Vancouver event honors veterans, services for veterans

CDM Caregiving Services is hosting an event Nov. 8 honoring veterans with guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans, one of the most decorated female veterans in U.S. history.

The event, Symbol of Freedom, will celebrate veterans and educate participants on the care giving services the organization provides to those who served. The event can be observed online or in person at the Royal Oaks Country Club. There will also be a VIP and dinner opportunity for an additional price.

Those who purchase VIP tickets will have the opportunity to meet Evans and take a photo with her.

Evans, who earned the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve, oversaw more than 30,000 ground troops and played an integral role in base operations. Evans earned many accolades for her 27 years of service, such as the Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation Medal.

The event featured speakers in the past who held various service roles like Clint Hill, one of Jackie Kennedy’s Secret Service agents, and Jessica Lynch, a former soldier who served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Symbol of Freedom begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Ticket prices vary from $25-$600 depending on the desired package. The funds raised during the event will support CDM’s Living with Dignity program and other services.

Registration for the event is open now and closes Nov. 2. Visit www.cdmcaregiving.org/events/symbol-of-freedom/ for more information.

Correction: The article previously stated there would be additional guest speakers. There will only be one speaker: Gretchen Evans.