Community News by Tom Harris, Associate Editor

This month, we join hands with the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA), the Mosquito Fire Protection District (MFPD), and its District Auxiliary (D’Ax) to pay tribute to our respected local military veterans. The heartfelt gesture took the form of a tribute event accompanied by a complimentary breakfast, a small token of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation.
During the event, our community had the privilege of hearing from Jim Burkhalter, a long-time resident and a 30- year military veteran, who provided an insightful description of the history behind Veterans’ Day. Jim’s presentation touched upon the origins of this significant day, initially known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I.
D’Ax President Meredith Blain organized this month’s event and did an excellent job with plenty of help. Chief Jack Rosevear and his firefighters were in attendance, while Kirk Bronsord showcased his culinary skills as our certified chef. The menu featured a delightful array of pancakes, assorted muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy, complemented by coffee and juice.

The community spirit was alive and well, with an impressive turnout of over 120 breakfasts served, including at least 15 local resident veterans. Remarkably, the event also served as a platform for generosity, with over $1,000 donated to support the local fire department. In past years, this event was held monthly by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD), and it is gaining popular support once again thanks to the efforts of the firefighters and Auxiliary.
On a parallel note, the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) Crafters hosted their gift sale during this event, with all proceeds dedicated to benefiting the MFPD. The enduring partnership between MVFA and the Mosquito Fire Department is a testament to the close-knit community bonds we hold dear. For those interested in exploring the historical ties between MVFA and MFPD, a wealth of information can be found at www.gomvfa.org. Simply click on “More” and then “History” for a captivating journey into our community’s past.

As we take a moment to express our gratitude, The Sentinel recognizes the invaluable contributions of all volunteers who play a pivotal role in making our community thrive. The Mosquito Fire Protection District (MFPD) and its District Auxiliary (D’Ax) extend an open invitation for residents to explore opportunities to volunteer and give back.

For those eager to stay informed, Mosquito Fire District and D’Ax board meetings are scheduled on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the station. Keep an eye on The Byte and the MFPD webpage, https://mfpd.us, for updates on the next heartwarming pancake breakfast event. Your participation makes our community stronger, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of togetherness.

