More than 200 people on Saturday attended the Ninth Annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon at the Oldham- Cummings VFW Post in Wimberley.
For the last nine years, Mike Lukowiak, Veterans Day Committee chair, has been in charge of the event. “I could have turned this over years ago but I love organizing the luncheon. It is such a special occasion,” he said.
Warm smiles, handshakes and hugs greeted active duty servicemen and women, veterans and their families as they entered the hall fragrant with the smell of smoked brisket and chicken prepared by pitmaster David Garza and Ryan Harries. The pleasant sounds of conversation and laughter punctuated the air as attendees caught up with post personnel, chatted with auxiliary members and volunteers and reconnected with others in the warm atmosphere of Post #6441.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Jacob’s Well Chapter, served up generous portions of barbecue and sides and offered a table of desserts for diners after the meal. Boy Scouts from Troop 127 cleared plates and offered their assistance.
Veteran Service Officer Nikki McGoldrick from the Hays Country Veteran Services Office in San Marcos, was on hand to assist veterans with various issues such as VA disability claims, burial benefits and other concerns. Every Wednesday she can be found at Patriots Hall in Dripping Springs, 231 Patriots Hall Blvd, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment or walk in.
“This is a very rewarding and sometimes heartbreaking job,” said McGoldrick, “but it can be life changing for veterans and their families.” An Airforce veteran herself who served from 2008 to 2011, she grew up in a military family. “I attended 15 different schools in 12 years,” she said. Her father worked at the Turkish Embassy in Ankara during her high school years, and she recalls how interesting it was to attend a Department of Defense school with students of many nationalities.
Also at the luncheon was Karen Herrmann of the national Quilts of Valor program, Kyle and Buda Freedom Quilters chapter. Created six years ago, fourteen fabric artists sew quilts for veterans that are presented to them in a 45-minute “wrapping” ceremony in which veterans are literally wrapped in the quilts made for them.
On Monday, ten quilts were presented to veterans at the Buda City Hall with Justice of the Peace Beth Smith officiating.
“It’s often a moving ceremony for veterans,” said Herrmann, “as the details of their service are recounted and spoken aloud.” Afterwards, veterans are wrapped in their quilts and receive a certificate. “It’s a way to say ‘thank you’ to veterans for their service,” she said. “It’s especially touching to present quilts to women vets and Vietnam war veterans.”
About 35 quilts are presented from her chapter each year throughout Central Texas, with the exception of San Antonio and Round Rock, who have their own chapters.
To nominate a veteran for a Quilt of Valor go to www.govf.org/nominations- awards/ For additional information, email herrmann2000@ yahoo. com, or search Facebook for the Kyle and Buda Freedom Quilters. Additionally, you may dial 512-468-2891.
