This month, I’m happy to report that the CEO and COO of the Wounded Warrior Project have been terminated. Perhaps their replacements can undo most of the damage that was caused.
New topics are being researched, although my research is not complete. But a heads up: Texas County Memorial Hospital is an approved VA outreach center. I’m waiting for an appointment to get more detailed information concerning just what TCMH can and cannot do regarding the local veteran population.
Also, there seem to be some discounts available at the county tax office regarding vets. Here again, I’m still gathering the correct detailed information.
Since last month, local vet Ronnie Bilderback passed away. I understand he suffered a heart attack. His viewing was well attended. Our condolences to the family.
I believe I have mentioned in the past, American Legion Post 41 (on U.S. 63 in Houston) meets the second Thursday of every month. At the last meeting a vote was made to move the meeting time from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The belief is that an earlier time would be more convenient for members and guests to attend.
Local radio station Big Country 99 is starting a new program that is not formally named yet, but for now “Lunch For Vets” should be fine. Once a week, a veteran’s name will be selected and that person will be interviewed by the station’s Doug Driesel Jr. at TQ’s House of Barbecue and get a free lunch.
The conversation will be recorded and a clip of it will be played on the following Friday. The conversation can be whatever is interesting to either person. I recently sat with Driesel and we talked briefly of MRE’s, barbecue and a couple of other experiences.
I understand that TQ’s owner Tony Bieller is picking up the tab for the meal. I had the Carolina pulled pork sandwich and fries. It was really good!
This is really a great way to recognize those people who put their lives on hold to defend our country, both in times of peace and war.
The next bit of news is that the Legion historian, Jerry Wildhaber, is a certified volunteer at the St. James VA home. His project is making birdhouses to take to the home, and the residents paint them. If anyone would like to donate materials or money to Wildhaber’s birdhouse project, they can be dropped off at the Legion Post 41 building (next to Pizza Hut on U.S. 63 in Houston) or at Herndon’s outdoor equipment on Lilly Road (off of Highway 17 east of Houston).
For questions, my phone number is 417-967-2336.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.