Representatives of the local Vietnam Veterans of America met with board members of the Air Chapel Networks to present the Air Chapel with an official Texas flag Friday. The VVA Honor Guard was also attending for a small presentation ceremony.
Air Chapel which is located adjacent to the Grayson County Boot Camp, ministers to the young men incarcerated at the boot camp and the local Vietnam Veterans chapter has partnered with Air Chapel to help in its mission of reaching not only those in the boot camp but other youth throughout the county.
Charles Holcomb, president of the Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 973, said working with Air Chapel is a good fit for them. "We represent and communicate the importance of faith, hope and high social standards," Holcomb said. "By partnering with the Air Chapel we hope to help influence the youth at the Juvenile Detention Center."
Terry Dyer, executive director of Air Chapel and a combat Vietnam veteran, said the VVA has already begun working with Air Chapel and he's looking forward to seeing the partnership continue and grow. Air Chapel depends on private donors and volunteers to keep its doors open. "They hosted a July 4th party for the Boot Camp Youth at JDC and spoke about how the right decision may not always be the easiest. These kids need to hear these kinds of principals from adult men and women," Dyer said.
Holcomb said the VVA is now working on a joint project with the Air Chapel to purchase bandanas printed with scripture. "These are to be included in care packages packed with other necessary items our chapter sends to deployed military units, and will be given to the youth at the boot camp," Holcomb said.
The Air Chapel is located at North Texas Regional Airport. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Air Chapel should call Dyer at 903-786-5899 or e-mail him at tdyer@mail.airchapel.org. For more information see the Website at www.airchapel.org
The Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 973 mailing address is P.O. Box 2978 Sherman, TX 75091. Anyone interested in joining this group should contact Holcomb at charles@vva973.org or visit the website at www.vva973.org.