100-gun salute backs DAV van program
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

The El Campo chapter of Disabled American Veterans are hoping area residents are "fired up" about their efforts to help transport area veterans to Houston doctor's appointments.

Through their non-profit Everyday Heroes organization, the group is offering a 100-gun salute - and offering area residents a chance to win each one of the rifles and shotguns.

Proc eeds from the annual fund-raiser are used to support the DAV's transportation van which provides a free shuttle service to and from the Houston Veterans Affairs Hospital for any former servicemen or women in Wharton County.

"It runs daily, five days a week and is available to all veterans who need a ride to the VA," Commander Jack Fisk said.

Every dollar of the event, Chairman Bruce Williams said, "will be used to pay our van drivers and other expenses the DAV might have."

The raffle will be held at the VFW Hall in El Campo starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3. Debbie Chappell will be providing music.

The purchase of a raffle ticket - available in El Campo at R&R Printing, Ryan Services, D-A-M Services, Farmers Coop, and Rice Farmers Coop - covers admission.

Tickets can also be obtained from Fisk by calling 979-637-0362 or Williams at 713-898-1941.

Those in Wharton can visit Zarsky Lumber Co. or Wharton County Tire to pick up a ticket while East Bernard residents can go to Vinceks.

Last year the raffle earned $24,000 for the DAV, Fisk said, adding "We're hoping to do better this year."

During the Dec. 3 event, Scott Charbula and a crew of volunteer cookers will be serving stew starting at 6 p.m.Charbula is continuing a tradition started by the now late Wayne Popp.

The auxiliary will have a silent auction starting at 7:30 p.m. with the raffle drawing starting at 9 p.m.