PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
FREE
September 1, 2021
Published Weekly, Read Daily
Guardian Warriors giving support to those in service By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com A relatively new organization is trying to get its name known around Wabash, Miami and Cass counties. The Guardian Warriors formed on Feb. 6, 2020, and had just begun gaining momentum when the pandemic hit. On July 31, it hosted a bake sale and informational meeting at the Heartland REMC building in Wabash. During each event, the Guardian Warriors have a special table honoring those who serve. At the center of the table are hats representing the military, Indiana State Police, firefighters and local police. The organization, according to President Kari Harmon, is designed to “serve, uphold and recognize those who have served, are still serving, their families and their communities to help keep everything going.” “Speaking from the spouse side, my husband is a veteran, we keep the home fire burning while their over their fighting for their country,” she continued. “We serve in a different way. Obviously, they’re getting the kids off to school and everything. “But they’re a mom and dad, both. You don’t hear what they deal with on the backside. So, we’re there to give them moral support and any help we can, from counseling to clothing, food, gas cards for medical appointments. “We’re not fly-by-night. We’re here for good.” In spite of being slowed by the pandemic, the group continued to track its progress. “We do Facebook,” Harmon said. “We have a Guardian Warriors webpage. We do Zoom when the weather is bad or if COVID comes back. We’re out there in the face of everything.” Mayors from Wabash, Peru and Logansport have given support to the program. “All the law officials are backing us up as well as we’re backing them up,” Harmon said. The organization, which now has six members, is looking to expand. On Sept. 11, the group will host at event at the Miami County Fairground Community Building in Peru to honor military members, first responders, veterans and their families.
A memorial table the Guardian Warriors place at their events. Photo by Joseph Slacian The free, kid friendly event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, soft drinks, activities, vendors, music and door prizes, organizers said. “This is one of the things we focus on, recognizing 9-11 and those who were the first responders,” Vice President Evan Strong said. “We know we’re coming up on the 20th anniversary, so we’re going to begin to have an annual meal to celebrate and appreciate those who are first responders, military and civilians.” The organization, Harmon added, also wants to
remember those who stepped up to the front line – doctors, nurses, and others – during the pandemic. Anyone interested in volunteering with or becoming a member of the organization can contact Harmon for more information. She can be reached at kari.harmon06@gmail.com or by calling 765-244-8360. More information also is available at the Guardian Warriors webpages, guardianwarriors.com and guardianwarriors.org, or at the Facebook page, Guardian Warriors.
See Page 8 for photos from the statue unveiling of Marie Stuart Edwards held at the Peru Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021
Vol. 2, No. 27
Proudly Serving Miami County