Former soldier hopes to help other veterans find services they need

Michael Gallo-Pierce, 51, served in the Vietnam War in 1969 and suffers from post-traumatic stress and bi-polar disorders as a result.

He is using his condition to relate to vets who are not looking for help but need a friend to guide them in the right direction.

"Records indicate there are about 2,000 people in North Idaho that really need help, most of them have guns, but they won't get help," Gallo-Pierce said.

He is a member of New Life Community Church and started North Idaho Veterans Outreach, a Christian organization for veterans. He's hoping those needing help will trust him and realize he understands where they're coming from before he encourages them to get help from established religious and secular organizations. He has no plan to follow; he simply serves as a sympathetic ear and listens for clues to their needs. The clues prompt him to ask questions which help him direct them to the right professional.

His program has no financial backing, and he doesn't plan on having fund-raisers or looking for backing. He's trusting God for support and wants to do it his way relying on his words in Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all that you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

"I was saved in Vietnam and rebaptized in the Northfork River which changed my life." That change gave him a desire to help other vets. "It's (North Idaho Veterans Outreach) my mission, I'm really pumped to do some good. I want to show people there are other ways, good ways to go."

Gallo-Pierce can be reached at (208) 659-5123 or write to P.O. Box 350, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

In other church news

The first Sunday of every month Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave., collects food from its members for a food pantry. Items include 1-pound packages of ground meat, spaghetti noodles, chili, hearty soups, canned fruit, canned peas and beans, canned chicken and noodles and beef stew, Hamburger and Tuna Helper, Ramen noodles, Rice-a-Roni, breakfast cereals, bread, quarts and half- gallons of milk, and all sizes of disposable diapers.

The church gives the food to people who need help making it to the next paycheck. Anyone can come in, fill out a form and get enough food for a week or two, once a month, said Chris Miles, a secretary at the church.

Western Night, an annual event held at Coeur d'Alene Church of the Nazarene, 4105 N. Honeysuckle Drive, includes music, a chili contest and a sermon. The event is open to the public and starts at 6 p.m. Sunday. To register for the chili contest, call Jerry Potter at (208) 772-9622.

Dr. Gerald Robison has taught "Walk Thru the Bible" seminars for 19 years in more than 15 countries and has been the international training manager and instructor of the year for Walk Thru the Bible.

He is vice-president of Unveilinglory and will be the guest speaker at Coeur d'Alene Bible Church's morning services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. and the evening service at 6 p.m. Sunday. The church is located at 5350 N. Fourth St. Robison's message, titled "Unveiling Life's Purpose" is to meant to help people discover what gives God the most glory.

Also Coeur d'Alene Bible Church Pastor Andy Day, Director of the church's Worship Team, song-writer and leader of DaySong Ministries will perform songs from his new "Immanuel's Land." The praise concert starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Copies of the release will be available in the lobby afterwards.

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