The Copperas Cove Civic Center was filled to capacity by 11 a.m. Saturday when Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans began the ceremonies for its annual Independence Day picnic, and it remained packed until the picnic ended at 3 p.m.
“We completely lost track of how many people attended, but the Civic Center was filled to capacity the entire time as people came through,” said Jonathan Haywood, the veterans group president. “It was an amazing event and I believe everyone who came had a great time and enjoyed some wonderful food. “I have no doubt we met or exceeded our goal of feeding 1,500 people, and I am truly thankful to all of our Sponsors — without them, this would not have been possible.”
SG-VHV was honored to have the area Mayors and Rep Sheffield attend the Picnic. 
Mayor John Hull of Copperas Cove, Mayor Scott Cosper of Killeen, Mayor Rob Robinson of Harker Heights and state Rep. J.D. Sheffield each read proclamations naming June 27, 2015, as “Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans Day” and extolled the virtues the organization brings to the region.
The veterans group honored Mayor Hull during the event by making him a lifetime member of the organization for all he had done to help get the organization on its feet in Cove.
“Jonathan doesn’t ever surprise me anymore,” Mayor Hull joked, referring to what he called the “many amazing things” he’s seen the organization accomplish. “As far as the Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans program is concerned, I don’t believe we could have had any better representation for the city than that group. Everywhere I go, they’re there — and I mean everywhere — they don’t miss any Event.
“Anyone who needs help, whether they are a veteran or not, they help them. I don’t know where they come up with that much time to help as many folk as they do, and not only here but in in Heights, Killeen, Nolanville and all of our surrounding areas, and I’m proud of what they do,” he added.
“My thoughts after watching this ceremony is that our country has gotten a lot better about supporting our soldiers when they’re (deployed to a combat zone) and supporting their families while the soldiers are gone,” Rep. Sheffield said. “And we’re learning that we need to do just as much when the soldiers come back and try to reassimilate into civilian life. “This organization and similar ones are excellent about getting the information out and extending the helping hand these veterans so nobly deserve,” he added.
The Copperas Cove High School Junior ROTC presented the colors while Ms. Tobni Ringgold sang the National Anthem and Ms. Darlene Siler sang “God Bless America.”
Afterward, a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol was presented in honor of the 613 Texas service members who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars whose photos and names adorn the Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, which was on display for the duration of the event.
VIETNAM VETERANS HONORED/REMEMBERED
Vietnam veterans also were honored at the picnic as part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag was unveiled along with the Framed Information awarded to Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans for becoming a Commemorative Partner.
SG-VHV also honored the living Vietnam veterans from their organization, presenting them with a official Vietnam conflict coin and giving them the official “welcome home they should have received,” Haywood said.
IN MEMORY OF: The Names, year of birth and death and home city of all service members from the Greater Fort Hood Area who lost their lives during Vietnam were read aloud during the ceremony by Ret. CSM Elijah King Jr.
SG-VHV thanks everyone who attended, participated and/or worked the Picnic.
But most of all THANK YOU to all our Sponsors because without you this Event would not be possible.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR OUR SPONSORS WHO HELP MAKE THIS FREE PICNIC POSSIBLE.
Each year Sponsors like these who believe in giving back to the community make donations and commitments to ensure this Free Annual Independence Day Picnic continues to happen in our community. This year's Sponsors are listed below:
PLATNIUM SPONSORS
* Harker Heights Medical Clinic
* PCSI
* The Car Wash Barn
* The National Bank (Copperas Cove)
* Century 21 and JR Herring (Copperas Cove)
* Ted Smith Law Group (Harker Heights)
* Linnenmann Realty (Killeen)
* Walmart - Copperas Cove
* Walmart - Harker Heights
* AFGE District 10
* SAM'S Club (Harker Heights)
GOLD SPONSORS
* All American Chevrolet
* Scott's Funeral Home
* Minuteman Press (Killeen)
SILVER SPONSORS
* Lil Tex Restaurant (Copperas Cove)
* Oliver Transmission (Copperas Cove)
* United Healthcare (Waco)
* A Cut Above (Lawn Service)
* Texas Partners Credit Union (Copperas Cove)
If you need any services that these Sponsors supply, please try them FIRST!
Veterans Helping Veterans |