HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED – Veterans in Wise County have many opportunities to be active in groups. Above, Wayne Hartley plays taps during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Wise County Veterans Park in Decatur. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
- 205 N. State St., Decatur
- (940) 627-2470
The Veterans Service Office helps county veterans acquire benefits through the Veterans Administration. These benefits include education, money, home loans and monthly compensation. Employees at the VSO serve as mediators who file claims and represent Wise County veterans before the VA regional office in Waco.
The office is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday.
WISE COUNTY VETERANS GROUP
The aging of American veterans resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of veteran deaths, and the honors of a graveside salute and flag presentation by uniformed sevice personnel became difficult for the government to provide. This became a task veterans organizations, such as the Wise County Veterans Group, proudly began performing.
Founding members of the Wise County Veterans Group signed the original bylaws Jan. 19, 2000. More than five years later, on Feb. 22, 2005, the WCVG registered as a non-profit corporation.
In addition to saluting the fallen, the WCVG meets at 8 a.m. every Saturday for breakfast, takes part in Veterans Day parades and banquets, hosts welcome home celebrations and makes flag presentations.
Fields Richardson, a Navy fighter pilot whose service spanned the Vietnam War through the Gulf War, is unit commander.
For information on the Wise County Veterans Group, including meeting locations, visit its website at www.wisecountyveterans.org.
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
- Albert Sidney Johnston Camp No. 983
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is an organization that preserves the history and ancestry of Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The Albert Sidney Johnston Camp No. 983 meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur, 201 E. Main St.
The organization sets the iron “Confederate crosses” at the gravesites of Confederate soldiers throughout the county. In addition, they honor the fallen throughout Confederate Soldier month in April and participate in community organizations such as the Relay for Life and Old Settlers Reunion.
Commander is H.L. Ross.
SCV was founded in Richmond, Va., in 1896 to serve as a historical, patriotic and non-political organization dedicated to ensuring that the history and significance of the years 1861-1865 are preserved.
WISE COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
- 405 N. Trinity St., Decatur
The Wise County Veterans Group planned, designed, managed and completed the Wise County Veterans Memorial Park with the help of community contributions. Ground was broken June 3, 2003, and the park was dedicated Nov. 11, 2005.
The Path of Sacrifice and Valor, beginning at the Ash Street entrance of the park, is lined by 18 bronze plaques on stone pillars that trace America’s war history from the American Revolution to today. An eternal flame, a symbol of the sacrifice needed to pay for eternal vigilance and the defense of freedoms, is at the center of the park. The names of about 2,000 veterans are etched into the bricks that form the pathways across the park.
The park is owned by the city of Decatur. It is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ALVORD
- Veterans Memorial Park
Elm Creek Park
1078 Business 81/287 East
CHICO
- Flag pole on the square installed by the chamber of commerce is dedicated to veterans and active military.
PARADISE
- Veterans Memorial Park
Main Street
RHOME
- Veterans Memorial Park
Corner of Virginia Lane and Second Street
OTHER VETERAN GROUPS
- Daughters of the American Revolution
Meet 10 a.m. third Saturday at Wise County Heritage Museum
Sally Pegues
(940) 627-5452 - Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 70
2801 FM 51 South, Decatur
Meet 7 p.m. second Thursday
Bobby Harris
(940) 389-7533 - North Texas Honor Guard
204 Lake Road, Bridgeport
Meet 5 p.m. second and fourth Monday
Bobby Harris
(940) 389-7533 - Wise County Veterans Council
2801 FM 51 South, Decatur
Meet 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday
Jerry Harris
(940) 389-3049 - County-Based Outpatient Clinic
808 W. Woodrow Wilson
Ray Circle, Bridgeport
located in the east wing of the Family Clinic
(940) 683-2538
