LAKE MILLS — It’s important.

That’s what working with area veterans groups is to Leon Christianson. Christianson, owner of Christianson Interiors in Lake Mills, is affiliated with the veterans monument in Lake Mills, the Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America and Sons of the Legion in Emmons. Though not a veteran himself, Christianson is an associate member of each organization.

Christianson said one major project that area groups are working on, now that Veterans Day has passed is commemorating the 40th anniversary of troops being removed from Vietnam. Though not until August, planning for the four-day event is already in full swing and Christianson said that 6,000 to 10,000 veterans are already expected to attend.

The event, “Operation LZ Welcome Home,” will be Aug. 27-30. The Vietnam War traveling wall will be there and Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter rides will be available, among other activities and programs. Christianson is a committee member for the event.

In mid-October, local organizations kicked off Toys for Tots, a toy drive for needy children in the community. The drive started in October and lasts through December, and Christianson said the area veterans organizations participate in it every year. Boxes to drop new, unwrapped toys in are available at Christianson Interiors, 113 N. Mill St. in Lake Mills, as well as area banks and churches. Christianson estimated that the toy drive will benefit about 3,500 children in northern Iowa.