Group themes Veteran Day activities toward Afghanistan veterans

TEXARKANA, Texas - In keeping their Motto "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another," the Texarkana Chapter No. 278 Veterans Veterans of America plan to show direct support for Afghanistan veterans during this year's Veterans Day.

Local VVA president Greg Beck told the organization's members Sunday that the Texarkana Area Veterans Council recently agreed to title this year's upcoming Veteran Day theme "Welcome Home Afghanistan Veterans."

"We want these veterans to have a better reception then we got when we came back home," Beck said

Beck said that following the Persian Gulf War of 1991, VVA groups across the country helped make sure these returning vets of 30 years ago received a warm an thankful reception. He added that the most recent returning vets deserve at least much thanks.

To add poignancy to the sacrifice made by the Afghan vets, Beck read a listing of the names and ages of the most recent U.S. military fatalities, caused by the Aug. 26 suicide bombing in Kabul. The oldest service member was only 31, while the rest were men and women in their early to mid-20s.

Beck also said he's placed orders for service ribbons that the VVA can give to both returning Afghanistan and Iraqi war veterans.

In other business, Beck said the VVA is considering cutting the organization's annual POW-MIA Vigil to just one day, instead of two.

Beck also said Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggamen has requested a chance to speak to VVA members regarding Texas-side municipal progress during next month's meeting.

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