On Saturday, September 21, the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day was held at the Event Center located at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4230 Gretna Rd. in Branson. Over 250 veterans were registered, including some from eight states in addition to Missouri, with many family and friends also stopping by.
The “Welcome Home” experience included live entertainment, food and snack trucks, games and a bouncy house for the kids, and a car show with 45 vehicles entered. The 32-inch Veteran’s Trophy for the car show was awarded to Ernst Cotton.
Veterans and families could cool off in the dining area over a barbecue lunch, free to veterans, and also browse tables and booths of valuable information and resources from 26 registered vendors. In addition to having fun, an important focus of Appreciation Day is to connect veterans with resources they need but may not be sure how to access. Toward that end, representatives were on hand with information about VA medical services, educational benefits, suicide prevention resources, and much more.
Dick Burkhalter of Branson Veterans of America 913, which coordinated the event, said several veterans were able to connect with Honor Flight of the Ozarks, and many were able to work with the VA on site to get signed up for benefits or resolve issues and questions.
“[My husband] got a lot accomplished, updating his veteran records and getting other timely updates,” said a spouse. “I’m so glad we went.” A group watching a child enjoy the bouncy house said their entire family was having fun; and one veteran said he particularly enjoyed the car show and the opportunity to chat about cars that were popular during his high school years.
BVA 913 members thank the sponsoring and participating organizations, donors and volunteers who helped make the day a success. Some of those organizations even connected with potential new volunteers while there; this is a win-win since many groups, such as the Veterans Memorial Garden, depend on volunteers, and the volunteers in turn benefit from the fellowship. Air Force JROTC cadets from Branson High School and area Civil Air Patrol cadets volunteered as hosts and staff, a great opportunity for the students to interact with veterans. “It’s so good to see young people formulating their future in a constructive way,” stated Burkhalter.
The purpose of BVA 913 is to provide fellowship and support for veterans and also to serve local communities through Memorial Day ceremonies, a fishing tournament, coordinating the Branson Veterans Day Parade, and more. BVA 913 meets monthly at the Golden Corral restaurant on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson; visit www.bransonveteransofamerica.com for details.
If fellowship opportunities farther west or in Stone County better serve you or a veteran you know, check out the monthly Veterans of the Ozarks meeting in Kimberling City. VOTO is also involved in many community activities as well as helping veterans who are in need; and the Music on the Lake series, presented by VOTO from May through September each year, is a fun way to support a good cause while listening to great bands in a casual outdoor setting. Visit the Facebook page to learn more and get involved.
Both BVA and VOTO provide Honor Guard/Color Guard services for military funerals and special events. Any veteran not connected to a group for support is encouraged to check out these groups; spouses are also welcomed.
If you or a veteran you know could not attend on Saturday, more fellowship and resources will be available at the Veterans Village during Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, Nov. 5 through 11. Follow Branson Veterans Task Force and POW Network Facebook pages for a schedule of events and activities that week, and make plans to attend.
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