The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - Through its pledge of "hands to larger service," 4-H encourages young people to give back to their communities. For Waitsburg's Corral Wranglers, participation in community service is a requirement to membership. This week, the group decided to give back and honor veterans at the same time by decorating cookies to be sent with 4-H Dad and veteran Trevor Johnson on his upcoming Army Reserve drill weekend in Yakima.

Left: Army reservist and 4-H Dad Trevor Johnson explains to 4-Hers about "Meals Rejected by the Enemy," also known as MRE's.

Johnson, who serves as a mechanic in a transportation company, spoke with the Wranglers about the similarities between 4-H and the military. "Both 4-H and the Army practice selfless service and both teach similar skills like cooking and caring for ourselves and our communities," he said. Johnson gave the example of Reserve soldiers providing aid at the Oso, Wash. mudslide last March.

As a special treat Johnson brought a complete MRE for each 4-Her. When asked what MRE stands for, Johnson quipped "Meals Rejected by Enemy" before sharing the correct meaning of the acronym, Meals Ready to Eat. The kids were fascinated by both the meals and the military and asked a wide range of questions.

Johnson said the MRE's last forever and "are at least palatable" but that his fellow soldiers would be more than appreciative of the homemade, hand decorated sugar cookies sent by the Corral Wranglers. Let's hope they're not too surprised by the ones that were decorated with Pop Rocks.