COUNTY LIFE
VFW in jeopardy – Aging post battles loss of members, financial strains
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Reddy-McClellan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8789 has been at the heart of the Bowie community for the past 75 years providing a haven dedicated to veterans, as well as a source of activities from Boy Scouts, banquets, bingo, concerts and more.
However, while the memories are long the post is struggling with an aging membership that lists more than 100 members, but has only about six who are considered “active.” Unless something changes, the post could soon be just a memory itself.
To help generate interest the post officers are presenting a membership drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 27 at the post home at 707 E. Nelson. It will be accompanied by a veteran’s outreach presented by the Montague County Veteran’s Service Office.
Stacy Smith, post commander, said young veterans are encouraged to attend, but all veterans with questions or concerns about benefits or programs offered through the federal government will be able to speak with a specialist. Please bring your DD-214 to discuss those programs.
The post
VFWs were created in the early 20th century to foster social camaraderie among soldiers who fought in overseas conflicts. Established in 1899 the VFW began as something of a fraternal service club comparable to Rotary or Lions. After WWII there was a flood of returning veterans eager to volunteer to build and operate these VFW halls.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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