2016 Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans Picnic was Phenomenal

Star Group – Veterans Helping Veterans hosts this annual picnic celebration because it creates a time for the citizens to thank those Veterans who gave their service to our country so we can continue to be free.  The entire community was invited to the Celebration over 1000 people attended. Event included Food, Drinks, Games and Entertainment *Bounce House for Youth, *Game Truck for all ages,  *Veterans Mobile Van to assist with Disabilities *And Much More!

 

SG-VHV president Mr. JONATHAN HAYWOOD put together a phenomenal program which Included the following:

Welcome by Copperas Cove Council Woman Marty Smith. 
The posting of colors by the Copperas Cove High School JROTC 
The Invocation by Chaplin Alfred Grondski  of Fort Hood 
The National Anthem was done by Ms. Natasha Hartley (Christian House of Prayer)
GOD BLESS AMERICA  by  Ms. SU-Hui  Grondski

The Master of Ceremony was Mr. Mark Jordan who was outstanding and very high-spirited. 

Star Group Veterans helping Veterans was honored to have:

PURPLE HEART TRAVELING WALL
Which was delivered via a long motorcade on yesterday, Friday, June 24th (see Purple Heart Wall Article) by Mr. John Footman (MOPH Chapter 1876).  The wall honors the sacrifice of 613 men and women who were from Texas or enlisted in the military in Texas who gave their lives during the War on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

The following Veterans Organizations presented the wreaths in honor of the Fallen Soldiers listed on the Purple Heart Wall.
1.  Star Group - Veterans Helping Veterans
2.  AVAC
3.  Purple Heart
4.  DAV 29
5.  WACVA
6.  Operation Stand Down

Followed by "Taps" played by Mr. Arthur Bryan

“I AM THE SERGEANT” Military Presentation by The III Corp NCO Academy & Fort Hood                               

The following event dignitaries presented proclamations, letters and flags declaring June 25, 2016 as "Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans Day"

US Congress Representatives from Williams and Carter Offices, Fort Hood Representative, Mayors from Copperas Cove, Harker Heights and Killeen and City Council Members and Chamber Representatives from each city. 

A Moment of Silence was given for the City of Copperas Cove Police Chief Mr. Tim Molnes & The 9 Fort Hood SOLDIERS we lost. Their pictures were on a slide show while the song "Hero" was sung by 1Lt Rolesta Brooks  

Afterwards Event Sponsors were introduced: