Star Group- Veterans Helping Veterans hosted the 10th annual Independence Day picnic at the Copperas Cove Civic Center on Saturday, June 23rd. The picnic traditionally takes place the weekend before the Fourth of July weekend, and the family-friendly event is open to the public. Due to construction, attendees parked in a grassy area near the civic center. Star Group members used their personal golf carts to transport people to the building Star Group president Jonathan Haywood apologized for the parking situation. “We found out about this situation yesterday. … We adapt and overcome,” he said.
Upon arriving at the Event, Adults each received a raffle a free ticket for the door prizes and children received a coupon for a free ice cream cone. Adults who arrived before 10:30 a.m. received an additional ticket. The door prizes included a 50-inch flat-screen TV (donated by Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans) a barbecue grill (donated by Lowe’s) a Kayak (donated by Sam’s Club) a full camping set (donated by Walmart Killeen) three children’s bicycles (donated by Walmart Harker Heights), Laptop Computer (donated by Walmart Copperas Cove), Barbecue Grill (donated by Home Depot) and several gift baskets.
Copperas Cove Fire Department color guard kicked off the formal ceremony and presented a U.S. flag to Mr Haywood. Attendees enjoyed a “I Am Sergent” re-enactment. The presentation honored past and present veterans of war. A Prisoner of War-Missing in Action remembrance ceremony followed the re-enactment.
While standing near the Purple Heart Traveling Memorial Wall, Ms Karen Powell a SGVHV member rang the Bell of Liberty for all Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans members who had gone on before and all fallen Texas soldiers. The wall holds names and photos of fallen Texas soldiers who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.
Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans was honored to have the mayors from Frank Seffrood Copperas Cove, Jose L Segarra Mayor Killeen, Spencer H Smith Mayor Harker Heights and Ronnie Viss Mayor Pro Tem of Gatesville in attendance and each one presented a proclamation declaring June 24, 2018 “Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans Day”. Also in attendance were House of Rep JD Sheffield, his Liaison Gary Kafer and Liaison to Congressman Roger Williams, Don Nichols.
Also the SGVHV Picnic Sponsor were in attendance. These Sponsors make it possible for all Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans Events to be predominantly Free Events.
SGVHV Vice President John Robinson received a bronze eagle Veteran of the Year trophy from group members. He is the first member to receive the title. His selfless service during sickness and health was cited in his nomination. “He is more concerned about how our organization supports the community than his health,” Mr. Haywood said.
Master of ceremonies Joe Lombardi concluded the one-hour formal ceremony with a heartfelt thank you. “Back in the Vietnam era, I did not serve. I had health issues. That is why all you veterans in this room are my heroes,” Lombardi said. “God bless you.”
Star group members served attendees picnic barbecue meal buffet-style with the meal consisting of BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Brisket, Link Sausage, Hamburgers, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baker Beans and much more.
Local talent entertained attendees while they waited for their food.
Afterward, family members went back outside for the Sponge Bob bounce house and Rolling Video Games of Killeen.
Lori Spencer, a Veterans Outreach Program specialist, helped Veterans fill out paperwork and assisted with other needs from the on site mobile Vet Center.
Everyone had a wonderful time!