04/11/11 Although Rick Styka is not a veteran himself, he has developed a passion for helping local veterans over a period of many years. Styra, who owns American Auction House on Western Avenue in Plymouth, will be holding an auction on Saturday, April 16 with all of the proceeds designated for programs to help veterans in our community.
Styra said, “There are 4,000 veterans in Marshall County and only 800 of them are receiving the benefits they are entitled to.”
Styra and Marshall County Veteran’s Services Officer Josh Wakeland are seeking donations for the auction from the community. Those wishing to contribute with a monetary donation or items to auction can call Styra at 930-6019 or Wakeland at 935-8543. Wakeland can also be reached by e-mail at josh@mcveteran.com
At some point in the future, Styra plans to convert the auction house into a veteran’s center for special programs or a place to obtain information on veteran benefits. But Styra may not be content to stop there. He said, “We (Styra and wife Sharon) could ultimately turn the building into a medical clinic for veterans.”
The auction on April 16 will begin at 11:00 a.m. Along with the auction, Jan Houin of Operation Quiet Comfort will have booth for information on the activities of the organization that provides items for active duty soldiers serving around the world.
Carol Anders Correspondent
