Branson Bugle Fall 2015 by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Fall 2015 - Vol. 13, No. 2

Veterans honored in Branson BY LAUREN HEALEY BRANSON TRI-LAKES NEWS

                                                                         

Veterans Homecoming November 5-11 ExploreBranson.com/veterans 

FREE ADMISSION FOR OUR VETERANS

Lauren Healey | Branson Tri-Lakes News

Darlene and Van Daugherty of Walnut Shade see a loved one's name on the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall during Veterans Homecoming last year.

VETERANS HOMECOMING 2015 THROUGHOUT THE WEEK ◆ Branson Veterans Task Force, Nov. 5-10, Veterans Village at Ballparks of America Complex, 1000 Pat Nash Dr. Call 417-3378387 or go to BransonVeterans.com • Veteran Registry,Tactical Operations & Vendor Village — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5-9, to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 • Day Room — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5-10 • Mess Hall — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5-9 • Walls of Heroes — same hours as Vendor Village • Reveille & Retreat — 8:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. Nov. 6-10 ◆ Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall opens daily at 10 a.m. at Welk Resort. ◆ Branson Veterans Events & Reunions Registration 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Branson Mill Craft Village on Gretna Road. Souvenir buttons and T-shirts available. NOVEMBER 5 Opening Ceremony for Vietnam Wall 10 a.m. at Welk Resort featuring Lennon Sisters and Vietnam veteran Marine Barry Werner. Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Branson Star Theatre, 3440 West Hwy. 76, Branson. No reservations required, Open seating. FREE to veterans and their families. Vets for Vets Celebration Show 2 p.m. at Baldknobbers Theater. 2835 W. 76 Country Blvd. in Branson. Open seating format first-come, first-served basis. NO TICKETS REQUIRED - FREE. Donations accepted. NOVEMBER 6 Remembrance Service POW/MIA service at the Welk Resort Branson outside at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. 8 a.m. For info, contact the P.O.W. Network. Sponsored by Welk Resort Branson. 417-336-4232 Book Signing "A Soldiers Silent Prayer" the survival story of Phil Coon, written by his son Michael Coon.A tale of tragedy and triumph, as he overcame insurmountable odds to survive the Bataan Death March and 3 1/2 years as a POW. 10 a.m. Military & BB Gun Museum, 3619 W Hwy 76, 417-239-0719. Tree Planting Veterans Grove Memorial Tree Planting, 11 a.m. at College of the Ozarks front lawn. Veterans’ Spouses Luncheon 12 p.m.-2p.m. At Shindigs Restaurant next to Mickey Gilley's Theatre. Free to veterans’ spouses. Thank you for holding down the Homefront. Event is co-sponsored by Sarah Hord, Dee Elledge, and the Ozark Mt. Blue Star Mothers. RSVP Required Call 800-848-5432. Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. NOVEMBER 7 Sporting Clays Shoot 8:30 a.m. at Ozark Shooter Sports Complex, 759 US Hwy 65. Pre-register by October 29 and be entered into a special drawing. Fees include 100 targets, lunch, drawing for door prizes. Furnish your own shells. Shotguns are available to rent for $10. Proceeds go toward the purchase of a second SoloRider golf cart for veterans who are incapacitated from the waist down. $65 if registered and paid by October 29, $75 after October 29. Registration forms are available at Ozark Shooters or online at www.bransonveteransevents.com or call 417-230-2278.

Page 2 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

Musical Fun with Twang Twang is an all girl musical string band — fiddle, mandolin, claw hammer banjo, bass and vocals. Ages 10-12 years of age. They are delightful, talented, and will warm your heart as you hear that natural sound at 10 a.m and 2 p.m. at Veterans Military Museum, 1250 W 76 Country Blvd, 417-336-2300.

Flag Retirement Ozarks Trail Council Troop 200 will be doing a ceremony to retire torn and tattered flags at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Museum at 1250 76 Country Blvd, 417-336-2300. Join in the ceremony or drop off your flags anytime and the museum will include them in the ceremony. NOVEMBER 10

Women Veterans Mini Reunion 4 p.m. at Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center on Green Mountain Dr., which is graciously sponsoring the event. Honoring those women who served this country to preserve our Freedom. FREE to veterans and their families. RSVP by Nov. 1: 417-230-2278 NOVEMBER 8 Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion 8-10:30 a.m. at Mel's Hard Luck Diner in the Grand Village. Event is co-sponsored by Dee Elledge, Sarah Hord, and the Ozark Mt. Blue Star Mothers. Contact Dee Elledge at elledgedee@yahoo.com. Tribute to Veterans Sunday Worship Service The Doug Gabriel Theater, 3750 W. 76 Country Blvd., will play host to the Barbara Fairchild Sunday Worship Service Tribute to Veterans at 10 a.m. with no admission charge.Visit BarbaraFairchild.com or call 417-334-6400. Women Veterans Luncheon and Rose Petal Ceremony The 12th Annual Tribute to Women Veterans, noon to 2 p.m., Jungle Room, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center,. Rose Petal ceremony and Women Veterans Appreciation gathering. Both are FREE to women veterans. Those not female active military/veterans pay $10 for the luncheon. Call Brenda Meadows at 417-337-8387. RSVP if attending. Vietnam Veterans Mini-Reunion Clay Cooper Theatre, noon-5 p.m. Optional reservations at 10 a.m. “Red, Hot & Blue!” show secures seats. Lunch served. 417-338-4048. Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers Afternoon desserts, 2-4 p.m. at Shindigs next to Mickey Gilley's Theatre. Blue Star Mothers have children currently serving or are living veterans. Gold Star Mothers have lost their children in military service. Silver Star Mothers’ children have been severely injured in military service. RSVP by Nov. 1 to bsmmo2@aol.com or 417-272-0630. NOVEMBER 9 19th Annual Military Gala & Banquet Branson’s longest running formal military tribute ball at Chateau on the Lake is hosted by P.O.W. Network from 511 p.m. Tickets $55. Call 417-336-4232. Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion 2-5 p.m. at Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, 3050 Green Mountain Dr. Refreshments, entertainment, door prizes and speakers FREE to veterans and their families. 417-230-2278 or bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com Transition Assistance Col. Michele Hovland, U.S. Army retired, will be speaking on ways families can assist their veterans as they return home and into society, especially if the veteran has PTSD, at 10 a.m. at the Military & BB Gun Museum, 3619 W Hwy 76, 417-239-0719.

Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans 9 a.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 1101 Branson Hills Parkway. Come and experience the fun, fellowship, and great "chow" prepared by the Wal-Mart truck drivers as a thank you for your service and sacrifice. This event is co-supported by Ozarks Mountain Blue Star Mothers. For information email elledgedee@yahoo.com. Branson Fundraiser For the benefit of the DAV and other charities, this event is scheduled 11 a.m. to closing at Doc’s Hickory Roadhouse, 892 S. State Road 165, Branson. Local celebrities appear at the restaurant and entertain and mingle with the guests.Ten percent of the gross sales and all tips are donated to the Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club for distribution to the DAV and other charities. Come help us celebrate veterans and raise money for the local DAV. For questions, call Marsha at 417-334-8172. Veterans Memorial Museum 15th anniversary celebration FREE Cake & Coffee celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Veterans Memorial Museum will be available from 3-5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Museum, 1250 W 76 Country Blvd, 417-336-2300. Railway to Heaven A play based on the book “Miracle in the Ozarks” by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. “A true story of an Ozarks WWII POW” Powerful and touching story of a true American hero, Pfc. Roy Hopper showing at Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks. NOVEMBER 11 Meet-and-Greet Tom Van Hees has written many books regarding assistance for veterans’ compensation for service-connected disabilities and injuries. He is also a seminar speaker and one-on-one counselor. This is his passion, so stop and talk to Tom at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Museum, 1250 W 76 Country Blvd, 417-336-2300. Veterans Day Parade The annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Branson is presented at 11 a.m. by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913.Visit http://www.bransonvva913.com/ for parade application. “All Hands On Deck!” Closing Show “All Hands On Deck!”, one of America’s most patriotic shows, returns to the Branson Star Theatre at 3 p.m. with donations to benefit the Branson DAV #68.This two-act musical revue features 42 of the greatest American songs ever written, the live Hollywood Victory Caravan Orchestra and a musical message for all Americans. Free show open to the public; donations appreciated. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Showtime: 3 p.m.Wednesday, Nov 11, at the Branson Star Theatre, 3750 W. Hwy 76. AllHandsOnDeckShow.com. Free Dinner on Veterans Day Golden Corral, Shepherd of the Hills Expwy.Veterans Eat Free starting at 5 p.m., with proof of service.

The Branson Bugle

courtesy of “All Hands On Deck!”

‘All Hands On Deck!’ show returns to Branson ALL HANDS ON DECK!

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                                  

                                               

courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force

Walls of Heroes at Veterans Village BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE                                          

The Branson Bugle

                       

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 3

Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony welcomes pilot/nurse Amy Dawson BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE                                                   

photos courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force

Amy Dawson stands by Catfish Air on Camp Anaconda.

                                                                                                                        

WWII Army veteran Emma Pogge, 102, places red rose petals in water at the annual Branson Veterans Task Force Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony and Luncheon. The 2014 annual event marked Pogge’s 10th year in attendance, but it would be her last. She died on Jan. 2, 2015.

Amy Dawson in flight.

Women veterans invited to ride Ducks in parade POW NETWORK

courtesy of POW Network

Page 4 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

     

The Branson Bugle

BVTF focuses on Branson’s heart toward veterans BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE                                                             

                                                                                                    

courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force

Branson Veterans Task Force Chairperson Brenda Meadows presents a one-of-a-kind ''Veteran of the Decade'' award to Gregg Schnapp upon his retirement in February. Schnapp served 10 years on the board, several as coordinator of Vendor Village. Schnapp passed away July 31, 2015.                      

                     

The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 5

4th Infantry Division gathers 

photos courtesy of Ozarks Kirkwood Tour & Travel

What’s new for veterans ... Shindigs SARAH HORD                            

Page 6 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

ELMER WISCHMEIER

                                                  

Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion at Mel’s Diner Nov. 8 DEE ELLEDGE & SARAH HORD                        

The Branson Bugle

Homefront Shootout winners tallied 

POW NETWORK

                                                                                              

photos courtesy of POW Network

                     Rifle with scope                                  

The Branson Bugle

Rifle with iron sights                    Pistol semi auto            Revolver     Shotgun pump and semi auto    

                                                          

             

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Patriotic Welcome at Star Theatre BRANSON VETERANS EVENTS & REUNIONS                

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                                                                                                                                                                                       

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Juan A. Bee.                                                                                                                                                            

The Branson Bugle

3rd Annual Branson Military Film Festival BRANSON IMAX ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                          

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Sporting Clays Shoot slated for November 7 

BRANSON VETERANS EVENTS & REUNIONS

                                                              

The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 9

Nineteen galas and counting 

Above, the Marine Corps birthday was celebrated with the traditional cake cutting. Below, the Hughes Brothers.

POW NETWORK

                                                                                

Above, Nashville’s R icky Lee. Below, LeCroy Sisters.

photos courtesy of POW Network

Lest we forget POW NETWORK                                                              

Page 10 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

                                        

courtesy of POW Network

The Branson Bugle

Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers busy making Christmas boxes to send to troops

Veterans Spouses Luncheon

OZARK MOUNTAIN BLUE STAR MOTHERS

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                                                                                                            

DEE ELLEDGE & SARAH HORD

courtesy of Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers

                               

                              

                                             

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The Branson Bugle

Newly Renovated Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate Of Excellence (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) 100% Non-Smoking & 100% Pet Free Elevator/Lift Free Delicious Hot Breakfast In Our Famous Bon Appétit Bistro Free High Speed Wireless Internet & Local Calls King & Queen Beds With Premium Denver Pillowtop Mattresses Extremely Quiet Soundproof & Comfortable Rooms Handicapped Accessible Rooms With Walk-In Or Roll-In Showers Large 40-Inch HDTV’s In All Rooms Refrigerators & Microwaves In All Rooms Coffee & Tea Makers & Hair Dryers In All Rooms Iron & Ironing Board In All Rooms Guest Laundry & Ice & Vending Machine Fitness Center Business Center Large Outdoor Pool, Sun Deck & Gazebos

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 11

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Page 12 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

The Branson Bugle

Dream Riders visit Branson GATHERINGS PLUS                                                       

                 Pam   Brown                 

                                                                                        

◆        

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The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 13

Barbara Fairchild joins 2015 Vets for Vets Celebration

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BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE

                                                                        

           photos courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force         Barbara Fairchild will be featured at the annual Vets for  Vets Celebration at Baldknobbers Theater at 2 p.m. on                  Nov. 5. There will be no tickets issued for the show, free to        veterans and their families. It is an open seating event:  first-come, first-seated. Call 417-337-8387.                                      

Army veteran Jon Sousan and Bucky Heard, members of the new Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute show “Bad Moon Risin’,” will perform with the group at the 2015 Vets for Vets Celebration.

Page 14 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

The Nov. 5 Vets for Vets Celebration show at 2 p.m. at Baldknobbers Theater will include Gordy and Debbie’s award-winning “A Tribute to George Strait.”

The Branson Bugle

Veterans Memorial Museum celebrates 15 years VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM                                                                                                                                     

             

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www.BWandSDC.com

417-338-2141

417-338-4048



Nationwide Military Reunion Planning Service www.ReunionPro.com

1ST CLASS FLEET 1ST CLASS DRIVERS 1ST CLASS SERVICE Groups of 10 or more for Branson area transportation.

417-239-4492

www.1stClassShuttleService.com The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 15

Volunteers become veterans of Veterans Village 

courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force

Carol and Vietnam veteran Ken Slawson stand near a table of donations they brought to Veterans Village day room.

BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE

                                                         

                                                                      



At The

 Sunday, Nov. 8th



Barbara Fairchild

10am Sunday Mornings At The Doug Gabriel Theater NO ADMISSION CHARGE

417-334-6400 www.Barbara Fairchild.com 3750 W. Hwy. 76, Next To Olive Garden

Page 16 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

The Branson Bugle

Vietnam Era Reunion changes location GATHERINGS PLUS                                            Pam         Brown                                

file photo | Branson Tri-Lakes News

“Red, Hot and Blue!” is offering a special ticket price of $10 per person for Vietnam Era Reunion attendees.                          

VVA thriving VVA CHAPTER 913                                                                                   

                                                                                                         

The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 17

DAV Chapter 68 continues to grow COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT                                                                                  

VETERAN CITY CHAPTER 68, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

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                                                                                                                           BENEFITS ASSISTANCE                       TRANSPORTATION         

Veteran City Chapter 68 transportation vans.

photos courtesy of Veteran City Chapter 68, Disabled American Veterans

Veteran City Chapter 68 Commander Del Leath, left, accepts the Department Of Missouri, DAV, volunteer commendation on behalf of Chuck Dudley (most volunteer transportation miles driven in the state), from State Adjutant Michael Elmore during the Department of Missouri Convention held last April in Jefferson City.                                                MOBILE SERVICE OFFICE                                      HOMELESS VETERANS INITIATIVE     

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                                      DAV AUXILIARY UNIT                                                                                   

UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                    MONTHLY MEETINGS                                             CONTACTS                

The Branson Bugle

Women’s Mini Reunion moves to Stone Castle BY LYNDEE LIPPER • BRANSON VETERANS EVENTS & REUNIONS

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                                             

                                          

file photo | Branson Tri-Lakes News

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The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 19

Branson joins nation in remembering

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courtesy of POW Network

Tristan from the Gitsham family

POW NETWORK

                                                                                                                   

photos courtesy of Branson Veterans Task Force

Left, Vietnam Vets of America Chapter 913 members Mike Boswell and past president Bob Sarver visit with a Vietnam vet tourist who stopped by their booth at Branson's Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Right, the Branson Veterans Task Force decorates its Autumn Daze booth in patriotic colors.                                     

                                

Page 20 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

The Branson Bugle

VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS 2015 REUNIONS                         

                              

                            

REUNIONS continued on page 22

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The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 21

VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS                                                                   

Page 22 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans

                                                            

2016 REUNIONS                                                          

The Branson Bugle

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The Branson Bugle

ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 23

PRESORTEDSTANDARD STANDARD PRESORT US POSTAGE US POSTAGEPAID BLACC/CVB

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1897 Branson, MO 65615

PAID BLACC/CVB

Ghost Army -- Meet the Director Rick Beyer We Answered The Call: Building the Crown Jewel of Afghanistan -- Meet the Producers, Col. James Wilhite,USAR (Ret.) and Scott Holmgren MONDAY, NOV. 9 We Answered The Call: Building the Crown Jewel of Afghanistan -- Meet the Producers, Col. James Wilhite,USAR (Ret.) and Scott Holmgren TUESDAY, NOV. 10 Honor In The Valley of the Tears - Meet the Producer, John A. Ponsoll WEDNESDAY., NOV. 11 Honor In The Valley of the Tears - Meet the Producer, John A. Ponsoll 8:30 A.M. EACH MORNING -- GENERAL SEATING -- BOX OFFICE OPENS 7:30 A.M.

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FRIDAY, NOV. 6 SATURDAY, NOV. 7

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The Branson Bugle