By By GREG KATSKI
Community Editor
Donald Sayer said he shakes a lot of hands as commander of the Beaufort County Disabled American Veterans chapter, but none more important than those of area veterans who greet him every year at Military Appreciation Monday at Golden Corral on Carolina Avenue.
Sayer and several other members of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 48 welcomed veterans, active-duty military personnel and military reservists to the appreciation dinner in Washington, accepting donations for the organization at Golden Corral’s front door. Sayer, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army, said the donations go to help disabled veterans in nursing homes and veterans in need.
Charles Lins, a fellow Vietnam War veteran who also served in the Army and a DAV member, called the annual appreciation dinner “absolutely fantastic.”
“It makes me so happy to find someone that appreciates us (veterans),” he said. “Too many times we’re pushed aside.”
Lins called it an honor to be involved in Military Appreciation Monday, now in its ninth year at Golden Corral. Service veterans are admitted a free buffet dinner as part of the appreciation dinner, which was held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Golden Corrals nationwide.
The free dinner meal is a special “thank-you tribute” to any person who has served in the military, according to Golden Corral’s Web site.
Golden Corral restaurants have provided more than 2.2 million free meals and contributed more than $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization so far, reads the Web site.
“Every year, it gets better,” said John Bartelt, general manager of the Washington restaurant.
He said the feedback from veterans is tremendous year round.
“All year long. they (veterans) talk about how they look forward to it,” Bartelt said.
Bill Shavender, a Washington resident and a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army, said he appreciates what the restaurant does on a yearly basis.
“It’s the only restaurant I know that recognizes veterans,” he said. “I really appreciate it. I’m real proud of them.”
Shavender said it also gives him a chance to reunite with fellow veterans.
“Thanks for the opportunity,” he said in regard to Golden Corral hosting the event.