to practice and grow in their faith and to face personal and professional challenges.

“As of now, I am most proud of graduating from Officer Development School and the Basic Leadership Course,” said Kang.

“However, eventually I will be proud of helping our sailors, Marines and coast guardsmen the best I can with the experience, training and teaching I have received over the years.”

For more information, visit www.outreach.navy.mil.

Holly Area Veterans Resource Center seeks donations for new location

The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center needs donations now to complete their move to 1006 #C North Holly Road by September.

Any donation would be accepted. Anyone who donates $500 will have their name on a special plaque. Anyone who donates $1,000 will receive an individual plaque.

They are adding a wall, fixing walls, redoing the floor, adding a drop ceiling, adding more lights, adding cabinets, painting, and much more. To donate time or materials, call Eric at 586-292-8001 or email him at wtoth9@comcast.net.

Joe Mishler and Katrina Gramer are the co-directors of the veterans resource center. Gramer, the accredited service officer, and a US Navy veteran is in the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. She can be reached at 810-623-8002 or via email at katrina.gramer@va.gov. She prefers appointments, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center mailing address is P.0. Box 254, Holly MI. 48442. The center is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

Mishler said they greatly appreciate the Holly Nazarene Church’s hospitality in providing them with a temporary space while they reorganized.

The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to helping veterans and their families. “We are in our 10th year and enjoying considerable success. We have no boundaries and people are coming from long distances seeking our service officers,” Mishler said.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday Aug. 22, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 20 and Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Post 149 to host Vet to Vet dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at 408 S. Saginaw St. Holly. Veterans, their families, significant others, and widows are welcome. Dinner is free. Food provided. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Oakland County Veterans ride free. Oakland County Veterans Services, in collaboration with the Oakland Transit division, began in June to provide free transportation to any location in Oakland County through Aug. 31. Participating transit providers include SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express (PEX). To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984, at least 72 hours in advance. A DD214 or equivalent Driver’s license with veteran’s designation is required for all Oakland County Veterans. For more information, visit Oakgov.com/veterans.

• White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery to host the 6th Annual Patriots Race at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at 621 W. Long Lake Road in Troy. The event, which raises funds for the Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project, includes a 10K/5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk. Participants can register online at https://thepatriotsrace.com to secure an early bird discount. For more information, visit www.whitechapelcemetery.com.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.