Friday, April 26, 2024
Linda Mallon
VETERANS VOICE
Linda Mallon, a retired Army master sgt., found her niche working with veterans and their families in Granbury. She is a former claims administrator for Blue Shield of New Jersey and later senior personnel sergeant taking care of soldiers’ careers for more than 20 years.
We were contacted by Bob Hughes to attend our quarterly Veterans Council meeting and introduce a program specifically targeted to veterans with a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress and their spouses.
Veterans Freedom Retreat, held in Wichita Falls, is a week long retreat offering couples an opportunity to heal, learn to communicate with each other and strengthen their relationship as they begin a journey free from the stress of past trauma.
The statistics for people suffering from PTSD is staggering; approximately 8 million people are diagnosed with PTSD and knowing this means veterans are not alone in their struggle.
This program offers “experimental education,” Native American Warrior Ceremonies, daily counseling and alternative specialty sessions offering creative tools for overcoming stress.
The program is free to attendees which includes lodging and meals so if you are interested or would like more information, contact Veterans Freedom Retreat, 7200 Robertson Road, Fort Worth Texas 76135, phone 817-396-8351 email info@VFR.vet or visit their website at www.VFR.vet.
FIELD OF SCREAMS
The VFW Post 7835, 3670 U.S. Highway 377, is hosting Field of Screams, a Halloween fundraiser event for the whole family which includes concessions, a beer garden, music and spooky, scary fun for kids. Tickets are $10 at the door which opens at 7:30 and Saturday, Oct. 30 is the last night to attend. The event starts at 8 p.m. until midnight so I hope to see you there.
KOREAN VETERANS
Sunday, Nov. 7, the Korean Baptist Church in Benbrook is commemorating Korean War veterans with a beautiful traditional meal from 2-3 p.m. If you are a Korean War veteran, contact Josh Morrison at Pecan Valley Centers for more information at 817-579-4489 for more information. Josh also oversees the Veterans Mental Health Program at Pecan Valley and Veterans General Assistance Fund which includes mortgage, rent, and utilities assistance, food pantry services, funds for restorative dental care and transportation services.
VETERANS DAY PROGRAMS
Veterans Day weekend events begin on Thursday, Nov. 11 with a program at Granbury High School from 9:30-10:30 a.m. then moves to Memorial Lane for the 11:11 a.m. ceremony.
The Veterans Day Parade will be Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. starting at Decker Field and finishing at the Vet Fest/Field of Flags.
The Rally Project Veterans Field of Flags and Vet Fest “celebrating the American Warrior” will be at Decker Field Nov. 11-14 and includes live music, food trucks, patriotic vendors, Chili Challenge and fun activities for the whole family. For more information visit NorthTexasVetFest.com or call /text 817-770-0425.
THANKSGIVING MEAL FOR DISABLED VETERANS
The American Legion Post 278, The Waterin’ Trough and H-E-B of Granbury are sponsoring the second annual free Thanksgiving Meal to disabled veterans and their families Saturday, Nov. 20 beginning at 9 a.m. at Waterin’ Trough, 800 W. Pearl St.
Cash donations accepted at the Waterin’ Trough from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. To register, call 817-573-3232.
TOYS FOR TOTS
The Marine Corps League Toys for Tots kicked off with a car show on Oct. 23 at Brocks in Granbury. Anyone interested in donating an unwrapped toy can drop it by the MCL Detachment 1297 Toys for Tots Coordinator at 201 E. Pearl St., Building C Suite C-107A. You can also find out more information by visiting www.tfthoodcounty.org or call 817-406-8474.
This year’s toy drive will be conducted through Nov. 29 so look for coin collection cans and donation boxes throughout the county.
As always, if you have any questions about any of these events, you may contact my office. Everyone have a safe and fun Halloween!
lmallon@co.hood.tx.us | 817-579-3292
