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Veteran assaulted while guarding Military Ames Garage sale items

Last Friday evening, while watching over sale items for the Military Ames garage sale, a veteran was assaulted by an unidentified young man.
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The Military Ames garage sale last weekend. C. Postnikoff file.

Last Friday evening, while watching over sale items for the Military Ames garage sale, a veteran was assaulted by an unidentified young man.

Cindy Postnikoff from the Military Ames Veteran Camaraderie Group says the group had been working for months preparing for their annual garage sale.

“We set up our Sale on Friday afternoon and were busy with shoppers before the tables were full,” she said. “Locals and visitors alike really enjoyed the experience and we received many compliments on the sale. Everything went well for the start to what would be our three day sale. Friday evening, two Veterans prepared for a long night of security duty to keep an eye on our merchandise. These two men, 72 and 74 years old, who both served our country for many years, were simply there as a presence to keep an eye on things.

“At approximately 2 a.m., two young males and two young females approached from the Platzl where one of the males proceeded to relieve himself on the sidewalk. Realizing the four were likely under the influence and approaching the confines of the garage sale, the 74 year old Veteran asked them to take the sidewalk rather than coming through the sale as we had a lot of breakable items.”

Postnikoff says the Veteran asked them two more times to please take the sidewalk, to which one of the males responded with profanities. The senior Veteran explained that he would have to call the police. The male replied by yelling at the Veteran.

“He then spit on the 74 year old veteran and kicked him in the chest, knocking him to the ground, then spit on him again!” she said. “The police were called, but they ran away.”

Sgt. Chris Newel of the Kimberley RCMP Detachment confirms that police were called and did go to the scene. The investigation is active and ongoing at this time, Newel says. Police will continue to liaise with Postnikoff as the investigation proceeds.

The veteran who has pre-existing health issues, sustained injury and is understandably shook up, Postnikoff says.

“Kimberley is such a special place and we feel proud to call it “our community.” It is so unfortunate that our society tolerates these individuals on any level. It is my intention that this young male will see consequences for this deplorable action to the lengths of my ability. We need to stop this cycle where we allow such disrespect in society with no consequences.”

The event did finish on a positive note.

She says the following Saturday saw people coming out in droves to enjoy the efforts of the sale. Items left over from the garage sale were donated to the Catholic Church and the Food Bank for their upcoming garage sales.

“Thank you to the Veterans who worked the Sale from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, getting tables, setting up, delivering furniture, selling hotdogs, staying overnight and tearing down,” Postnikoff said. “I’d also like to thank all the people who came out to help us set up, you are all amazing and we couldn’t do it without you. Also, thank you to the fellow who stopped by to pay for our table rental! There are so many good people in this community! Military Ames took in over $4000 and the proceeds of the Sale will go to our continuing commitment to the Veteran Memorial Park and to enhance the lives of our Veterans and the community as a whole. We are very proud of Retired Veteran Martin Langois who is going to Turkey this fall to participate in the World Championships for Arm Wrestling. And so pleased that through our garage sale we were able to donate to Martin’s trip. We’re rooting for you Martin!

The winning tickets from the raffle are 1902482 and 1902466, the first one to claim will have first choice of prize.

Military Ames is a Veteran Camaraderie Group that meets twice a month. If you are a veteran and would like more information on what we are about, please call Cindy 250 919-3137