Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Photo by Christy Porter
Members of the American Legion Post #41-Houston, coordinated the efforts of Texas County Veterans organizations for the benefit of area Veterans at the Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Pictured from left are: C.J. Smith, Robert Rouse, J.D. Moore, Robert Simpson, Robert Joens, Tyler Dehart, Glenn McKinney, Delores Maness and Greg Berglund.
By Christy Porter, Managing Editor
Armed Forces Day, established in 1949, is celebrated every third Saturday of May, in honor of the sacrifices and dedication of American service members across all branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve.
The Houston American Legion Post #41 assisted with the coordination of area Veterans’ organizations that participated in this year’s Armed Forces Appreciation Day, held at the Intercounty Electric Auditorium, in Licking. The event was held in tribute, as well as, to provide information and services for those who served our country and its citizens in the Armed Forces.
Veterans registered at the door, and their names were placed on a tribute wall; in addition there was a Memorial Wall for those no longer with us.
Veterans who served in the 1960s-’70s during the Vietnam, Cuba and Cambodia conflicts were the highest representation at 46 Veterans; followed by service in the ’90s (Kuwait-Bosnia) with 18 Veterans; the ’80s, Grenada-Panama, Veterans in attendance were 13; Gulf War-Afghanistan during the 2000s had 12 Veterans; the 1950s Veterans who served during the Korean War-Lebanon, and from 2010-Present, inclusive of Iraq-Syria-Terrorism had four Veterans each; and one WWII-Berlin Airlift Veteran from the 1940s, Glen Fraley, was in attendance. Seven Veterans did not register but attended, for a total of 105. An overall attendance of 330 persons participated during the course of Appreciation Day.
Photo by Christy Porter
World War II Veteran Glenn Fraley (front) was one of those greeted at the door by Robert Rouse (rear), and (not pictured) Jill Bickner, Delores Maness, Sue Simpson, C.J. Smith.
Billie Krewson and Dennis McKinney, with Licking VFW Post #6337, cooked hundreds of hamburgers and hot dogs for the picnic lunch that was served by Shirley Hale and Betty Ice.
Summersville VFW Post #7222, represented by Todd Sowerby, Skip Hines and Justin Winch, had giveaways, a raffle and Buddy poppies; Ron Jones represented American Legion Post #559-Licking; and Michael, Lisa and Adam Mas provided information on the Sons of the American Legion.
Missouri Veterans Commission, with Samuel Swihart and Sean Mattison, provided benefit information for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors. Jim Juergens, with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, provided Healthcare Benefit information. Many Veterans were helped by these Veterans Service Officers, shared Bob Joens, AL Post #41.
State of Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development had information available.
Information on PACT Act Counseling (Toxic Exposure), PTSD-Mental Health Counseling, and Disabled Veterans was also offered.
The Missouri West Plains Job Center provided guidance and information on employment, recognizing the significant barriers due to disabilities, age, education and income.
The Texas County Gideons, with Veteran representation, made available several complimentary editions of The Holy Bible.
Songs for Sound Hearoes gave free hearing tests and hearing loss information, and Texas County Memorial Hospital provided complimentary health checks, with many useful giveaways and a raffle drawing. Hutcheson Pharmacy also had free giveaways and answered medication related questions.
The Texas County Health Department was present with free items and information for attendees.
Ozark Independent Living provides Veteran Directed Care Programs for Veterans who need assistance, guidance and possible follow-up instruction for independent living. Their assistance alleviates the pressure on the Veteran and possibly his family.
Houston House Nursing Center, which holds a VA contract, provided gift items and information for those who may need 24-hour care.
Volunteers Joani and Rebekah Walton happily assisted those who wished to register to vote.
West Plains Community Bank-Houston Branch provided cookies and a drawing; Bank Representative Kim Wolfe had information regarding VA loans and mortgages.
Fox Funeral Home provided funeral and burial benefit information. They can provide assistance with Veterans military honors, including flag presentation and VA headstones.
Representative Bennie Cook and Texas County Associate Commissioner John Casey were also present in support of our Veterans.
Photos by Christy Porter
Photos by Christy Porter
