Vietnam veterans raise money
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Families support Vietnam veterans
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Mother and child donate with Ray Adkins and Charlie Hobbs
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Vietnam vets
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Vietnam POW John Sparks who was in prison camp five years
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Vets Ray Adkins and Charlie Hobbs process new members
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Vietnam Bill Norton is in charge of the Armed Forces Day Parade
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203 kicked off its fall and winter fund raising campaign this weekend at the Walmart on Highway 153.
President Charlie Hobbs said, “The Chattanooga community is so generous and with their support our chapter has been able to take care of the many needs of Vietnam veterans. A lot of vets are reluctant to ask for assistance but that’s what we are here for.
“We appreciate the tremendous support of Walmart who allows us to ask for donations each year. We are especially grateful for the support of Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole. He’s helped us so much and is a real friend of the Vietnam vet.”
Mr. Hobbs said with the community's support the chapter is able to provide all types of medical equipment that isn’t covered by the VA or insurance. It also can help the veteran find other services available in Southeast Tennessee.
Chapter 203 is the second largest chapter in the United States with nearly 1,000 members. It meets the third Monday of each month at the MAC center near the intersection of McCallie and Holtzclaw Avenues. A light meal is served at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Membership is open to any Vietnam veteran or any Vietnam era vet.
Mr. Hobbs said, “During the next few weeks chapter members will be at other locations seeking new members and asking for the public’s support, come join us.”
For information about the chapter, call Mr. Hobbs at 991-5858.