18 Apr District Attorney and Members of His Staff Provide Food to Disabled Veterans
In the News:
Volunteers come out to help disabled veterans
Joining the Claremore chapter of Disabled American Veterans and Light of Hope Ministries District Attorney Matt Ballard and members of his staff helped sort and pack food to hand out to area Disabled service people.
More than 13,000 pounds of food on April 18 in the Claremore Expo Center Parking lot.
Food included non-perishables and fresh produce.
Veterans formed a long line and volunteers loaded the food right into their vehicles for them.
Veterans helping veterans
District Attorney Ballard says “We owe those who served our country and protected our freedoms so much. This is a small effort compared to what they’ve sacrificed but I hope it shows how thankful I am.”
DA Matt Ballard helps sort and package food
Ballard even brought along Therapy Dog Bear to add wags and plenty of pets for veterans and volunteers alike.
Johnny Messimore, a U.S. Army Veteran, said two of their members came up with the idea to hand out food over lunch one day. Since then, they have partnered with the Community Eastern Food Bank, Reasor’s and other retailers to gather food.
Before they could hand out food, the DAV members and volunteers had to break down palettes and package the food in bags.
The disabled vets also left with a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers donated by Reasor’s.
“Just hope,” Eric Neel, the store director for the Reasor’s in Claremore, said they wanted to provide veterans. “There are people out there that want to help and Reasor’s just wants to be part of that.”
In addition to food Reasor’s provided red, white and blue bouquets to say thank you.
Patriotic flowers
Ann Schermer
Posted at 22:31h, 24 MayIt was a pleasure to be working along side the DA office and the DA during this food drive. Thank you for assisting our veterans in Rogers County.