Veterans service officer says he can still see veterans; council votes to hold fundraiser

TEXARKANA, Arkansas — Despite the recent snowstorm’s effect on the Miller County Courthouse’s water pipe system, Tom Ornberg, the County’s veterans service officer, said he is still able to see veterans.

Ornberg told members of the Texarkana Area Veterans Council during the group’s monthly meeting Thursday that he actually has more room in the temporary office he presently has at 409 Hazel St.

“Right now, I’m still not able to copy, print, scan or fax documents, but I can still see veterans,” he said.

Ornberg, however, added that he will soon be able to get the electronic equipment he needs to help veterans process their medical and benefits paperwork.

Meanwhile, Texarkana Area Chapter 278 of the Vietnam Veterans of America President Greg Beck told TAVC members that plans are still solid for the VVA to hold its third annual “Wagons for Veterans” fundraiser on March 13 at the Four States Fairgrounds in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Beck said there are at least 17 chuckwagons signed up to provide food.

The fairgrounds’ gates will open at 10 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meal service at 11:30 a.m., which will continue until the food runs out.

As with the past two fundraisers, meals will be served as all-you-caneat for $10 and will be cooked in Old West-style cast iron pots and skillets over open fires.

All proceeds will go toward helping Texarkana area’s veterans and disabled veterans with home repairs, utility bills, funeral expenses, college school books, rent, food and medical assistance.

As for other veterans assistance, TAV Council President Robert Hernandez says plans could be made to possibly hold a chili cook-off fundraiser at Texarkana College in October. The money raised could help finance medical transport vans to take veterans where they need to go for medical services. Following some discussion, the TAVC members agreed to try to hold the fundraiser in October.

In other business, Beck said this month’s VVA plans also include holding a recognition and honor ceremony service for National Vietnam War Veterans Day at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Korea-Vietnam Memorial at the West Seventh Street and North State Line Avenue intersection.