Local Veterans receive $9,000 donation from Founder’s Day committee

J.E. Manning American Legion Post 258 veterans in Atlanta were given a special event Friday evening to honor their service to both our country and community. Veterans were surprised by a sizable donation to go toward plans to build a memorial to recognize Gulf War veterans.

Post-Commander Michael Steward opened the gathering’s call to order with a sharp rap of the gavel before ordering a hand salute to the US and Texas flags.

Scouts USA treated veterans by leading in the pledge of allegiance, followed by a chaplain’s prayer. Steward also remarked on the symbolism of the empty chair next to the podium, draped in a black POWMIA shroud representing prisoners of war and those who went missing in action.

The event, hosted by Kate Stow, began three years ago when Stow moved back to her hometown and discovered there wasn’t a Veteran’s Day program.

“When I found out that the community wasn’t doing a Veterans Day program I was very sad,” Stow said. “I love that I was able to help bring awareness to these guys and what they do and have done for us. Our town was founded by veterans…10 percent of Cass County’s population is a veteran.”

Stow said it isn’t just about what veterans have done for the community, but what they are still doing today, as she thanked local vets Greg Restelle and Ernest Cutchall for serving as local law enforcement.

Veterans were happy to receive rousing remarks from one of their own—Cass County Judge Travis Ransom, who Steward happily referred to as “Sgt. Major”, though many in Cass county are more accustomed to hearing him called ‘Judge’.

The brotherhood and love shown between Ransom and older veterans like Steward showed a genuine bond formed between those who serve that really transcends generational bounds—serving as inspiration for any lucky enough to know or witness it.

Ransom said he was happy to see the scouts, representing the continuation of a program whose principles followed him as an army ranger.

“Three parts of the scout oath; That you have to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight…Those same words are found in the US Army’s Ranger creed,” Ransom said. “To me, it’s very special.”

Ransom then addressed his fellow Veterans. “To the heroes among us, thank you for your service,” he said. “To the families of the heroes, thank you for your sacrifices.”

Ransom said growing up, his father demonstrated to him what it means to be a patriot. Ransom’s dad served 28 years in the US Army and Army reserve.

“His service and that of others in our community helped instill in me a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the men and women of our military,” the judge said.

After joining the military himself in 1998, Ransom said “A 20-year-old kid from east Texas got a chance to see what real evil is up close.”

Ransom said his experience then has probably been what has underscored his whole life.

“Every generation wants the next generation to live a little bit better life,” Ransom said “We all want our kids to have it a little better than we had it. The same is true whether you’re from Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, or Iraq.”

Ransom said one in 11 veterans calls our state home, that we are fortunate to live in a place like Texas and not some of the aforementioned places—many of which have a lot less liberty than we do.

Ransom mentioned that veterans still serve our community in many ways, whether as teachers, business owners, EMTs, or law enforcement. Some do a lot of volunteer work, he said.

“But you don’t have to be a politician or an elected official to make a difference in your community,” Ransom said, as he gestured toward Stow. “Kate Stow has spent thousands of hours in service to the betterment of our community.”

In addition to starting the Veterans Day program, Stow was responsible for Atlanta’s 150th birthday party, where the city of Atlanta dug up a time capsule that was buried in the center of town and replaced it with a new one from 2022 to be opened in 50 more years.

Stow said when she saw where the time capsule was supposed to be dug up on September 9, 2022, and asked around to find that no plans had yet been made to do so, she went to work hounding city officials and rallying community members together to form a Founder’s Day committee to make the town’s 150-year celebration happen.

“Finally I said okay guys, I’m going to do something,” Stow said. “They said ‘okay do it.”

“So I did. It was a year’s worth of nonstop work and I was so happy to give my city a birthday present. But then there was a question of what we were going to do with the money.”

The Founder’s Day council was able to turn a small profit from September’s event by earning money in various ways. Stow called on prominent Atlanta alumni—such as UFC fighter Andrea KGB Lee, baseball player Drew Stubbs, and Lawyer/politician Tony Buzbee—who brought items folks could bid on in a silent auction, which likely helped a great deal in fundraising.

Stow said she knew exactly what she wanted to do with the money raised.

Stow, Ransom, and newly elected Mayor Marshall ‘James’ Brooks asked Post Commander Steward back to the podium.

“I am happy to present to you, on behalf of the Founder’s Day committee, a check for nine thousand dollars,” Stow said as they handed Steward a large cardboard ‘check’.

Steward heartily thanked them, saying that the money will be put to good use—likely in the form of a Gulf War memorial to add to the memorial plaza downtown.

“We really want to recognize these guys,” Steward said. Another man added that “It’s one thing to join the military during peacetime, but to join during active combat is very different.”

Mayor Brooks thanked the veterans and assured those present that Founder’s Day celebrations will continue, with funds going to charity. Brooks said he was happy to take the reins from Stow, but said really hopes for insight from his friend, which Stow said she would gladly provide.

“Now just in case y’all have trouble getting that big check through the slot at the bank, I’ve got you a regular paper check in here somewhere,” Ransom joked to Commander Steward.