The regularly-scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County was May 4 at the American Legion in Albert Lea. Women veterans present included Pat Johannsen, Judi Olson, Julie Hamson, Deanna Luedtke and Ruth Perry.

The fall womens veterans meeting will be Oct. 8 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 494 in Crystal. More information will be distributed at a later date.

Luedtke nominated Perry for Minnesota Woman Veteran of the Year. She passed around the nomination forms for others to read. Perry was not aware of this proposed honor.

After some discussion the group decided to call Marge Lukehart to see when she may be down to Albert Lea so the group could take her out to lunch and visit. She is sorely missed at meetings.

Olson requested a volunteer to lay the wreath at the Memorial Day festivities. She may do it herself. She will decide later.

The group decided to once again join in the Third of July Parade in Albert Lea. So far Perry, Johannsen, Luedtke and possibly Hamson will attend.

The group also decided to join the Morin Days parade on June 18 in Alden. Johannsen, Perry, Luedtke and possibly Hamson will attend.

Due to the July celebrations, there will not be a regular July meeting.

The treasurer’s report was read.

Johannsen requested payment for yarn that she uses for prayer shawls. Luedtke made a motion to reimburse her, which was seconded by Olson. Luedtke issued her a check.

Perry spoke to the group on various assisted living facilities.

Luedtke shared two articles with the group. The first one dealt with back pain and stressed five different reasons for back pain. Reasons for pain included:

• Feeling down or depressed. It is theorized that when people are depressed they are less likely to exercise and more likely to have a disturbed sleep — both of which can contribute to back pain.

• Have tight hips. Arthritis and leaning forward to do such things as type on a computer can almost double the stress on the spine.

• Heavy in the front. Being overweight — especially in the midsection — increases the curve of your spine.

• On the phone a lot. Bending your neck to speak or text puts extra pressure on the spine. Poor posture, along with arthritis, can result in back pain.

• Have bad feet. If you have pain in the feet, you may limp a little which can throw off your gait enough to cause back pain. Any pain that affects your gait should be evaluated.

The second article had potential for far-reaching effects in the military. Effective Jan. 1, 2018, it will be mandatory for military personnel to begin contributions to their own retirement plans. The new plan is called the Blended Retirement System. Starting on service members’ 60th day of service, there will be an automatic 3 percent deduction from their base pay. If they stay in for at least two years they will be able to take these contributions with them. The government will put in 1 percent of the base pay. At the end of two years the government will begin matching up to 3 percent of base pay. These contributions will continue for up to 26 years of service.

Olson ensured that food donations were delivered to the food pantry.

The next meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County will be at 11:30 a.m. June 1 at American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea. All women military veterans are encouraged to join the group for an informal lunch, discussion and camaraderie. Call Luedtke at 414-530-3982 for more information.