Korean War Veterans - Texas Lone Star Chapter
The Beginning - The Texas Lone Star Chapter was started by two men who wanted to find other Korean Veterans, and bring them together. These two men, Nat Young and Joe Coyle, worked hard, and succeeded. The membership has grown month by month, year by year, to over 650 members in 1998.
The Petition for a Chapter Charter was filed January 31, 1991 and approved February 13, 1991. There were 15 members listed on the petition. The Lone Star Chapter is a Non-Profit, Texas Corporation, incorporated in the State of Texas on February 11, 1951. The chapter is exempt from federal taxes by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(19) organization, August 17, 1992. The Texas Lone Star Chapter, qualifying as an Exempt Organization, is further exempt from State of Texas Franchise taxes and state and local Sales Taxes.
The Purpose of the Texas Lone Star Chapter is to remind the people of the sacrifices made by men and women who served in the armed services during the Korean War. To find the truth about the MIA’s and POW’s, still listed as not returned, or missing in action. To help and support the wounded and disabled American Veterans of the Korean War. To motivate partriotism amongst the American People and to raise their awareness of the Korean War and those who served in it.
The Color Guard participates in numerous functions; funeral services for deceased veterans of any war. They offer comfort and understanding to surviving family members. The American Flag, which drapes over the casket, is presented to the family. The Color Guard also participates in numerous patriotic ceremonies, which include the Memorial Day Parades, 4th of July Parades and various parades around the area, including Austin and Fort Worth. Veterans Day Ceremonies and Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Cemetary and Bear Creek Park.
Education - The chapter has developed and refined an educational program utilizing literature and Korean war memorabilia with veterans telling of their experiences in Korea. This program is very popular and growning all the time. The speakers bureau is set up to speak at Junior and Senior High Schools. Many students were unaware that there was a Korean War or that so many people died there in such a short period of time. The history books contain maybe two pages dedicated to the war. The bureau will also speak at any military, social function, or any organization that requests our presence.
Veterans Hospital - Chapter members donate many hours to the Veterans Hospital on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. They donate their time working where needed. Donations are collected all year to purchase socks and caps to be distributed to the patients at Christmas time and again during the summer. These socks are greatly appreciated by the Veterans as some of them have nothing.
Social Functions - Annually the Valentine Sweetheart Dinner is enjoyed and looked forward to. The Christmas dinner is very popular and attended by a most of the membership. A 4th of July picnic is also very popular as are our other get-togethers thoughout the year. We enjoy social activities as well as official functions.
Availability - The Texas Lone Star Chapter is available for any cause requiring the presence of a veterans organization.