Community members make cards for veterans

Various community members joined with Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals South Central Alaska Chapter members at Mat-Su Title Wednesday, Nov. 20 to make Christmas cards for local seniors.

Participants were able to enjoy an evening of free refreshments and plenty of materials to make custom cards that will be delivered to citizens residing in the Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer.

VAREP South Central Alaska Chapter president Chaila Tyner said that she was thrilled with the overall turnout of community minded card makers.

“I like that the community wants to come together to do this," Tyner said. ”It makes you proud to be in Alaska and it makes you feel blessed to be in this organization.”

The VAREP card making event drew individuals and families from across the Mat-Su Valley.

Katie Roemhildt said that she heard about the event through the IDEA homeschool program and thought it would be a fun way to teach her children Sophie, Ellie and Leo about getting involved in the community. She said that she was glad that VAREP hosted this event.

“I think it's great. Doing something for somebody else is always good," Roemhildt said.

Sophie shared a similar sentiment as she craftfully created a card.

“I think it's really fun and it's really nice they're doing this for everybody,” Sophie said.

Ellie expressed excitement over the chance to participate in a creative activity with her family and being able to visit somewhere new.

“I think it's nice to get out of the house for a little while," Ellie said with a laugh.

Leo was absorbed in the card making process and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

“I like decorating cards,” Leo said.

The holiday season can be an emotional time for some people. VAREP South Central Alaska Chapter Community Outreach Director Courtney Millslagle said that the card making project is a small but sentimental gesture that can brighten some local seniors and veteran's days.

“I think it helps them think they're being looked at and they're not alone," Millslagle said.

According to the official website, VAREP is a national nonprofit organization with chapters across the country that support veterans in their respective communities in various ways like realty and financial literacy education, job training, and fostering connections to local resources.

Millslagle said their chapter hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise awareness about their program and gather funds to fuel their efforts supporting local veterans.

“We are glad to be community inclusive," Millslagle said. “It's very versatile.”

The next VAREP South Central Alaska Chapter event is the Stars and Stripes 2024 Benefit which is set to take place at Evangelo's Jan. 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. Another big event to look out for will be their annual golf tournament next summer.

For more information about the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals South Central Alaska Chapter, call

907-538-5347, email scalaska@varep.net, or visit varep.net/south-central-alaska.