Star Group – VHV to hold 9th annual Independence Day picnic

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press 

The entire community is invited to attend the 9th annual Independence Day Picnic hosted by Star Group – Veterans Helping Veterans at the Copperas Cove Civic Center on Saturday from 11 a.m.  until 3 p.m.

Doors open at 10 a.m., with the group expecting more than 1,000 to attend the free event, which is funded and executed with the support of sponsors and volunteers from Copperas Cove and beyond. 

This year, there will be free door prize drawings for a 50-inch flat screen TV, a grill, a patio swing and more. 

In addition to the free food and door prize drawings, there will be a bounce house for the kids, Rolling Video Games of Killeen, and a Veterans Mobile Assistance Van.

Star Group – VHV began holding the annual picnic on the weekend prior to the Fourth of July weekend in an effort to honor those who serve and have served the United States and stood for freedom. The community is invited to attend, regardless of veteran status. 

On Friday afternoon, the Purple Heart Traveling Wall will arrive in Copperas Cove and will be escorted via a special motorcade along Business 190, then onto Avenue D on the way to the Civic Center, where it will remain veiled until the event on Saturday. 

The wall bears the photos and names of all Texas soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Purple Heart.

Star Group – VHV has enlisted the help of area sponsors who have stepped up to help make the picnic possible. Premier corporate sponsors include PCSI, Century 21 & JR Herring Rentals, National United Bank of Copperas Cove, Ted Smith Law Group, Linnenman Realty, Scott’s Funeral Home, All American Chevrolet, and AFGE Local 1920 & District 10.

Event platinum sponsors include the City of Copperas Cove, Walmart of Copperas Cove, Walmart of Killeen, Walmart of Harker Heights, Sam’s Club, and Pepsi.

Event gold sponsors include Minuteman Press and Operation Phantom Support.

Silver sponsors include Lil’ Tex Restaurant, Bill French Jewelers, A Cut Above Lawn Service, Oliver Transmission, and Central Texas College.