Lots of people had their eyes on election returns the evening of Nov. 4 but veterans and community volunteers were pondering difficult questions. “How many U.S. presidents have received the Medal of Honor?” “In what year were women first allowed to vote?” Political-military trivia dominated Saloon Night With Friends, as veterans and community members got together for their monthly celebration. (In the photos below you can get a rare glimpse at questions and answers prepared by our trivia master, the one and only Zach Hartman. How would you have done?) This was the 24th Saloon Night since the Friends and the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington jointly created this special activity two years ago. Friends of the Soldiers Home picked up the tab for pizza, drinks and snacks, thanks to support from the community. But it’s the friendship and fun that trumps all. On election night, the Friends were proud to give back to people whose military sacrifice helped make democracy possible. Check out Saloon Night, the first Tuesday of each month, by dropping a line to Lori Lincoln at volunteerfriendsofsoldiers(@)gmail.com.

Story and photos by John Hughes