Veterans receive 'wonderful' dinner of appreciation from Fayetteville doctor

By VICKY TAYLOR Staff writer

CHAMBERSBURG — Veterans who attended a spaghetti dinner Saturday afternoon were impressed not only with the food and service at the event, but also the doctor who sponsored it.

Fayetteville’s Dr. Paul Orange circulated around the room as veterans and their guests were served, introducing himself to each veteran, shaking their hands and thanking them for coming to the AMVETS banquet hall for the event.

"This is wonderful," said Vietnam-era vet Ralph Payne of Waynesboro. "It seems at times that so little is done for veterans, so something like this is really appreciated."

Payne’s wife, Kathy, called Orange "a wonderful person" and the dinner a wonderful idea.

"It is so thoughtful for him to do something like this for our vets," she said.

Orange paid for the meals, which were cooked and served by the kitchen staff at the local AMVETS club. Local Girl Scouts from the Conococheague Service Unit and their families brought desserts, which the girls served.

The Scouts mingled with the veterans, served coffee, pushed dessert carts and bused tables.

"The Girl Scouts are doing an excellent job," Payne said.

World War II veteran Norman Coons was at the dinner with his daughter Glova E. Piper and her husband, Ed. The 85-year-old Army veteran said it was good to get out of the house, even if his health prevented him from eating a lot of what was served.

He was comforted to know that his service to his country was not forgotten, his family said.

Frank Carbaugh of Fayetteville served in the Army during the Vietnam era. He said it meant a lot to know that there were people like Orange and the Scouts who appreciated the sacrifices veterans had made for their country.

Orange’s wife, Laurie, said her husband’s goal was simple: To say "thank you" to the area’s many veterans for their service.

Saturday’s dinner was the second such event Orange has sponsored in his effort to meet that goal. Another is planned for next year.

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Vicky Taylor can be reached at 262-4753 or vtaylor@publicopinionnews.com.