TEXARKANA, Ark. - Fundraising, an upcoming commemoration and improving veterans benefits services became the center of discussion Thursday evening during the monthly Texarkana Area Veterans Council meeting.
The most immediate event will be a Pearl Harbor Commemoration ceremony set for 10 a.m., Saturday at the American Legion Post 25-58, 525 East Broad Street. The public invited.
Besides the commemoration, council members listened to a report regarding last month's opening of the Texas Veterans Commission Claims Representation and Counseling Divisions office at Texarkana College's Truman Arnold Center. Although exact figures weren't available at the meeting, the council learned that the office is attracting steady visits from local and area military veterans seeking aid regarding Veterans Administration benefits and medical care.
TAVC President Greg Beck said the council's next fundraiser, which will be it's 21st annual Veterans Benefit Chili Cook-Off, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 inside TC's Truman Arnold Student Center. All proceeds collected from the admission will go toward assisting local veterans as well as buying a transport van to take veterans to medical appointments both locally and to Shreveport.
The $6 admission will allow all ticket purchasers to sample each chili entry - usually at least 10 or more. The admission price also allows all chili samplers to be eligible for door prizes at the event.
All chili cooking contestants will be designated as belonging in either one of three entry categories: business, civic group or individual.
For more information or to enter the cook-off, call 870-773-8279 or 903-824-2727