Vets & Soldiers

(NAPS)—Army veteran Ron Hope was piloting a helicopter in Vietnam to extract a company of soldiers, when he was shot down. His left brachial plexus—the network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the arm and hand—was crushed. He also broke both legs, suffered compound fractures in six vertebrae and had third-degree burns covering 55 percent of his body.

The Texas native was honorably discharged from the Army and turned his focus to recovery. He went on to enroll at Tarleton State University and dedicated 40 years to serving his fellow veterans. Each year on July 15, Hope hosts what he calls a “celebration of life” gathering to mark his Alive Day and remember the battle buddies he lost. “I met a lot of good people in Vietnam. Unfortunately, I don’t have many of them left, but I still remember them and those we left behind.”

Alive Days are now common among veterans who have survived catastrophic wartime injuries, whether visible or invisible. These special days mark the anniversary when they almost died serving their country. Many Vietnam-era veterans have reached 50 years’ worth of Alive Days. DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit charity that helps veterans get their benefits and services, honors those milestones through a new online series of articles and podcasts featuring Vietnam heroes.

Full story available in the Midlothian-Bremen Messenger

Four years ago, Petty Officer 3rd Class Devanté Jones joined the Navy for security and stability. He is now serving aboard USS Boxer.

“I felt like serving in the Navy would be able to put myself in a better position when I am ready to retire,” said Jones.

Jones is an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) who is responsible for serving as a first responder and putting out fires.

“My favorite part about my job is the constant movement on the flight deck,” said Jones. “It is fast paced whereas other rates are enclosed between walls.”

Jones is a 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep graduate and native of Chicago.

According to Jones, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chicago.

“Chicago taught me toughness,” said Jones. “Being on the flight deck you have to have tough skin.”

Full story available in all 14 Southwest Messenger Press Newspapers

Hometown Murray Auxiliary 9773, located at 9092 Main St. in Hometown, is hosting an Italian Nite on Saturday, February 15 at 4 p.m. There will be spaghetti with meatballs or sausage and Big Daddy’s famous shrimp scampi. 

Dinner includes salad, bread and butter and dessert. There will be entertainment by Dave Majestic and raffles. Fee is $10. All proceeds go to the Marvie Wisniewski Line Officer Fund. For more information, contact 708-422-9800.

Full story available in all 14 Southwest Messenger Press Newspapers

(NAPS)—If you would like to help a veteran, if you are a veteran who needs extra help, or know of one in your community, here’s good news. There’s a new, nationwide resource that makes it easy to match civic-minded individuals with those who need a little assistance. The database, called VolunteerforVeterans.org, was created by DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit charity that helps veterans get their benefits and services.

Here’s how it works. Veterans, as well as their caregivers, can use the site to seek assistance by entering the type of help they need, from basic tasks such as yardwork, help with errands or other services. Neighbors or friends who know of a veteran in need of help can step in to coordinate requests on their behalf. On the flip side, volunteers who are interested in giving their time can use the site to look for and respond to requests for help.

To find out about volunteering, or if you are a veteran in need of assistance, go to www.VolunteerforVeterans.org. 

Full story available in all 14 Messenger Newspapers