August
7

Lt. Gov to Welcome Purple Heart Truck in Branson

Posted In: Veterans by BroadcastBranson.com


Branson will welcome the Purple Heart Run truck, and its Purple Heart Recipient driver, on August 11, in a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel beginning at 11:00 AM. Participating in the ceremony will be Missouri’s Lieutenant Governor Michael L. Parson, Military Order of Purple Heart Public Relations Director, John Bircher and others. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony.

The Purple Heart Run is not actually a “running” event. It’s an 8,500-mile “run” of a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor truck, adapted to accommodate combat-wounded veterans who are paralyzed or have lost legs and/or arms. The Run is sponsored jointly by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) and has a two-fold purpose.

The first is to rally communities across America to thank our Nation’s military veterans. The second is to share the sponsor’s belief that “given the right vehicle for mobility, a combat-wounded veteran will have the freedom to live a productive and quality life with their family.”

Throughout the Purple Heart Run, the truck is being driven exclusively by amputee Purple Heart Veterans. It began on July 1, at the foot of the “Washington Monument” in our Nation’s capital. Visiting communities along the way, it has traveled across the nation to California and is visiting Branson on its way to Dallas, Texas and MOPH’s National Convention.

At the convention, the keys to the truck will be presented to U. S. Marine Sergeant (Ret.) Marshall Kennedy, a Purple Heart Recipient from Farmington, Arkansas, in a joint MOPH/WWFS ceremony on August 13. Sergeant Kennedy was on his fourth deployment when he lost both of his legs and sustained severe damage to his left arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sangin, Afghanistan on June 13, 2011.

MOPH appreciates the support and enthusiasm shown by all the Sponsors, MOPH Chapters and Departments, and the communities along the route the Purple Heart Run truck has traveled. “We are so honored to host the Purple Heart Truck Run in Branson this year and be part of a community that is so appreciative and supportive of Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients” said Randi McCormick, Senior Sales Manager for the Branson Tourism Center. “From the fueling and servicing of the truck by Tri Lakes Ford, to the donation of pies by “Branson’s Pie Man,” Linn Windle, and so much more, the support has been overwhelming,” she added.

For additional information on the Purple Heart Run Ceremony please call Randi at 1-800-268-4014.

View Video here

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

May
25

The public is invited to a special Memorial Day weekend ceremony on Saturday, May 27 at the Branson Veterans Memorial Museum. As part of this event, the museum will dedicate the recently located Vietnam Huey UH-1C helicopter in honor of Vietnam Veterans. The U.S. Army will be on-site with a display comprised of an armored Hummer & 6×6 truck. Additionally, this event will also pay tribute to Branson First Responders including police, fire, and EMTs with a special showing of the Mercy EC 135 Eurocopter air ambulance that will fly in and land adjacent to the Huey.
All veterans, residents, visitors, and students are invited to this special event beginning at 9 am with coffee & donuts Saturday, May 27, located at 1250 W 76 Country Blvd. Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:45 am following a performance by the cast of Branson’s newest show, “All Hands on Deck,” at 11:30 am.
Earlier this year, the Branson Veterans Memorial Museum restored the Huey UH-1C upon its retirement from the 118th Thunderbird 3rd Platoon “Bandits” and relocated it to its permanent resting place in Branson.
This event is free to the public, and guests of all ages are invited to attend. The museum will be open for touring and learning more about the relics of the Vietnam War on display throughout. Guests speakers include city of Branson dignitaries and museum spokespeople will present throughout the morning until 2 pm. Food & beverages will be available for purchase from 9 am to 11:30 am.

 

Huey UH-1C at the Branson Veterans Memorial Museum Photo Credit: Ozarks First-KOLR-10 News.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

November
15

Goldstar_Memorial
POINT LOOKOUT, MO. – College of the Ozarks will break ground for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Grove on the College campus. The public is invited to attend the brief ceremony.

The purpose of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is to honor Gold Star Families (those who have lost immediate family members killed in their service to the country), to preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free.

“We are honored to provide this Memorial for those who have lost loved ones who have been killed in service to our country,” said College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis. “They made a huge sacrifice for our freedom and should be properly recognized. We can never replace lost loved ones, but we can honor their memories and these families who have given so much.”

The Memorial on the College of the Ozarks campus is presented in cooperation with The Hershel Woody Williams Congressional Medal of Honor Education Foundation, Inc. This will be the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the state of Missouri.

Event program

The program will include comments from Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president of the College; the Presentation of Colors by the
C of O Bobcat Company Army ROTC; and the national anthem, played by the College of the Ozarks Concert Band. Two special guests, both World War II Veterans who served in Iwo Jima, also will address those gathered — Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, chancellor of the University of Richmond, and Hershel Woody Williams, Medal of Honor recipient.

Heilman, 90, tours cross-country on his motorcycle, visiting memorials throughout the U.S. In addition to his experiences and travels as a Marine in World War II in the South Pacific and Japan, he has covered more than 140 countries as he has escorted travel groups abroad annually for more than 30 years. He became chancellor at the University of Richmond in 1988, after serving as president and chief executive officer for approximately 17 years. Prior to this, Heilman had served as president of Meredith College, beginning in 1966.

Hershel Woody Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman for his actions on the island of Iwo Jima in February 1945.

The Hershel Woody Williams Congressional Medal of Honor Education Foundation, Inc. was established in 2010 and is a charitable 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Williams. The Foundation encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the country and provides scholarships to eligible Gold Star Children. Its purpose is to honor Gold Star Families, relatives, and Gold Star Children who have sacrificed a loved one in the service of their country.

“Heroes are those who paid the final sacrifice with their life,” Williams said. “Those are the true heroes. This Monument pays tribute and honors the families of those who sacrificed one or more of their loved ones in the armed forces for our freedoms.”

Memorial description

The black granite monument will feature two sides. One side will bear the following inscription: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Mothers, Fathers, and Relatives who have sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.

The other side tells a story through the four granite panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice. The scenes on each panel are a reflection of each community’s Gold Star Families and their fallen heroes. At the center of this tribute is the most distinct feature of the Monument, the cut out which represents the loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. College of the Ozarks seniors Katherine Yung, art education major, and Emma Carter, studio art/graphic design major, will help design the four panels.

More about Gold Star Families

The Department of Defense presents one of two lapel pins to Gold Star Family members. The pins are worn by the survivors to recognize their sacrifices and as a way for others to pay tribute to them. The first pin is the Gold Star Lapel Pin, which was established by Congress in 1947 and is presented to spouses and family members of service members killed in combat. The second pin is the Next of Kin Lapel Pin, which is presented to immediate family members of service members who die while serving outside of combat operations. This pin features a gold star on a gold background.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

August
26

911atCollegeoftheOzarks
College of the Ozarks will honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack with a special ceremony on Monday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m., at the “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial, located next to the C of O Fire Department on the College of the Ozarks campus on James Forsythe Drive.

The official commemoration will be held on Monday to allow C of O and S of O students to attend and give honor and respect to those who have died in defense of this country and for the safety of its citizens. Their attendance serves as part of their educational experience.

The College invites all area emergency personnel, first responders, and the general public to participate in the brief ceremony on Monday.

“This year, we are honoring those who fought in the War on Terror after 9/11,” said Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities.

The College will honor Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief (SEAL) Thomas Arthur Ratzlaff, who was killed when a coalition CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2011. Ratzlaff was assigned to an East Coast based Special Warfare Unit. He was on his 12th deployment in support of the War on Terror with nine previous deployments to Afghanistan and one to Iraq.

Ratzlaff is from Green Forest, Arkansas. Family members of Ratzlaff, including his mother and sister, Nancy Ann (Anderson) Ratzlaff and Julie Adams, will raise the 9/11 flag as part of the solemn ceremony.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, approximately 3,000 American flags will be displayed on the Alumni Lawn at the front entrance of the campus.

More about the Memorial

The memorial contains one of the remaining remnants of the World Trade Center structure, and the steel column is a permanent part of the memorial.

Retired police officer Tommy McHale donated the mangled piece of steel column from the World Trade Center. McHale wanted to honor the 37 fallen men and women officers from the Port Authority for New York and New Jersey who perished on 9/11.

The structure is referred to as “St. Michael’s 37.” St. Michael is considered the patron saint of police officers and represents strength to face the threat of evil and imminent danger.

For additional information, contact Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities, at (417) 690-2232.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

May
19
M Schantag
info@pownetwork.org
P.O.W. NETWORK
417-336-4232
pownetwork.org
102 Vixen Circle
Branson, MO   65616

Branson’s lavish resort, Chateau on the Lake, will be the venue once again for the 20th Anniversary Military Gala & Banquet, November 9, 2016 hosted by the POW Network.

Over its long running history, the military salute has honored veterans from all eras and highlighted unique military occupations, such as the Army Nurse Corps, Military Chaplains, Special Ops and Vietnam helicopter pilots. The theme this year is “those that have gone before us.”

The evening, patterned after a dining out, is open to the public. It starts at 5:00 pm with a cash bar cocktail hour and dancing by “Party to Go” owned by a United States Air Force Master Sergeant retired and his wife. Portraits are available through SwiftShots.

The main hall salute opens with traditional Posting of the Colors, a candlelight POW/MIA service, military toasts with wine on the tables, followed by dinner. Outdoor fireworks are scheduled for intermission. The 2nd half opens with a recognition of sponsors and then the presentation of annual awards. The evening salute ends with a unique tribute to the fallen. Dancing will close the evening out.

During the evening, birthdays for the Armed Forces will be recognized, and United States Marines will participate in the annual Marine Corps birthday celebration as the Corps turns 241 years old. Last year’s Commandants message reminded Marines that the “watch of the each Marine in not confined to the time he spends on active duty. It lasts as long as he is “proud to bear the title of United States Marine.” Attendees truly bear witness to that statement.

Members of the 4th Infantry (IVY) Division, several former Prisoner of War, and a group of veterans from North Dakota as well as a number of former special ops (Special Forces, Army Rangers, and Navy SEALs) will be attending.

Chateau on the Lake is located at 415 N State Hwy 265, Branson, MO. There are special room rates for Gala attendees available by calling the Chateau directly (417) 334-1161.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

May
16

GUMI (Glad You Made It) Camp USA, a healing retreat for veterans, is proud to host special guest, Jessica Lynch, America’s fist female Army POW, to speak at the opening ceremonies of the 2nd Annual GUMI Fest 2016, on Saturday, May 28th at 10 am. Forsyth’s Junior Marine ROTC will be presenting and participating in the opening ceremonies and closing on Monday, May 30th at 3 pm.

Other events over the course of the Memorial 3-day Weekend include:

  • Dedication of Chapel Woods III in honor of Brigadier General Philip J Conion, USAF/ANG Chaplain on Sunday 29th.
  • Hourly Hayride Tours of the camp
  • Kids’ Korner GAmes
  • Animal Petting Zoo
  • Food
  • auction throughout the weekend
  • Live Music Daily
  • Special memorial to the fallen including a 21-gun salute and Taps on Monday, May 30th.

Address: 267 MoArk Rd Cedarcreek, Missouri 65627

Directions: Head to Forysth, Turn onto Hwy M, and FOLLOW THE GUMI Camp USA signs.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

April
28

bruce-heilman

May 2, 2016- The College of the Ozarks will host A Patriotic Tribute – A Solider’s Journey to welcome Dr. Bruce Heilman Monday, May 2, at 9:00 am. The public is welcome to attend and will take place at The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Heilman will stop at the C of O on Monday  as part of a cross-country motorcycle tour to visit memorials throughout the U.S.

Dr. Heilman is 89 years old and served his Nation as a Marine in World War II in the South Pacific and Japan. He has covered more than 140 countries as he has escorted travel groups abroad annually for more than 30 years, and is a member of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club International.

For more information please contact Valerie Coleman, public relations director, at 417-690-2212.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

November
2

Veterans Week In Branson 2015

Posted In: Branson, Veterans by BroadcastBranson.com


photo_11630

Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, beginning November 5 and running through November 11, is a special and exciting time for Branson. It is a special, dedicated opportunity to honor Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel, and their families in a way that goes above beyond Branson’s recognition of them on a daily basis. There are a large number of events this year; you’ll find details on each here on this dedicated web page.

Branson Veterans Week

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

May
21

Date: May 23, 2014 – May 26, 2014

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as “The Wall,” will be on display and open to the public for viewing at the Welk Resort Branson during the 2014 Memorial Day Weekend May 23-26, 2014.

Though the Welk Resort has displayed “The Wall” for the past 17 years during the Veteran’s Homecoming Celebration in November, this will be the first time the memorial has been erected for Memorial Day.

The official, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lists the names of those who gave their lives during the Vietnam War, and is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall is available for public viewing during daylight hours May 23-26. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding specific names.

The Welk Resort Branson

Set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains The Welk Resort Branson is a full service resort that includes 159 newly renovated rooms, a 2200 seat theatre, restaurant and lounge with poolside and room service, daily, planned activities for the whole family, concierge, fitness and game rooms, free mini golf and The Splash-A-Torium: the 10,000 square foot on-site, indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub and water attraction. From the beautiful landscaping to the gracious staff, The Welk Resort Branson has it all.

Location: Welk Resort

Address:
1984 Missouri 165
Branson, MO 65616

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

November
18

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, is a day to remember and honor all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. At 7:55am around 200 Japanese aircraft crews attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, leaving nearly 3,000 dead. The US Pacific Fleet that was anchored there was nearly destroyed along with 200 US aircraft on the ground destroyed. This attack on Pearl Harbor caused the US to enter into World War II, declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and approved by Congress on Dec 8, 1941. The flag of the United States in flown at half-staff until sunset in honor of the fallen patriots.

Branson will hold a special ceremony to commemorate “The day that will live in infamy”. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:15 am at Main Street Lake Cruises at the Branson Landing. We will honor and remember the fallen with a prayer, the ringing of a bell, and laying of a wreath in the water of Lake Taneycomo. This is a FREE event and the public is welcome. Guests are encouraged to park in the Belk’s parking lot area. A free shuttle will be available to escort you to the event.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.