Fundraiser circles the chuckwagons for veterans

TEXARKANA, Ark.— While COVID-19 cancelled last year’s Wagons for Veterans fundraiser, it did nothing to block this year’s benefit turnout, organized by the Texarkana Area Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 278.

The warm, early spring-like weather Saturday brought both local and area residents streaming into the Four States Fairgrounds to enjoy the tasty food varieties offered by the chuck wagons. These varieties included: chicken fried steak, brisket, chili, gumbo, rice & sausage servings, potatoes, chicken dumplings, peach cobbler, cherry cobbler, apple cobbler and blue berry cobbler, along beef stew and onion rings.

VVA Chapter 278 President Greg Beck estimated the event drew perhaps at least 1,000 or more patrons during the three-hour feed - which lasted from about 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Atlanta, Texas American Legion Post 258 Chaplain Mike Lee said this is the second Wagons for Veterans fundraiser, in Texarkana, that he’s been to.

“During my first one here, I remember it was cold and the wind was blowing, but it was held under a roof covering,” he said. The outdoor open cooking fires felt so good and warm that day. We went around to each wagon that year and huddled around each fire, from one fire to the other.”

Lee added that his Post 258 will be holding a garage-type benefit sale in Atlanta, April 17 to raise funds for veterans.

Gary Richardson, also with American Legion Post 258, said he heard about the Wagons for Veterans through the Legion.

“It’s sure great to get a chance to help veterans that need help,” said Richardson, who served in the National Guard for 21 years.

Tommy Wilson of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, said settlers of the Old West made sure they had a place to put all their cooking supplies on a chuck wagon.

“They would also carry water barrels to put water in, whenever they could find pure water in the rivers and creeks they crossed,” he said. “The wagon we have here goes back to 1895.”

Texarkana Arkansas resident Bobby McDowell said veterans deserve all of the love and support they can get.

“We can’t do enough for our veterans,” McDowell said. “My dad was in France during World War II and this feels like a tribute to my dad.”

Staff photo by Greg Bischof ■ This year’s Wagons for Veterans fundraiser drew an estimated 1,000 patrons at the Four States Fairgrounds. Collectively the last two fundraisers garnered about $28,180 to help local and area veterans. COVID 19 halted last year’s fundraiser.

Staff photo by Greg Bischof ■ Circle L Chuckwagon was just one of at least 15 chuckwagons to participate in the Third Annual Wagons for Veterans fundraiser organized by the Texarkana Area Chapter 278 Vietnam Veterans of America. Each of the fundraisers has been held at the Four States Fairgrounds.