The LORD does not look at the things human beings look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7b
Always FREE!
Your source for local news and entertainment
First Veterans Appreciation Day celebration a success
INSIDE:
PAGE 6: Teen Challenge celebrates new academic building.
PAGE 8: Lumps-A-Palooza celebrates local musician.
SEE NEWS BRIEFS
Starting on page 28 • Opinion..........................18 • Education Briefs..........33 • Weather.........................45 • Puzzles...........................47 • Classifieds.....................48 • Churches.......................50
September 2, 2022 • Vol. 3, Issue 35
U.S. Army career serviceman, Don Chandler’s vest shows that he has definitely been there and done that. Don attended the inaugural Veterans Appreciation Day at the Branson RecPlex. (Photo by George Kurland)
By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer The Branson Veterans of America 913 want to thank everyone who helped make the first Veterans Appreciation Day a success. Held Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the Branson RecPlex, this special day honored veterans and their families with an afternoon of entertainment, games and food. Rain held off to allow a full slate of activities, including games, music and a car show sponsored by Tri-Lakes Rat Rods & Customs. Upon checking in, each veteran and their family received a meal ticket for BBQ catered by Kim’s of Kirbyville, and food trucks were also available. Musicians performing throughout the day included Mellow D’s; Mike & Kathy from Pickin’ Porch; Roger Horseman; C.J. Newsom; and Missouri 65. Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris, plus Bob Smithers on trumpet, provided patriotic closing music. Dick Burkhalter of BVA 913 commented it was great to have so many young people involved
in helping honor veterans. Local Civil Air Patrol and JROTC students were on hand, and members of Missouri 65 bluegrass band are also high school/college age. Burkhalter also felt the event reached out to veterans who were not aware of available services and resources, or lack transportation to access them. He mentioned one veteran who, after hearing about the event, called to ask for a ride. He had a great time connecting with other veterans, and they in turn were able to hear his experiences as a Native American growing up knowing the last of the World War II Navajo Code Talkers. Vendor and information tables included the local Veteran Service Officer, VA Clinic representatives, Branson Veterans Task Force, Patriot Riders, Woof for Vets, GUMI Camp, Branson Memorial Gardens, and more, so each veteran attending was able to learn more about available resources, including opportunities for fellowship and dealing with PTSD. SEE VETS APPRECIATION, PAGE 10