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Branson Missouri's official newspaper for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Published twice each year.
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Spring 2012 - Vol. 11, No. 1
Branson/Lakes AreaChamberofCommerceP.O.Box 1897Branson,MO65615
Veterans HomecomingNovember 5-11
explorebranson.com/veterans
‘Remembrance Days’ on tap in MayBranson will once again
pause this May to celebrate thosewho are currently serving in theU.S. military.
In 2011, Branson hosted atwo-day inaugural Armed ForcesDay Celebration. The eventincluded a golf tournament, spe-cial salute to the Armed Forcesshow aboard the ShowboatBranson Belle, a free pancakebreakfast, meet-and-greets and ashow.
“Because last year’s two-dayevent was such a success, thisyear we are expanding it,” saidJune Tillis, of the BransonVeterans Task Force.
The four-day event, calledArmed Forces RemembranceDays, will be held May 17-20.
“The key is to again honor our
military,” Tillis said. “There aresome people who can’t make itin November. If we can offerevents this time of year, they canget a taste of what we offer in thefall. But, this is a little bit differ-ent event.”
She said while the four-dayevent celebrates those who arecurrently serving, it is chance tohonor everyone who has servedour country. Tillis said events arefor “anybody who served in themilitary, past or present or lovessomeone who served or want toshow their support.”
An opening show is set for 4p.m. aboard the ShowboatBranson Belle. The dinnercruise, which begins boarding at3:15, will once again include aspecial salute to the Armed
Forces. For tickets, call 800-417-7770 and ask for a specialArmed Forces rate.
On May 18, a golf tournamentwill be held at Thousand HillsGolf Resort in Branson.Registration begins at 7 a.m.with the tournament gettingunder way at 8. For more infor-mation, call 417-337-8387.
A new event this year will beheld on Saturday. At 10 a.m. aparade will march downShepherd of the HillsExpressway. The tag line for theevent, Tillis said, is “Acentury ofremembering the ArmedForces.”
“I’m really excited aboutadding a parade to our event thisyear,” Tillis said.
By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
REMEMBRANCE — cont. on 21
We’ve all been touched by themany calls and emails since a tor-nado struck Branson in the earlyhours of Feb. 29. The Bransonrecovery and rebuilding efforts haveprogressed rapidly, with many ofthe affected businesses now openor scheduled to reopen in the com-ing days. The strip and other arearoads are entirely open to traffic,and visitors are traveling to andfrom attractions, shows and restau-rants with very little to no periods ofrestricted access due to clean upand repairs.
Branson is open for businessand the great majority of retailersand restaurants in Branson areready and eager to welcome cus-tomers. As our community recoversfrom this storm, we appreciatemore than ever those men andwomen who have served our coun-try and who plan to come to stayand play in the Live Music ShowCapital of the World!
BRANSON ...THESHOW WILL GO ON!
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Memories of 2011 activities are fad-ing as we make plans for an even better2012. Locally, we work throughout theyear on veteran activities and at the sametime are finalizing plans for upcomingevents for Veterans Homecoming 2012.
The good news regarding VeteransHomecoming 2012 is that we havesecured a home for all of our BransonVeterans Task Force events at the FactoryMerchants Branson, commonly known asthe Red Roof Mall. You may have heardthat the mall is closing — the FactoryMerchants Branson property, as well asthe surrounding property, is owned by thecity of Branson, which has recentlyreclaimed the property; a definite use forthe property is yet to be announced.Meanwhile, most of the merchants previ-ously housed at the mall have closed orrelocated.
The Branson VeteransTask Force has been assuredby the city of Branson thatthe task force will haveaccess to two buildings atthe Factory MerchantsBranson mall that willaccommodate all of ourVeterans Homecoming 2012activities, including the dayroom, Veterans Village,Walls of Heroes and veterans lunch.
The space for the Veterans Village willbe twice as large as last year’s space. Atthis time, the veterans lunch programdoes not have a sponsor to provide freelunches to veterans, so there may be a feefor these lunches.
The Starlite Theatre and the BransonVeterans Task Force are proud toannounce there will be a “Vets For VetsOpening Show” at 5 p.m. Nov. 5. The
Starlite Theatre is located at 3115 W.Hwy. 76. This show is unique in that theentertainers and the show producer areveterans providing entertainment for vet-erans. The 5 p.m. show time was chosento allow our visitors to schedule theiractivities easier.
The Branson Veterans Task Forceworks throughout the year providingservices for veterans. We have success-fully incorporated an advisory programfor veterans and family members to assistthem in securing answers and assistanceregarding veterans benefits. We workwith a Veterans Affairs representative inthis program. Call if you have questionsor to schedule an appointment.
As you know, the task force is made upof volunteers donating their time with noreimbursement for time, expenses ormileage. Active volunteer members arelimited in number.
If you are local to the Branson area andwould like to help with any of our proj-ects and programs, call 417-337-8387.
The activities we can provide are limit-ed, to an extent, by the number of volun-teers we have to share the responsibili-ties.
Ernie Bradley, Branson Veterans Task Force chairman
ErnieBradley
Homecoming events return to Red Roof
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTSHand in Hand — Branson Honors Purple
Heart RecipientsApril 26-28
Registration runs from 8 a.m.-noon April26 at Factory Merchants Branson mall at 1000Pat Nash Dr. This is a chance to pick up anarmband, visit with old friends, make newfriends and enjoy coffee and cookies.Registration is free.
An opening ceremony will be held thatsame day from 2-4:30 p.m. at the HamnerBarber Theater at 3090 Shepherd of the HillsExpressway. The event is a special presenta-tion by the National Military Order of thePurple Heart service officers on benefits andpost-traumatic stress disorder, as well aswhen and how to fill out forms. Attendeeswill have a chance during the three-day cel-ebration to receive assistance. A drawing fora fishing tournament will also be held.
On April 27, a free entertainment show atthe Hamner Barber Theater will run from 9-10:30 a.m. At noon, anglers will have achance to take part in a free fishing tourna-ment, meeting at Scotty’s Trout Dock andMarina. A special culinary experience isplanned for those who are not fishing. At 6p.m., a fish fry is planned. The dinner is freeto Purple Heart recipients. The cost is $10 forspouses, friends and the general public.
On Saturday, Purple Heart recipients willhave the opportunity to visit Titanic MuseumAttraction free of charge at 9 a.m. A $25admission charge for spouses and signifi-
cant others will apply. A motorcycle run isalso planned. A closing ceremony is set for2:30 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater. Formore information, visit veterans.branson.com or call 866-279-3415.
BBQ and Casino NightMay 19
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913will host its annual BBQ and Casino Night.The event will be held at the Lion’s Clubbuilding on Missouri 76. A $20 admissionfee covers dinner and play money. For moreinformation, call 417-294-0728.
Veterans Assistance Benefit ShowMay 21
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913will hold its annual “Veterans AssistanceBenefit Show” at the Hamner Barber Theater.The evening includes a silent auction andmuch more with proceeds going to benefitveterans in need. The event is open to thepublic. Tickets are $10 and the show beginsat 7 p.m. For tickets, call 417-334-4363.
Armed Forces Remembrance Days
May 17-20Activities include a Showboat Branson
Belle cruise, golf tournament, parade, PlumbNellie Days salute and star-studded USO-style show. For more information, call 417-337-8387. See cover story for details.
Remembering Our FallenJune 2-11
The Remembering Our Fallen display, cre-ated to honor those who made the ultimatesacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars,will be at the College of the Ozarks. Formore information, call 417-230-2278.
National Day of Atomic RemembranceJuly 16
The 66th anniversary of the first atomicexplosion and all veterans who wereexposed to radiation in the line of militaryduty will be recognized during the NationalAtomic Veterans Day of Remembrance at11:30 a.m. A light lunch will be served. Forreservations, call 417-337-8387.
Korean War Armistice DayJuly 27
The day is to honor those who servedduring the Korean War, often called TheForgotten War. The time and location has yetto be determined. Visit bransonveteransev-ents.com or call 417-230-2278.
9/11 ‘Branson Remembers’Sept. 11
A 6 p.m. ceremony will be held atBranson Landing in observance of thetragedy. Call 417-337-8387.
POW/MIA Day Silent MarchSept. 15
A march is planned for 10 a.m. Call 417-337-8387 for more information.
22nd AnnualBranson Motorcycle Toy Run
Nov. 4The run, which is sponsored by VFW Post
5168 of Forsyth, will begin at 1 p.m.Organizers are asking that no stuffed animalsbe donated.
Toys and coats are needed. Donationswill benefit Taney County families. Riders willmeet at Presley’s Country Jubilee and travelfrom Branson to the VFW Post. Dinner andmusic will be provided by the VFW. Formore information, visit explorebranson.com/veterans.
Veterans HomecomingNov. 5-11
America’s largest Veterans Day celebra-tion, which includes special shows,reunions, a parade and many other activitiesruns Nov. 5-11 in Branson. For more informa-tion, visit explorebranson.com/veterans.
Patriotic Welcome to VeteransHomecoming Week
Nov. 5From 2-4:30 p.m. Branson Veterans Events
& Reunions will host an opening ceremonyat the Yakov theater. No reservations arerequired and admission is free.
CALENDAR — cont. on 12
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Opening ceremony, tribute to spouses on tapBy Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
Wow what a year it has been. We have two years behind us and as we start our third
year, we’re excited about our new event, BransonSalutes Vietnam Veterans. Visit bransonveteransev-ents.com to see the schedule for this event.
We had an exciting Veterans Homecoming week withthe opening ceremony added to our schedule just eightweeks prior to the event.
A Walmart tribute to veterans was a huge success,along with the other events we had throughout theweek.
The General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Showwas at the Hollister School District after being at theBranson Mall and the children loved it.
You can see some of the thank you notes written toGeneral Franks by some of the children in this issue ofthe Bugle. We’re trying to bring it back again this year.
We will host the Remembering Our Fallen displayJune 2-11.
This display was created to honor those who made theultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. If
you are in Branson during this time, pleaseput this display on your “to see list.”
We have added a new event to ourNovember schedule as we will honor thespouses of our veterans and we will bedoing an opening ceremony this year.
If you missed the opening ceremony lastyear, you won’t want to miss this years.Watch our website event calendar for ourVeterans Homecoming week schedule.
Keep our service men and women stillserving this great nation here at home and around theworld in your thoughts and prayers and remember thefamilies of those serving as they are making the sacri-fice of taking care of the homefront.
It’s not easy on the family not knowing where theirloved one is serving.
Let’s take some time each day to remember in ourprayers the fallen heroes, those serving in harm’s wayand their families.
We’re working on other events, so please watch ourevent calendar at bransonveteransevents.com.
ArlenLipper
Plans are under way for the 16th AnnualMilitary Gala & Banquet — Branson’slongest-running military salute.
The semi-formal event, held in the grandballroom at Chateau on the Lake Resort &Spa, starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 9, with a socialhour, cocktails, dancing before dinner andportraits available for those in attendance.
Once the dinner call is sounded, theevening, patterned after a military diningout, will start with the colors being posted,a moving candlelight POW/MIA service,military toasts, participation by local enter-tainers and introductions of those beingsaluted in 2012 — Purple Heart recipientsand wounded warriors from all conflicts.
Dinner is served with guests enjoying thecamaraderie of fellow veterans mingledwith family and friends.
Action Impact Ministries will entertainthe guests during dinner with a patriotictribute of music and mime. These youngstudents delight audiences with their rou-
tines. Their message of faith, family andcountry is always a special, moving tributefor the veterans and active duty servicemembers in attendance. They have per-formed at Fort Leonard Wood for activeduty troops at the invitation of the basecommanding officer after seeing the groupperform in Branson
During intermission, guests may enjoyan outdoor display of American-made fire-works, produced and provided by a localvendor, A.M. Pyrotechnics.
The second half of the gala recognizesthe event sponsors. A special recognition,the True American Hero Award, is present-ed by Military Officers Association ofAmerica Mozark chapter and then thePatriotism Award is presented by theevening’s host, the P.O.W. Network.
The evening closes with more dancing tothe strains of the Moonlighters, whose tal-ented musicians are comprised of numer-ous veterans from the Springfield area.
Reservations are available by calling417-336-4232. Tickets are $55 per person,and include dinner, entertainment, dancingand wine or a non-alcoholic juice for toasts.Reunion groups are asked to make groupreservations early, as seating is limited andno tickets are available at the door.
Attire for the evening is cocktail wear,formal wear, military uniforms, mess dressor business attire.
Sponsors are being sought for the event.
Plans for Annual Military Gala & Banquet under wayMary Schantag, P.O.W. Network
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Chuck Schantag was the chair-man of the P.O.W. Network, a dis-abled Vietnam veteran, PurpleHeart recipient and an integral partof Branson’s VeteransHomecoming.
On Feb. 23 this year Schantagpassed away and Branson VeteransTask Force Chairman ErnieBradley said the veterans commu-nity lost a true friend and hero thatday.
“What Chuck meant to the veter-ans was honesty,” Bradley said.“His passion was uncovering thesemake-believe heroes.”
Bradley said Schantag workedhard to see that those who trulywere American heroes were hon-ored and that the name “veteran”wasn’t tarnished by those whoweren’t.
“He will be a huge loss to the vet-erans community,” Bradley said.
Schantag and his wife, Mary, foryears have overseen the AnnualMilitary Gala & Banquet — one ofBranson’s longest running militarysalutes.
The banquet is always an impor-tant part of Veterans Homecoming.
Schantag, 64, was a member ofthe Military Order of the PurpleHeart, Disabled American Veterans,Red River Valley Fighter PilotsAssociation, an honorary memberof the MOZARK chapter of theMilitary Officers Association ofAmerica, NAM POW’s organiza-tion, U.S. Army RangersAssociation and Special ForcesAssociation.
He will be laid to rest atArlington National Cemetery.
Remembering Chuck SchantagBy Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
CHUCK SCHANTAG, right, pre-pares to present the PatriotismAward during the 2011 AnnualMilitary Gala & Banquet.
PLUMB NELLIE DAYSSALUTES TODAY’S MILITARYThe 52nd Centennial Plumb Nellie Days
Arts & Crafts Festival is set for May 17-19. The downtown festival celebrates the
home-spun and artistic side of historicdowntown Branson, as well as commemo-rates May 19, Armed Forces Day.
Plumb Nellie will salute today’s militaryand its warriors with a ceremony at 12:30p.m.
The ceremony will include entertainmentby the Fair Family and other performers.
Active duty military members and theirfamilies will be recognized.
A special booth where performers canmeet and greet their fans will be set updowntown.
For more information, visit downtown-branson.org or call 417-334-1548.
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Vietnam Veterans Reunion, allbranches run concurrently withBranson Salute Vietnam VeteransMarch 29-April 1Curtis [email protected] vietnamvetsreunion.com Stone Castle Hotel
D 1/5 1st Air Cav VietnamApril 9-13 Lou Perosi888-282-2802 [email protected] Hotel
41 Tank BattalionApril 12-15Cherie Chitwood [email protected] House
USS AultApril 22-26Pam Brown [email protected] Grand Plaza Hotel
USS Carpenter DD825April 22-26Pam [email protected] Nugget, Las Vegas
Little Bear AssociationApril 25-29Pam [email protected] Hotel
31st Infantry Dixie DivisionApril 29-May 2Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
USS PotterApril 29-May 3Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
US Marine Corps 3rd & 4th,defense BattalionMay 2-4Daniel & Sharon Heideman 512-738-2075 or 512-738-2073 [email protected] [email protected] Grand Plaza Hotel
USS Howard W. Gilmore May 3-7Pam [email protected] Hotel
Navy Postal ClerksMay 6-10Cherie [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
61st Field ArtilleryMay 7-10Cherie [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
KOH-TANG Mayguez VeteransMay 16-20Pam [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
503rd Eng Co Light Equip.May 20-23Sherman Mills703-590-3725 [email protected] location unknown
Schweinfurt Group ReunionMay 23-26Cherie Chitwood [email protected] House
Bluefish SSN675 & SS222 May 24-27John Wittenstrom 910-235-0191 [email protected] Resort
Wellington VFWMay 25-29Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
1st MIBARSJune 7-9Don Skinner 503-307-8004 [email protected] Grand Plaza Hotel
Army 4th Division EngineerJune 6-10Cherie Chitwood [email protected] House
USS Kemper CountyJune 6-9Pam [email protected] Hotel
108th Infantry Regiment June 6-10Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
Class 56B USA FOCSJune 13-18Cherie [email protected] House
351st Bomb GroupJune 14-18Pam [email protected] InnCincinnati, Ohio
Wolfhounds 27 Infantry June 16-19Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] RadissonHotel
Charlie CompanyJune 19-24Cherie [email protected] Savannah House
Osage LSV 3, Saugus LSV 4,Monitor LSV5 & Montauk LSV 6June 19-24Joan Golz479-855-2711 [email protected] unknown
USS CA BB44 Ship Reunion June 20-24Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
14th Field Artillery Regt June 21-24Jerry Goos 580-765-0348 [email protected] Grand Plaza
USS Forrest B Royal DD 872June 21-24Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
LRRP Ranger Assn.June 22-24Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
1st Searchlight Battery June 23-27Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
USS George Washington CarverSSB June 28-July 1Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
Hill 411June 28-July 1Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
3/3 RVN AssociationJuly 29-Aug. 8Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
10 EngineersAug. 5-8Pam [email protected] Clarion Hotel
USS Brunswick ATS-3Aug. 16-19Doug Sublett [email protected] 816-401-816-401-3978Welk Resort
China Marine Association Aug. 16-20Pam [email protected] Hotel
Hall of MontezumaAug. 30-Sept. 3Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 [email protected] Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
3rd Armor DivisionSept. 2-8Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 [email protected] Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
1st 8 Inch Howitzer BatteryUSMC Sept. 5-9Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
Air Force SecuritySept. 7-9Nancy Bennett [email protected] Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
USS MerrickSept. 8-13Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
246 Field ArtillerySept. 9-13Pam [email protected] Hotel
USS GuamSept. 9-14Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
USS Hyman DD 732 Association Sept. 9-16Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Hotel
USS LewisSept. 10-14Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
3973 CD Air ForceSept. 12-16Bessie Baker [email protected] Radisson Hotel Branson
USS Tidewater AD 31Sept. 12-16Dean Agee 417-759-2860 [email protected] Clarion Hotel
USS Finch ReunionSept. 12-16Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
Americal Division Veterans Assn.and 2nd Bn 1st InfantryRegt. ChapterSept. 13-15americal.orgb-2-1-196lib.comAtlanta
USS WhetstoneSept. 16-20Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
El Paso Army BuddiesSept. 17-21Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
78 Air Police SquadronSept. 17-20Pam [email protected] Hotel
Air ResupplySept. 18-22Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
USS LexingtonSept. 18-23Pam [email protected] Hotel
630th Engineer Co (LE)VietnamSept. 20-23Jim Fitzgerald 870-637-3236 870-637-3238 Four Seasons Inn
USS Bexar USS Pickaway Sept. 20-23Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
84 and 62 Engineer Const Sept. 24-28Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
USS Menard APA 201 BellReunionSept. 24-29Rudy [email protected] Inn
USS James C. Owens DD776 Sept. 26-30Pam [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
Tom Green CountySept. [email protected] Hotel
USS Sperry AS12Sept. 26-30Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
USS Markab AK31, AD21, AR23 Sept. 26-30Pam [email protected] Hotel
Branson hosts hundreds of military reunions annually. The list below represents all those known at the time of publication in March 2012.
VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS
REUNIONS — cont. on 16
The Branson Bugle ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 9
In 2006, when MarlyceStockinger and Steve Weyherasked us to host a Veterans Dayroom, never in a million years didwe ever expect it to become whatit was this past year.
Golden Corral started us offeach day with about 60 cups ofcoffee and two trays of cookies.
I couldn’t even begin to figurehow many cookies, cakes, pastries,doughnuts, crackers and cerealmix we went through; gallons andgallons of coffee, water, Gatorade,tea and even hot chocolate.
In the beginning, we were ableto handle things, just the two of us.But as the day room grew, so didour need for volunteers.
God blessed and surrounded uswith angels like Joe and BerniceCarter and Aleta and Roger Scott,and countless other volunteers,
who took turns, putting out cook-ies, bagels, doughnuts, makingcoffee, setting up chairs andcleaning up at the end of the day.
They all do it because the veter-ans are blessed by the day room.They do it because they feelblessed to be a part of it.
We have experienced some chal-lenges in recent months, in orderto present the day room in 2012,but we are very pleased toannounce that we will be in thesame location during VeteransHomecoming week again thisyear.
National news has made youwell aware of the devastation thathit our community in February.
Branson survives. The spirit thrives and we will be
ready and waiting for you, withthe coffee pot on.
Veterans Homecoming day room continues to growChip and Sandy Milner, Veterans Homecoming day room hosts
Korean War veterans were honoredwith a mini-reunion on Nov. 8 last yearat the Stone Castle Hotel & ConferenceCenter. Between 250-300 Korean Warveterans and family members were inattendance.
They enjoyed refreshments providedby Golden Corral, entertainment by theHughes Brothers, speaker Col. JimWilhite and drawing for door prizes.Members of the Harry S. TrumanChapter of the Korean War VeteransAssociation received medals and certifi-cates from the Republic of Korea and the
Korean Veterans Association.The medals were handed out by
Dongwook Jong president of the Korean-American Association of Springfield andthe Rev. Young K. Yoon, pastor of theKorean Presbyterian Church ofSpringfield.
Branson Veterans Events & Reunionswill host this year’s reunion. We willcontinue this event as in the past. Markyour calendar for 2 p.m. Nov 9. For moreinformation about this event, please goto our event calendar at bransonveteran-sevents.com or call 417-230-2278.
Korean War veterans honoredBy Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
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Women veterans from all services, guard andreserves will be honored at the 8th Annual Tribute toWomen Veterans on Nov. 9 at Stone Castle Hotel &Conference Center at 3050 Green Mountain Dr. inBranson.
The tribute includes a Rose Petal Ceremony andWomen Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. Retired Maj.Gen. Rita Aragon, veteran and award-winning authorCol. Merline Lovelace and Missouri Women VeteransCoordinator Amy Bennett are all slated to speak at theevent.
Gen. Aragon will introduce Col. Lovelace, thespeaker for the luncheon. Gen. Aragon is the firstfemale and the fourth Oklahoma Secretary of Militaryand Veterans’ Affairs. She is the liaison to the governorfor all Oklahoma military and veterans’ issues.
She participates and facilitates the OklahomaMilitary Strategic Planning Group that helps ensurethe stability and growth of the communities and facili-ties of the five military installations in the state. She istasked to develop programs that support current mili-tary and veterans individually and in total.
Gen. Aragon, served as the first female commanderof the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the first femaleto command a state’s Air National Guard and the firstfemale of Native American ancestry to become a gen-eral officer.
Col. Merline Lovelace graduated from RiponCollege in Wisconsin with a major in German and aminor in Russian. She also studied Mandarin Chinese
at Princeton University and MiddleburyCollege in Vermont.; earned a master’sdegree from Troy State University inAlabama; and attended Harvard’sKennedy School of Government.
During her 23-year military career, Col.Lovelace served tours in Taiwan, Vietnamand the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs ofStaff. She commanded Eglin Air ForceBase, the biggest and best base in the AirForce, and is a distinguished graduate ofSquadron Officers’ School, the ArmedForces Staff College, and the Air WarCollege. After retirement, she became abest-selling author with more than 90novels to her credit. The University ofOklahoma named her Oklahoma Writer ofthe Year. For more information aboutLovelace, visit merlinelovelace.com.
Amy Bennett, women veterans coordi-nator for the state of Missouri, will be thekeynote speaker at the Rose Petal Ceremony. Sheserved in the United States Air Force from 1993-1997.As an E4, her job was inventory management special-ist.
Bennett has been with the Missouri VeteransCommission since 2010, first as a veterans serviceofficer and as of last April, women veterans coordina-tor.
In her current position, she conducts outreaches for
women veterans in Missouri, prepares reports toinclude statistical data reflecting the number of womenveterans and is senior editor for the quarterly MissouriWomen Veterans newsletter.
For more information or to make reservations, callBarb Riggle of the Branson Veterans Task Force at417-337-8387.
For more information, visit bransonveterans.com.
Women veterans honored at Rose Petal eventBranson Veterans Task Force Women Veterans Committee
MerlineLovelace
AmyBennett
Reunion honors servicewomenBy Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
Among the women veterans and theirguests in attendance at the 2011 womenveterans mini-reunion was 99-year-oldEmma Pogge.
Pogge is a World War II veteran fromLawrence, Kan.
She has been coming to Branson withher family during Veterans Homecomingfor the past nine years. She enlisted inthe military in 1943.
This year Pogge received a dozen redroses from Branson Veterans Events &Reunions Director Arlen Lipper.
During the reunion, each woman veter-an was honored with a carnation.
For more information about the 2012event, visit bransonveteransevents.comor call 417-230-2278.
We look forward to seeing you in2012.
Opening ceremonyfor vets week Nov. 5By Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
Branson VeteransEvents & Reunions held anopening ceremony forVeterans Homecoming2011 after the BransonVeterans Task Forceannounced it would not becoordinating the 2011event.
Veterans were honoredduring the ceremony.Branson Mayor RaeannePresley welcomed the vet-erans to Branson, they wereentertained by Branson’sentertainers SIX, DougGabriel, Barbara Fairchildand Roy Morris, JohnTweed, Keith Allen, Jason
Yeager andmany more.
After ashort inter-m i s s i o n ,guest speakerDr. ToddBaker, whoserved inIraq, spokeof his experi-ence treating soldiers com-ing off the battlefield, andhow the combat medicalfield has changed over theyears, from World War II,Korea and Vietnam to Iraq.
This year’s opening cere-mony is scheduled for 2p.m. Nov. 5 at the Yakov
theater.For more information
about this event, visit bran-sonveteransevents.com orcall 417-230-2278.
We look forward to see-ing you for this year’sVeterans Homecomingweek in Nov. 5-11.
ArlenLipper
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Ozark Mountain Blue StarMothers are mothers of living veter-ans and currently military, includingstepmothers, adopted mothers, fostermothers and grandmothers or anyonewho has filled in as “Mom.”
We have worked with many of theveteran organizations in the areaincluding Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica Chapter 913, BransonVeterans Events & Reunions andBranson Veterans Task Force to namea few. Ozark Mountain Blue StarMothers is an active member of theBranson/Lakes Area Chamber ofCommerce. We also appreciate sup-port from non-veteran organizationssuch as the Lions Club.
In November, we joined in theVeterans Vendor Village and Veteransparade. We also sponsored a Gold
Star and Blue Star Mothers meal. Thisis our way of honoring the Gold StarMothers — mothers who have giventheir child in battle for our freedom.This past year our brunch was held atSteve’s Treehouse in StonebridgeVillage with Dave Hamner as ourguest speaker and The Cat’s Pajamasas our entertainment. Associate mem-ber Brandi Eli also offered a song forour pleasure. We are already makingplans for this year.
We do a Christmas mailing to ourtroops with the help of individualsand business in the community.Because our Christmas mailing to thetroops was so successful, we are cur-rently accepting donations for anEaster mailing to our troops. We needitems to send and monetary donationsto help with the postage. We are a
501c3 service organization, so alldonations are tax deductible. Theseboxes are going to representatives ofthe 325th medical unit that will dis-tribute the items to the wounded intheir care. Many soldiers benefit andenjoy the items in the boxes.
We accept new members any timethroughout the year. We also haveassociate members and Blue Star dadsthat want to help us honor our troopsand veterans. Come join us at GoldenCorral on Shepherd of the HillsExpressway in Branson. We meet at 6p.m. the second Monday of eachmonth. Some come early to purchasethe buffet and join in conversationwith members. We have membersthroughout the state of Missouri.
You are welcome to sit in on anymeeting.
Blue Star Mothers sends support to troopsFran Davis, Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers president
OZARK MOUNTAIN BLUE STAR MOTHERS PRESIDENTFRAN DAVIS, center, poses for a photo with members of TheCat’s Pajamas, Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers Brunch eventchair Brenda Hoffstatter, and guest speaker Dave Hamner, right.
submitted photo
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How much about the Korean War do Americans reallyknow?
At the time, it was dubbed The Korean Conflict because aformal declaration of war was never officially called. WorldWar II was over and we really didn’t think that another onewas coming. Guys that enlisted after WWII figured they weresafe from battle. That was all fine and good until June 25,1950, when North Korean forces invaded well into SouthKorea without warning. The North Korean People’s Armyhad amassed a fighting force of 135,000, with seven assaultdivisions and 150 T34 tanks, definitely a force to be reckonedwith.
The UN Security Council immediately demanded thatNorth Korean People’s Army stop its attack and return to itsborders, but the demand was ignored. The day after Republicof Korean Capitol, Seoul, fell on June 29, President HarryTruman committed U.S. troops to help enforce the UNdemand.
At first, U.S. and South Korean forces were ill-equippedand under-trained to fight the large, well-equipped NorthKoreans, and thus were beaten down badly, with many cap-tured, killed or wounded. Something had to be done. ByAugust of 1950, more and more U.S. troops and heavy equip-ment were brought in to even the fight; one that would lastuntil July of 1953.
The successful amphibian Inchon Landings by the Marinessurprised the North Korean troops, and put a shot-in-the-arminto the rest of the Allied forces, eventually moving the NorthKorean People’s Army well back into North Korea, and uptoward Manchuria.
Everyone thought we were close to winning the war, but lit-tle did we know that Communist Chinese would be joiningthe North Koreans to push the Allied forces way back intoSouth Korea again. The fighting went on by both sides. Toreally understand the reason that fighting in Korea was so dif-ficult, you must understand the terrain, filled with largerugged hills. A hill would be captured by one side; the otherside would recapture it. Each time the hill was captured orrecaptured, there were many killed and wounded on bothsides.
A group of Korean War veterans recall their stories andenjoy camaraderie each year when they get together inBranson. Most of these men were a part of the Army, 3rdInfantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 15th Regiment, FoxCompany; the same infantry regiment and division as AudieMurphy was during WWII. They entered the war in 1951.Their platoon sergeant in war, Denzil Batson, and his wife,Eva, have organized this reunion for 22 years with their orig-inal group of 15 dwindling down to six. Though many havedied, others have joined the ranks. The stories of many ofthese soldiers can be found in Batson’s book, “Korea — WeCalled It War,” which can be found on Amazon.com.
The men may have forgotten many other things in the past,but their memories and nightmares of Korea are still vivid intheir minds.
Loren Renz, one of the original reunion members,explained “when I joined the 3rd Division in Korea, it was stilla war of movement. In other words, we were pushing theChinese north and taking new ground as we moved them backtoward the 38th Parallel. It was in the first week of October1951 when my unit was in the middle of a bloody fight on thecentral front near a bunch of hills called 477 – 487. It was sev-eral days before the Chinese were dislodged. I never saw somany dead Chinese. The bad thing was a lot of dead GIs werelying around as well. It was awful.”
Many of the men in the group, including Bob Hunter,spoke of their largest battle called Little Gibraltar, which tookplace on Hill 355 on Thanksgiving Day 1951.
“We discovered that the Chinese had overrun the 7thInfantry units on Hill 355 and were to go up and retake thehill,” Hunter said. “The day after Thanksgiving Day, we spentabout 10 or 11 hours up on Hill 355 beating down the Chineseand securing the position. We were relieved by Company E,15th Infantry, and moved back down to another smaller hill(Little Bunker Hill.) When we had moved out in the attack,our company was almost at full strength, about 175 to 190officers and men. When we got to Little Bunker Hill, we had78 men left in the company, and very little ammunition.”
Later, they were given orders to move back up the hill todefend a 1,500-yard gap in the line. Relief ammo had not
arrived, so what they had left, had to be divided between themen.
“The Chinese began pounding us with 120 mortars beforethey even got started. Fortunately, at the top of the hill, theChinese did not pursue that fight, even though frozen feet didtake some casualties,” Hunter said.
Other accounts were expressed by the reunion veteransabout battles at Outpost Kelly and Outpost Harry, smaller hillswhich were taken back and forth; as well as Crete and JacksonHeights. They spoke of having to “play dead” to fool NorthKorean and Chinese warriors, and sometimes it actuallyworked. Some of the men in the group had been shot or hitwith shrapnel and returned to fighting if they were able. Theysaved each other’s lives and cried for those they lost. Batsonsummed it up best by saying that the losses caused “a scar onmy soul.”
These young, brave and loyal soldiers were providing free-dom for South Korea and in turn for the rest of us.
About 40,000 men died in the Korean Conflict, a war thatis almost overlooked in many history books. As in the casewith WWII veterans, these soldiers are dying at an alarmingrate.
We must make them realize that their efforts during this for-gotten war are not ignored and that they are honored.
Sacrifices of Korean Conflict veterans not forgottenBy Nancy Smith
KOREAN WAR VETERANS, front row from left, RobertLawson, Ron Stewart, Bill Rice. Back row from left, LorenRenz, Bob Hunter, Bill Moore and Denzil Batson.
courtesy of Nancy Smith
General Tommy Franks Traveling RoadShow and Classroom
Nov. 5-6The General Tommy Franks Traveling Road
Show and Classroom will be located atBranson Mall from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors areinvited to tour the 60-foot traveling exhibit.
Registration and SouvenirCommemorative Button Sales
Nov. 5-10The second Veterans Homecoming week
button will be available at the BransonVeterans Events & Reunions office locatedin the Branson Mall. A portion of the pro-ceeds from the button sales will go to anonprofit veterans organization to help dis-
abled and wounded veterans. The locationis subject to change.
Veterans Sporting Clay ShootNov. 6
The Veterans Sporting Clay Shoot willonce again be held at Ozark ShootersComplex on U.S. 65. All entries are eligiblefor door prizes and lunch is provided.Email [email protected].
Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini ReunionNov. 7
The Persian Gulf War Veterans MiniReunion will be held at Golden Corral from8:30-11:30 a.m. The event is to honor thosewho served during Desert Shield, DesertStorm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Salute to Veterans Spouses ReceptionNov. 7
This new event is to honor the spouses of
veterans who stayed behind and took careof the family. The event runs from 12:30-2:30p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. Email [email protected].
Vietnam Veterans Mini ReunionNov. 7
The reunion will be held at the CamdenHotel and Conference Center from noon-5p.m. Free lunch, prizes and entertainment.Contact Pam Brown at [email protected].
Women Veterans Mini ReunionNov. 8
The Women Veterans Mini Reunion willbe held from 4-7 p.m. at Golden Corral. Formore information, email [email protected].
Korean War Veterans Mini ReunionNov. 9
The Korean War Veterans Mini Reunionwill be held from 2-5 p.m. at Stone CastleInn. Email [email protected].
Walmart Tribute to VeteransNov. 10
Branson Hills Walmart, along with BransonVeterans Events & Reunions, will host a trib-ute to veterans from 9 a.m-2 p.m. The eventincludes entertainment, a guest speaker andlunch for veterans and their families. All vet-erans in attendance will receive a lapel pin.
National Pearl HarborRemembrance Day
Dec. 7A special ceremony to commemorate
“the day that will live in infamy” will begin atnoon in front of the Branson Landing foun-tains. For more information, call 417-337-8387.
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The Branson Bugle ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 13
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We are looking forwardto a busy 2012 season withmany military groups hold-ing their reunion inBranson. We are excitedabout many new shows andvenues this year and knowour veterans will be amazedat what Branson has tooffer.
Our website, bransonmil-itaryreunions.com, has a listof 2012 reunions under“reunion index” along with“comments” from attendeesfrom past gatherings.
Gatherings Plus is spon-soring, for the fourth year,the Vietnam Mini-Reunionon Nov. 7 from noon-5 p.m.at the Camden Hotel andConference Center. The
date waschanged thisyear so as notto conflictwith theWalmart eventand theMarine CorpsBall on Nov.10.
Please planto join us on Nov. 7 forlunch, drawings for showtickets and meals, greatentertainment by some ofBranson’s finest talents andvisiting with fellowVietnam veterans.
Last year there were morethan 600 that attended thisgrand event and we hope totop that number this year.
Vietnam veterans reunion plannedPam Brown, Gatherings Plus
PERSIAN GULFVETS REUNITED
The Persian Gulf War veterans werehonored at a mini-reunion Nov. 7 duringVeterans Homecoming in Branson lastyear. The event honored those veteranswho served during Desert Shield, DesertStorm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.The veterans and their guest were pro-vided breakfast by Golden Corral andentertained by Allan Edwards. The eventwas coordinated by Branson VeteransEvents & Reunions, and hosted byVietnam Veterans of America Chapter913.
This year’s event is scheduled for Nov.7 at 8:30 a.m. at Golden Corral. For moreinformation, visit bransonveteransev-ents.com or call 417-230-2278. We lookforward to seeing you in November.
PamBrown
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Twenty-four local business-es are honoring our troops andcelebrating the city’s centenni-al by giving one lucky militarycouple the chance to get mar-ried in Branson on VeteransDay this year.
The winning couple willreceive a free wedding packagefrom some of the top weddingvendors in the Branson area,valued at more than $20,000.
The wedding package willbegin on Nov. 9 with a rehears-al dinner cruise. Nov. 10includes a day out on the townin Branson with admission for20 guests to the Clay CooperTheatre.
Veterans Day will start earlyfor the winning couple, withhair and makeup, a ride in theVeterans Day parade, lunch,pictures, and a limousine rideto the ceremony at Branson
Landing and the reception. Everything from music, pho-
tography, videographers, thewedding cake, floral arrange-ments, the wedding dress, tuxe-do rental and the minister areall being provided by localbusinesses, free of charge tothe couple.
“Showing our appreciation tothe military in this way is onesmall token compared to whatthey have done for us over thepast and the future still tocome,” said Joey Simpson,owner of Just One More SongDJ Entertainment.
“The responses from thelocal businesses have beenoverwhelming and very muchappreciated.”
To enter the contest, couplesmust compose a 500-wordessay explaining why theydeserve to be selected as the
winning military couple. To enter, email Contest
@BransonWeddingAffiliation.com, fill out a registration formonline at BransonWeddingAffiliation.com or mail to JustOne More Song, 513 E. MillerRd., Republic, MO 65738.
Applications will be accept-ed through May 26 and thewinner will be announced June4.
The winning couple will bedetermined by a select group ofBranson school teachers, whowill read each essay and awardthe wedding to the mostdeserving entry.
Entries may be submitted bya friend, family member or theprospective bride or groom.
To qualify, either the bride orgroom must be active in themilitary and available to have awedding Nov. 11, 2012.
Staff Reports
Military wedding package up for grabs
In November, the General Tommy Franks Leadership Instituteand Museum traveling show made a stop at Hollister School District,where hundreds of students had a chance get a taste of Franks’extensive collection. These letters are from a small portion of the stu-dents who toured the traveling exhibit.
Branson prize valued at more than $20,000
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41 Tank Battalion Sept. 27-Oct. 1Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
USS Enterprise Fire ReunionSept. 28-Oct. 1Sarah Hord417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
781 Bomb SquadronSept. 30–Oct. 4Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
29th Fighter SquadronOct. 3–6Pam [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
USS BumperOct. 3–7Pam [email protected] Hotel
USS Grand Canyon Oct. 3–[email protected] Hotel
236th Medical Det. HA(Danang Dustoff) Oct. 4-7Calvin Guthrie 254-931-0135 [email protected] Grand Plaza Hotel
LEX-ELECTOct. 7-11Pam [email protected] Hotel
Helicopter Pilots Assn.Oct. 8-12Pam [email protected] Branson Woods
Marine Corps EngineerAssociationOct. 10-13Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
46 Air Refueling Squadron Oct. 10-14Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
Minnesota Korean VetsOct. 10-14Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Camden Hotel & ConferenceCenter
34th Bomb GroupOct. 10-13Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 [email protected] Radisson Hotel
OV-1 Mohawk AssociationOct. 11-14Pam [email protected] Hotel
Marine Corps Advisors Oct. 15-18Pam [email protected] Convention Center
240 Assault Helicopter Co. Oct. 17-20Pam [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
Pilot Class 60FOct. 17-21Pam [email protected] Hotel
USS OglethropOct. 25Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
4th Infantry Div.Nov. 8-12Cherie Chitwood [email protected] Savannah House
2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Nov. 8-12Pam [email protected] Hotel & ConferenceCenter
Co.A, 227th Assault HelicopterBn, 1st Cavalry Div, includingCo. D, 227th Assault HelicopterBn, 1st Cavalry Div. Vietnam Era and Friends Nov. 8-13Howard Burbank [email protected] reunion.a227ahb.org Grand Plaza Hotel
Peden Barracks, WertheimGermany Fourth AnnualReunion Nov. 9-12James Wiebe [email protected] Ozark Regal Hotel
USS St. Clair CountyNov. 9-12Pam [email protected] Hotel
USS Sea Poacher and Friends Nov. 9-13Pam [email protected] Plaza Hotel
VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS
Walmart appreciation day draws hundredsBy Dee Elledge, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions board member
The Walmart on Branson HillsParkway in association withBranson Veterans Events &Reunions, held a large veteransappreciation day Nov. 10, 2011.
Local entertainers from Mel’sHard Luck Diner, including JasonYeager, John Sager, KarenRichardson, Bernie Parquette,Matt Kester and Casey Doddswere joined by John and SarahTweed, from the Tweed show,David Cook and Al Clark, fromWounded Warrior Project, RobertPenny, a Walmart truck driver, andAnthony Thorsen, a young manfrom YouTube.
The two-and-a-half hour showwas emceed by Yeager, who was atop 10 finalist of “American Idol”season seven.
More than 800 veterans camefor the entertainment and were cel-ebrated for their service by retiredUSAF Col. James Wilhite, fromOperation Enduring Freedom inAfghanistan. A special letter writ-ten to honor the veterans and theirspouses was read by Dee Elledge.
This was the second annual vet-erans appreciation event hosted byWalmart in Branson.
We do this because we feel it isimportant to celebrate what our
veterans did for us to be able to dowhat we do today. Both years, wehave heard about veterans whowere able to meet with a fellowfriend and military buddy thatthey hadn’t seen for years, and itwas so heartwarming to see this.
After the show, Walmart provid-ed a meal for 1,200 veterans andtheir spouses. Walmart truck driv-ers from the distribution center inBartlesville, Okla., did all thegrilling and associates from threearea Walmart stores served the
meal. It was an awesome feeling to
serve the veterans as a way of say-ing “thanks” for their service to us.
Check bransonveteransevents.com for information on the 2012event.
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Veterans Memorial Museum, whichhas been called one of the “greatest trib-utes ever completed to honor our coun-try’s veterans,” survived the Feb. 29storm with minimal damage.
“We did lose our P-51 (Mustang fight-er plane) replica and we had just a shortdown time until power was restored,”said director June Tillis.
While it is sad to see the iconic planedamaged, as well as a statue outside,Tillis is grateful it wasn’t worse.
“I breathed a great sigh of relief when Isaw our building was OK and untouched.The precious war artifacts wereunscathed,” she said. “Some of those pic-tures and artifacts are irreplaceable. Wehave over 2,000 items in the museum.”
The museum features exhibits fromWorld War I, World War II, Korea,Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and all otherrecent conflicts.
The hallmark of the muse-um, according to Tillis, isthe world’s largest bronzememorial statue — 50 sol-diers storming the beach.Fred Hoppe Jr., who is aninternationally knownsculptor, created the bronzememorial piece while build-ing the museum.
The sculpture is morethan 70-feet long and weighs 15 tons.
It features 50 life-sized soldiers storm-ing a beach, modeled after a veteran fromeach state.
The museum opened in October 2000.In the years since the museum opened,
millions of people have walked throughthe doors.
Tillis said she hopes those who visitfeel the gratitude.
“I feel this is a ministry to the veter-
ans,” she said. “I hope they feel hon-ored.”
For the families of soldiers who did notreturn from war, Tillis said she hopes the
museum provides a sense of peace.“We hope it gives some healing to the
family members of the men whose namesare on the wall,” she said.
By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
June Tillis
Vets museum open following Leap Day storm
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The Keeter Center at College of theOzarks recently began featuring anexhibit dedicated to the Korean War.
The exhibit serves as an addition to theexisting Lest We Forget World War II dis-play, which documents the college’sPatriotic Education Travel Programwherein students accompany veterans tobattle sites to learn about history and sac-rifice from the men who lived it.
“The college has taken nine tripsaround the world to WWII battle siteswith WWII veterans,” said C of OExecutive Vice President Fred Mullinaxduring a 2011 interview. “Our plan is totake a trip with Korean War veterans, too.The Korean War is often called ‘TheForgotten War.’
“With this exhibit, we want to show ourappreciation to the veterans and showthat we have not forgotten their sacri-fice.”
The new exhibit, titled KoreaRemembered, contains artifacts, docu-ments and photos from the conflict. Italso contains a topographical diorama ofKorea created by a military history classat College of the Ozarks.
Visitors may also see original newspa-per clippings of the article “General Vowsto Retake Old Baldy,” a U.S. militaryfatigue hat from the Korean War and apennant for the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Many of the items in the display are on
loan from Joe Bryant, a Korean War vet-eran.
“The map is one of the most interestingparts of the exhibit,” Mullinax said.
“Taken in tandem with everything else,many visitors learn something about TheForgotten War.”
The Keeter Center’s history displays
are free and open to the public Mondaythrough Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. andSunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more informa-tion, call 417-239-1900.
Matt Farmer, College of the Ozarks
Korean War not forgotten at collegeCollege of the Ozarks exhibit ‘Korea Remembered’ featured at The Keeter Center
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The Department ofDefense issued the SevenSeals Award to Branson res-ident and legendary enter-tainer Tony Orlando for thework he does in the UnitedStates, as well as overseas,
in support of National Guardand Reserve members.
The Seven Seals Award isthe highest award given tocivilians, and was created topublicly recognizeAmericans who provide out-
standing patriotic supportand cooperation to those thathave been called to serve inthe Armed Forces.
The Seven Seals Awardrepresents the seven militaryreserve components: Army,Navy, Air Force, Marine andCoast Guard reserves, alongwith the Army and AirNational Guard.
Orlando frequently visitsand entertains troops in Iraqand Afghanistan and per-forms countless shows formilitary personnel and theirfamilies in the United States.
For the past 18 years, hehas hosted “Tony Orlando’sYellow Ribbon Salute to theVeterans” in Branson onVeterans Day. “Tony
Orlando’s Yellow RibbonSalute to Veterans” is a freeshow to all veterans whoattend the Branson VeteransHomecoming, America’slargest Veterans Day cele-bration.
New Jersey Air NationalGuard Chief of Joint Staff,Brig. Gen. James J. Grant,and Department of DefenseState Vice Chair DonTretola presented Orlandowith the award at TheBorgata Hotel in AtlanticCity, N.J.
Tony Orlando will returnto the stage in Branson onNov. 1, to star in “TonyOrlando’s Great AmericanChristmas” at Welk Resortstheater.
Orlando honored for outstanding patriotic supportStaff Reports
The second Branson VeteransHomecoming souvenir collectorbutton will be available at theBranson Veterans Events &Reunions Office, as well as inseveral other locations, insideBranson Mall. There is a limit-ed supply of these buttons,so you will want to get yoursearly. Branson Veterans Events &
Reunions still has some of the 2011collector buttons available, as well. For more information on how to get your button, call Branson
Veterans Events & Reunions at 417-230-2278 or email branson [email protected].
Veterans Homecoming November 5-11
explorebranson.com/veterans
2012 BRANSON VETERANSHOMECOMING BUTTON
Page 20 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans The Branson Bugle
Dixie Stampede in Bransonpays tribute with a special dedi-cation to honor all branches ofour nation’s veterans, prisonersof war, those missing in actionand active duty military.
The ceremony was designed toacknowledge those missing andtheir absence at celebrations,banquets and special events.Now the Missing Man Table &Honors Ceremony is presentedby Dixie Stampede for reuniongroups.
“We always honor our veter-ans, so we dedicated the MissingMan Table & Honors Ceremonyas a special private servicebefore the big arena spectacular.We hope it will enrich eachreunion group’s experience atDixie Stampede,” said KamberSperle, group sales manager.
The private ceremony is pro-
vided by special arrangement,free of charge, before theCarriage Room pre-show formilitary reunion groups of 15 ormore attending that evening’sDixie Stampede Dinner & Show.
To schedule a Missing ManTable & Honors Ceremony foryour military reunion, pleasecontact Kamber Sperle at [email protected].
Dolly Parton’s DixieStampede is a unique dinner andshow experience set in a giant35,000-square-foot arena featur-ing 32 magnificent horses, astampede of buffalo, Rumble InThe Treetops lumberjack relay,thrilling horsemanship, romance,music, comedy and audienceparticipation, all showcased in afriendly rivalry between Northand South and complemented bya fabulous four-course feast.
Missing Man Table ceremony offered at Dixie StampedeBy John Richardson, Dixie Stampede director of sales and marketing
Vietnam veteran Les Strouddoesn’t like to talk about thewar, but finds comfort in know-ing he’s not alone.
“Part of me is still over there.But this makes you feel better,”he said, motioning to a crowd offellow veterans, during VeteransHomecoming 2011.
“It’s good to see people whowent through what you went
through.”Although the veterans day
room at Factory MerchantsBranson was filled that day,Stroud noticed only a handful ofelder veterans.
“It’s nice to see the World WarII vets,” he said. “There aren’tmany left.”
One such veteran, GeorgeWilson, 89, of Duncan, Okla.,
was a soldier in the 101stAirborne from 1943-45, ridingartillery-laden gliders to the bat-tlefield. He also keeps an eye outfor the fading WWII generation.
“I watch for them, but I don’tsee many,” Wilson said.
The few Wilson does see aretreated well in Branson, he said.
“They go all out. At the shows,they recognize the veterans,”Wilson said. “I’ve never been ina location where they treat youthis well.”
George Hitzman, 75, ofChicago, has been attendingVeterans Homecoming fouryears running. The first year, he“had the pleasure of meetingTony Orlando.”
“A lot of these guys put theirnecks on the line,” he said dur-ing a Persian Gulf War reunionat Golden Corral. “Some cameback missing parts. Hey, theyshould be honored.”
Hitzman, a veteran of both theKorean and Persian Gulf wars,said he’s proud of the fact hecomes from a long line of sol-
diers.“We’ve had a family member
in every major conflict in thiscountry. We’ve been wounded,but we’ve never been killed. Werun too fast,” he said with alaugh.
For Stroud, who calls the Tri-Lakes Area home, there’s noplace like Branson.
“There’s always someonewho’ll thank you here,” he said.“When you start getting awayfrom here, I don’t have anyonecome up and say anything tome.”
The annual, week-long tributealways includes reunions, spe-cial activities and a Veterans Dayparade.
Vets find comfort during annual homecomingStaff Reports
The Branson Bugle ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 21
“Branson is turning 100 years old this yearand so our inaugural parade will kick off ournext 100 years of honoring the Armed Forces,”Tillis said. “The parade is a celebration ofBranson’s rich history of honoring its ArmedForces.”
The parade will line up in the formerCelebration City parking lot and then head easton Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
“We want the parade to show that Bransonsupports the Armed Forces,” she said.
While she hopes Branson celebrities willjoin in the fun, she wants to see the parade real-ly honoring active duty personnel and veterans.
After the parade, people will have time to
head over to downtown Branson where the52nd annual Plumb Nellie Days arts and craftsfestival will be under way.
A special salute to the Armed Forces will beheld on the main stage at 12:30 p.m.
“For me, Branson is all about the sacrificespeople made and are making now,” said BrendaMeadows, Downtown Branson Main StreetAssociation events and public relations manag-er.
She said it seems that Armed Forces Day isalmost overlooked anymore.
“I think this is very important,” she said.“This is a way to salute those who have puttheir lives on the line.”
On Sunday, the Armed Forces DayCelebration will cap with what Tillis called the“Armed Forces Big Show.”
The star-studded USO-style show runs from2-4 p.m. at the Icon Theater on 76 CountryBoulevard. Admission to the show is free ofcharge.
“It is sure to be a really good show,” shesaid.
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RREEMMEEMMBBRRAANNCCEE DDAAYYSSCOLLEGEOF THEOZARKSPRESIDENTJERRYDAVIS, fromleft, carries awreath withWorld War IIveteransBryanSperry andHerbertAndersonduring awreath-lay-ing ceremo-ny VeteransDay at C ofO.
Mindy Honey | Branson Tri-Lakes News
Next to a grove ofmaple trees and just out-side the Gates ofOpportunity at College ofthe Ozarks, students, col-lege staff and veteranscame together last fall forthe dedication of VeteransGrove Plaza.
Veterans Grove Plaza,where flags from eachbranch of the military,along with the Americanflag, are prominently dis-played, is the newest addi-tion to the college’sVeterans Grove and is aplace C of O executivevice-president FredMullinax hopes will be aplace of reflection.
“Never visit this placewithout remembering theprice that was paid for ourfreedom,” Mullinax saidat the dedication ceremo-ny.
Veterans Grove is filledwith sugar maple trees,
each honoring a veteranwho has traveled with thecollege’s students duringpatriotic tours. Threemore trees, bringing thetotal to 54, were addedthis week. The three addi-tions represent World WarII veterans Andy
Anderson, John Primeranoand Louis Rabesa.
“We are deeply gratifiedto have a program thathonors veterans andenables students to experi-ence history first-handthrough their eyes,”Mullinax said.
He said since the col-lege’s patriotic travel pro-gram began, 54 veteranshave accompanied 135students abroad. By thetime 100 trees fill thegrove, approximately 300students will have partici-pated.
Veterans Grove Plaza at C of O dedicatedBy Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
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Homecoming 2011 a time of healingWeek once again gives Branson a chance to show appreciation to U.S. warriors
A common thread throughout the upbeat, but sometimesemotional week for the thousands of veterans in town forVeterans Homecoming 2011 was simply put by many: Theyappreciate being appreciated.
“Even though we weren’t respected, we were proud ofwhat we did,” said Vietnam veteran Bill Wallace, who, likemany, returned home to indifference, even scorn, followingthe war. “It was our job. We were patriotic and dedicated. It’s40 years too late, but now they say ‘Welcome home.’ Wereally appreciate this.”
Wallace, 71, of Independence, was part of a mobile com-munications group in 1964-65, helping set up bases, he said.
“Here, you’re with guys who were actually a part of it,”Wallace said during a Vietnam veterans reunion. “We cantalk about things other people wouldn’t understand. Weshare our sorrow and we share our good times.”
Ted Hansen, of Montgomery, Minn., in Vietnam from1961-66, enjoyed his Veterans Homecoming experience so
much two years ago that, like Wallace, he returned for more.“When you came back from Vietnam, nobody was inter-
ested,” he said. “They looked down on you. The war was notan issue. Today, you get such a warm feeling in Branson.”
From a “military family,” Kimberling City resident andretired Navy veteran Jim Taber, 55, so looked forward toVeterans Homecoming that he asked off from work a yearago to attend.
“I actually took off to be more active in it,” Taber said.“This is the only place I’ve been where they do so much forthe veterans.
“It feels nice to be appreciated.”A USO entertainer in 1968, Brenda Meadows enlisted in
the Army two years after performing in Vietnam. Now, she’shelping organize events.
“One of the reasons I moved to Branson was because theylove veterans so much,” she said.
Staff Reports
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A WOMAN’SPOINT OF VIEW
Like Meadows, Armyveteran Janice Martin’s lifehas seen a mix of militaryand entertainment.
Now performing as aheadliner on the ShowboatBranson Belle, Martin —her company’s “fastest run-ner in basic training” —was a soloist in the Armyband.
“It was fascinating,”Martin said of her Armyexperience. “I didn’t haveany friends who did that.My friends were musicians.It was so different frombeing an artist. It justopened my eyes.”
Both Martin andMeadows were among sev-eral dozen women veteranshonored at events through-out the week.
Taber’s mother, Harriet,also part of the “militaryfamily” now residing inKimberling City, servedduring the Korean War. ANavy photographer, she mether future husband as apatient with pneumonia.
“My dad was a hospitalcorpsman and she was apatient,” the younger Taber
said. “That’s how they met.Now, my son is a hospitalcorpsman. It’s in the fami-ly.”
Harriet Taber looks backfondly on her service.
“We were treated nice,”she said, adding that shemade lifelong friends, evenfrom boot camp. “I think itmade us more appreciativeof our fellow man.”
A humble, but oft hon-ored veteran, retired Maj.Vicki Jones, was in townthis week to support fellowfemale soldiers.
Jones, the first NativeAmerican female helicopterpilot in the U.S. Army, wasrecognized last year as theOklahoma woman veteranof the year.
“I hate bragging and talk-ing about myself — that’sthe Native American inme,” Jones said. “I just hap-pened to be in the rightplace at the right time.”
She spent a dozen of her28 years in service flyinghelicopters. Her last flightwas in 1994.
“It was the most thrilling12 years because I wastrained by the best — theVietnam veteran pilots,” shesaid. “I miss it. My heartbeats faster every time I
hear the flapping of theblades.”
Fifteen years ago, herportrait was painted by anOklahoma senator.
“It may be my face onthere, but it represents allwomen warriors whoserved in the U.S., past,present and future,” shesaid.
THE SEARCH CONTINUES
Absent from the week’sVeterans Homecomingwere prisoners of war andsoldiers missing in action.
But they have not beenforgotten.
“As long as we keep hav-ing POWs, we have nochoice, but to remember,”said Mary Schantag, afounding board member ofthe P.O.W. Network.
A service was held duringthe week in honor of the92,000 men and womenwhose remains have yet tobe found or are still consid-ered missing in action. Thebulk of those empty gravesare adorned with the namesof World War II soldiers.
But it’s not all about thepast, Schantag said. Thereare two American soldiersconsidered prisoners of war,according to the
Department of Defense asof November 2011. Themost recent at that time was25-year-old Army Sgt.Bowe Bergdahl, who wascaptured in Afghanistan bythe Taliban in July 2009.
“This young man wehave missing right nowcould be your little brother,”Schantag said in November.“You wonder what’s wrongwith the country; we can seea dime on the sidewalk withsatellite, but we can’t find asoldier we sent to war. If wecan’t find them from twoyears ago, how can we findthem from decades ago?”
Bergdahl has been seenon video several times sincehis capture.
“They are ignored in themedia,” Schantag said. “It’snot at the forefront unlessit’s your family. I can’timagine what it feels like tosee their son in captivity onvideotape over and over.”
Vietnam veteran BennyMulkey, of Jenkins, Okla.,said for the families ofPOWs and MIAs, evenfrom decades ago, it’s allabout closure.
“I come out to recognizeour MIAs and POWs whohaven’t returned,” Mulkeysaid. “Until they’re all
brought home, I’ll contin-ue.”
PRESERVINGMEMORIES
Tucked away in the redroof mall off Branson’s stripis a new museum of sortsdubbed the Veteran’s Wallof Heroes.
Founder TomGoldsworthy, who spent ayear in Vietnam during his21 years of military service,unveiled his “dream foryears” to an invitation-onlycrowd during the unveiling,but kept the doors open dur-ing Veterans Homecoming.
“I’ve had this stuff storedin my workshop,” he said,adding that many of thepieces came from the MikeRadford Hall of Heroes,formerly at the RadissonHotel. “I’ve also had peoplecall and give me footlockers
and things over the years.This is stuff I’ve wanted tofind a place for out there.It’s here for education, sopeople can bring their kidsin.”
Branson West MayorJohn Rhodes, whose cityheld its second annual vet-erans parade in 2011, wasamong several dignitaries atthe opening who spent timeperusing the hundreds ofphotographs and artifacts.
“This is wonderful,” hesaid as he spotted a photo-graph of a carrier he onceboarded during his servicein the Navy.
For more informationabout the Veterans Wall ofHeroes or to schedule atour, contact Goldsworthythrough the BransonVeterans Task Force at 417-337-8387.
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