American Veterans are one of the most important members of our society. The AMVETS Post 133 supports our veterans, communities, and our children in all they do. This nationally recognized group of men and women do countless selfless acts daily even after serving our country. On June 1, 2021, our Mineral Wells Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted a remarkable meeting for the AMVETS that presented awards, scholarships, and the swearing-in of members.
Len Wood tells us a brief history of this organization, “AMVETS was formed in 1947 after World War II was over. It began because there were people being left out of organizations like the VFW and the American Legion. For reasons, such as they had only completed their service in the United States that didn’t qualify for the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. The only single requirement to join the AMVETS is that you are honorably discharged.” This group accepts all veterans no matter when or where they served our country.
The meeting began at 6 pm, where the group presented the Gary Salisbury Memorial Scholarship to one of our amazing seniors, Elaina Buchanan. This young woman worked side by side with Gary since the 3rd grade while learning about livestock and responsibility. She has kept a grade point average of 4.1 as well as participating in the Mineral Wells Upperward Basketball program as a child. Then volunteering as a referee as a teen. Her accomplishments are endless. But the most captivating moment from her this evening; was when she read her personal essay aloud to the group. This essay entailed all the things she had learned from Gary and how much she wants to give back to others as he did for her. In her essay, she wrote that responsibility is key to success.
“I’ve been able to raise the show rabbits through the Palo Pinto Livestock Show and have learned a great deal through the process. Being able to show animals has taught me responsibility. I have learned that when you have animals they rely on you for their necessities, you must provide for them no matter what. This lesson was hard for me to learn since I’m involved in many things. Although, it has been something that I have been able to carry into my job and schoolwork. Responsibility is something that will also carry with me beyond high school, into college, and into the workforce. Learning responsibility now instead of in life later will make it easier to adjust and allow me to be more successful.” I know her parents could not be more proud of the amazing young lady she is becoming.
The AMVETS also presented their Member Of The Year award to a wonderful man named, Dave Pashby. Dave not only served our nation but he has continued to serve. Len notes, “This man has put in hundreds of hours for our veterans and our community,” Dave volunteers wherever he can and he volunteers at our local National Vietnam War Museum. He hopes to educate and inspire all who attend that institution.
The next event on the agenda was to present ten and five-year pins to all the members who have dedicated their time and kindness. The ten-year pins were presented to Jim Facteau, James Price, Clay Roundtree, and Tom Hill. The five-year pins were given to James Taylor, Len Wood, and Jim porter. Also, Ryan Auld was named their official AMVETS Post 133 Historian.
The most moving part of this celebration was at the end of the ceremony. All the current members and officers were sworn in together; to the AMVETS for another wonderful year. This group of men and their wives dedicate so much of their time giving to others it’s admirable. Len Wood lists a few of the programs that make a difference daily such as, “First Baptist Church; We’ve helped them in the past with their backpack program. We do our car show here. And we do the Crazy Water Car Show. We’ve done that for at least 10 or 12 years. We do a bowling tournament. We do a couple of fishing tournaments for veterans and their families. We’ve helped out with the toy run. I’ve recently been asked to be on the board of directors for a group called Texas Strong 2021. This is a group run by Bobby Cutsinger. He helps people donate their mobile homes, trailers, Class A vehicles, and help homeless veterans. We have three right here in Mineral Wells right now, that is no longer homeless because of Bobby Cutsinger’s program.” These men also provide The Department of Defense to funerals, to honor those who have served.
The list of projects this brotherhood does for the community is endless. They are having their annual Car Cruz and Car Show this Friday and Saturday.
- The Cruz will take place Friday, June 4th at 6 pm. The classic cars will be driving through downtown for all to see.
- The car show for all the family to enjoy will be taking place Saturday, June 5th from 8 am to 3 pm. They will also have David M. to judge the cars, and Ryan Evens and Horney Mike from the hit TV show Counting Cars for best paint! Rain or shine they hope to see you out there!
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
