Star Group - Veterans Helping Veterans preps for celebration

By KATHLEEN STARLING Cove Leader-Press Star Group - Veterans Helping  eterans (SG-VHV) held their monthly meeting Saturday at noon Approximately 70 attended with over a dozen first-time guests. President Jonathan Haywood took time to allow each guest to introduce themselves and tell what brought them to the meeting. “We’re problem solvers in Star Group,” said Haywood. SG - VHV is gearing up for their 7th Annual Independence Day Celebration to be held Saturday, June 27 at the Copperas cove Civic Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The group invites all veterans, the community and their families out   or an afternoon of free food, drinks, games, and entertainment. Haywood warned, “Come early if you want a seat.” The group expects more than 1,000 people and plans to serve food until they run out. In addition to food, fun and  games, the group plans to have the Purple Heart Wall on display at the Civic Center. the Purple Heart Wall, being brought from San Antonio for the celeb ration, will have the name of every known soldier from Texas lost in  Iraq and Afghanistan. SG - VHV will also have a boothat the Army Birthday Celebration to be Saturday in downtown Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Haywood strongly encouraged members and guests to register to vote and get involved in the community and community organizations, saying people need to be involved to know what is happening and the effects it will have on individuals.  SG - VHV does not endorse any political candidates, but recognizes that large numbers of registered voters can help to sway sitting politicians to listen to  concerns and needs. Haywood added, “We’re greater in numbers.” In an effort to clear up any confusion, Haywood said, “You don’t have to be a member to get help and you don’t have to need help to be a member.” PCSI Vice-President of Operations and Business Development Keith Walker and Public Affairs Manager Jamie Edgmon were on hand to present SG - VHV with a check for $3,000. PCSI provides dining facility services  nd administrative services to the Department of Emergency Services, and is a large employer of disabled American veterans. In addition to the monetary donation, current and former employees of PCSI will be volunteering their time and services at the Independence Day Celebration, and a meat smoker will be provided for the event. “Star Group is one of, if not the best, organization helping veterans,” Walker said.  The group would also like to remind members and the community they will be closed June 30 - July 6 to allow ample time to spend with family over the holiday, and that there will be no meeting in the month  f July.Once again, in an effort to help veterans, Haywood provided the phone number to check the status of VA Disability claims as 1-800-827-1000 ext. 110. For further information about the Independence Day Celebration Jonathan Haywood can be contacted at 254-681-8029. For more information about SG - VHV go to www.stargroup-veteranshelpingveterans.org.