VETERANS INCARCERATED
Banner and Certificate Presentation at Ramsey Unit, Rosharon, Texas
On Saturday, August 4th, the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, Texas held their monthly VA Meeting, but this was not a 'normal' meeting by any means. Several Veterans were being honored for their service to their Country by Silver Star Families of America!! The best way to describe this ceremony and the reaction of the Veterans (and Not just the recipients) is through the eyes of one of the men there in attendance.
"God Bless ALL the SSFOA people; what a good day this was! The meeting and ceremony went So well. As I wrote the Founders, Steve and Diana, think "best case scenerio" and know that it went even better than that. It just all fell into place, and we Veterans are so, so blessed to have outside people like you and SSFOA that care about us. This day was "special." Had you all been here afterwards and walked with me throughout the Unit you would see and experience with me how much this meant to the guys and how truly gracious they are, and understand that an "attempted thank you" letter can't even come close to conveying the depth of gratitude the guys (and myself) are feeling right now.
There was a speech made to the audience (140 Veterans and 10 guests) about the Mission Statement and History of SSFOA when a Certificate was displayed and was read to everyone. Then, Tim Swearengin, Co-leader of the Houston Outpost of Pointman International Ministries, and Gunny Vasquez, our main outside supporter and sponsor, came up to the podium. As each name of the Veterans was called out, they would come up to receive their Certificate from Tim and have a photo taken of them as they received their awarded honor. This went on through each Veteran with Tim shaking their hands, handing them their certificate, and posing for their photo. The entire audience would clap, whistle, and just make a "nice" commotion for each guy. Then the Veterans all went to stand along the flags at the side of the stage while the next man was called up. This went on until each and every guy to be honored was recognized and appreciated 'individually' by everyone, and as the last name, "Private" "Gunny" Margarito Vasquez, Korea/VietNam was called, the crowd went wild! After that, Steve Brewer, our photographer, took a Group Photo of all together and the audience gave them a standing ovation. As that was taking place, one of the recipients took the microphone and said how they appreciated everyone's efforts, and a huge round of applause was given. It's "You" - SSFOA - who truly deserve the accolades! It was just a wonderfully moving and touching ceremony, and each and every Veteran left the meeting with their heads held high and walking a little taller! Thank you, again, for the honor you bestowed on us, showing that there 'are' folks out there who remember and truly care about us Veterans!"
The Silver Stars will never forget any wounded Veteran
be they homeless or incarcerated. We are there.
MARINE DD DON DALTON
A SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF WHAT AN AMERICAN VETERAN IS:
"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve -
is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made
payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of "up to and including my life."
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no
longer understand it.
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HOMELESS VETERANS
Copyright 2005-2008
All Rights Reserved
The Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting the United States Wounded Military Members and Veterans from all wars, past and present, and honoring their sacrifice with Silver Star Banners.
Content within this web site is the sole property of The Silver Star Families of America
"All photos and letters sent to the SSFOA become the property of the organization to be used
in any way we deem appropriate."
SSFOA reserves the right to conduct the day to day business of the organization as they deem
appropriate. State Coordinators and Reps will be chosen at the discretion of
SSFOA National Headquarters.
SSFOA is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit public charity organization.
See your tax advisor.
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This is a Handpainted Mural on the wall of the gym where the Veterans hold their monthly meetings. I30 X 40 feet approx. Very well done by some talented people there at Ramsey
Volunteers visit Ramsey 4 to 5 times a year. They walk 'all' the time (hundreds of miles) to raise money for Veterans Groups, including Ramsey. They'd just returned from a walk from San Antonio to Brownsville, Texas and were presenting the Color Guard Commander with a new flag.
Banner and Certificate Presentation at Ramsey Unit, Rosharon, TX
