Veterans One Stop Celebrates 9th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

WACO, TX – This November will mark nine years of celebrating Thanksgiving with our military friends and family in conjunction with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network ‘s Veterans One Stop. This year’s luncheon is set for Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum in Waco.

Melinda Bonds, Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network said, “This event has grown from about 25 participants to the expected 400 this year. There are typically some changes in the program each year with this year’s program as no exception. Most years have included a guest speaker, but his year, the featured program will spotlight our guests, with interviews of our prominent community veterans from our audience as the focus. Interviewees will have varied backgrounds and eras of service. This will bring a different level of interest and camaraderie to this event.”   

Veterans One Stop recently received $1,000 from the Heart of Texas Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Chapter on November 10, 2022, in support of this year’s 9TH Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. The Veterans One Stop Center provides resources, support and advocacy for veterans and family members who have been affected or significantly impacted by their military service. The purpose of the Veterans One Stop Center is to provide assistance, referral, education and information to our veterans as well as their families.

This luncheon is not only for each military hero, but for the community to say thank you for your service and dedication to the protection of our community and country. Participants have shared their experience with hopes this annual tradition continues.

“It is a tradition! Every veteran and family member you meet is thankful for this event. People have a good time,” said Gary Urban, MPA, ARM, VVA, MOAA, VFW, MVPN Peer Volunteer. “It’s a great time to get together with other veterans and their families with great food,” said Tina Tillert, MVPN Peer Volunteer.

Veterans support is available, with services offered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment (254) 297-7171 or visiting https://www.veteransonestop.org/

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org

Cell: (254) 640-5229

###