Military veterans and their families are invited to break bread with others who have donned a uniform and share a memory or two on Saturday, Aug. 27 as Christ the King (CTK) Church in Oxford Township hosts the Fifth Annual Veterans Recognition BBQ/Picnic.
Sponsored by CTK’s Veterans Ministry and Vietnam Veterans of America Oakland County Chapter 133, this free event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 1550 W. Drahner Rd.
“Honoring the veterans who have served this great nation and their sacrifices – that’s what it’s all about,” said CTK Veterans Ministry Leader Bob ten Bosch, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-70.
“There’s a lot of scarred folks out there – physically, mentally and spiritually – and we’re here to try to be a good neighbor to them.”
The picnic will include a hog roast, hotdogs, hamburgers, bratwurst and plenty of side dishes. Live music, games, raffles, prizes and line dancing will also be part of the festivities.
Ten Bosch is expecting a huge turnout of veterans, family members and volunteers.

“I just did a count this morning (Aug. 18) and we’re at about 400 right now,” he said.
Once again, approximately 150 homeless veterans from the Detroit area are expected to attend the event.
“They absolutely love it,” ten Bosch said. “They have a great time. They appreciate how they’re treated. They don’t get treated that way every day.”
“I feel good about it,” he noted. “I feel that we’re doing something good for humanity and it makes me proud. I’m extremely blessed to be able to do it. I’m a very fortunate man. When a veteran comes up to me and thanks me for being invited, I choke up. It happens quite often.”
Local veterans and their families are invited to come and experience this “day of fellowship.”
“We want to make sure that we get as many local vets to come as possible,” said ten Bosch, who served aboard the USS Hancock, an aircraft carrier.
Scheduled to attend this year’s picnic is Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall. The White Lake Republican will be conducting a Vietnam veteran lapel-pinning ceremony at 1 p.m.
Kowall will present a Vietnam War commemorative lapel pin to any U.S. veteran who served on active duty at any time between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
This commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched in 2012. It was designed to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families in light of the 50th anniversary of the war.
Making a return appearance at this year’s picnic will be the Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial.
Created in 2005, the memorial is between 25 and 26 feet long and about 6 feet tall. It contains the names of the 2,654 Michigan residents who were killed in action during the war.
“It’s an honor to have something like that around and available to display,” ten Bosch said.
Books filled with the names, biographies and photographs of the 2,654 Michigan servicemembers travel with the memorial. Copies of their stories and photos are available to family members upon request.
For more information, please call ten Bosch at (248) 417-2451. No RSVP is required.