CenTex Paratroopers to host special showing of The Longest Day

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

A newly chartered veterans’ organization in Central Texas is looking to educate youth as well as bring awareness of the contributions of paratroopers in our military history. 

The CenTex Paratroopers, the Andrews-Bostick-Grimes Central Texas “All Airborne” Chapter, is the local chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division, and will be hosting a special showing of the film “The Longest Day” at the Cove Theater, on Tuesday June 6. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the movie at 6:30 p.m.

The classic film highlights the accomplishments of WWII Allied paratroopers who jumped and flew gliders into Normandy 89 years ago, on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day. 

“We want you to join us for a night of fun, revisiting history via the magic of film and meeting paratroopers of all ages and experiences,” said CPT R.A. “Rick” Briggs, Jr. USA, Ret. “See static displays, meet reenactors in period replica uniforms, and have opportunities to ask questions from real ‘Soldiers from the Skies’.”

Briggs said the movie fundraiser is to showcase our military history, honor the Airborne, and connect generations with paratroopers in our greater Central Texas area. 

The Cove Theater is located at 111 W. Avenue D in Copperas Cove.

The Central Texas All Airborne Chapter, 82nd Airborne Association is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, based in Copperas Cove. 

The chapter meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Harker Heights VFW post at 11 a.m. 

For more information about the group, visit https://centexparatroopers.org/.