Mayor Chris Watts, SOT President Susan Galbraith and Councilman Don Duff.
Dianne Edmondson
Veterans Day is always warmly celebrated here at Robson Ranch, which is home to many veterans and to even more of us who are thankful for their service.
Though the Veterans Day 2018 ceremonies were abbreviated as the cold rainy weather dictated that the ceremonies be moved indoors, cancelling the traditional fly over usually performed by Tom Richards in a Stearman plane and Jim Gregg, Jr. flying a Chipmonk plane. However, the UNT Women’s Basketball Team and high school students from Argyle’s Young Men’s Service League welcomed veterans to express appreciation for their service. Retired Colonel Paul Vicalvi gave the invocation, SOT President Susan Galbraith spoke of our heroes and Army veteran Judge-elect Forrest Beadle spoke of the many opportunities and service projects for veterans in the Denton area. Beginning next year, Judge Beadle will preside over the Denton County Veterans’ Court. The patriotic gathering stood to sing God Bless America and Mike Welton played Taps to honor our heroes and close the service.
Undeterred by the chilly rain, the awesome inside silent auction co-chaired by Darin and Lynn Burk, went on as planned, raising about $29,000. Donna Chabot not only solicited auction items but also organized dozens of volunteers, including Richard and Venera Monahan and Sally Baggott who also solicited auction items, which Sally then artfully arranged for display and presentation and Roger and Nancy Thomas who collected all items at closing. The popular 50/50 raffle produced $1,850 to the winner and the same amount to SOT.
However, one extra special occurrence should be noted: Veterans Day 2018 was officially declared Support Our Troops Day by the City of Denton. Thanks to the efforts of Robson Ranch’s own resident and SOT member Don Duff, who is also our representative to the City Council, Mayor Chris Watts read an official proclamation detailing SOT’s purpose and accomplishments, then presented it to SOT President Susan Galbraith. Several SOT members joined the Mayor, Councilman Duff and President Galbraith for the ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, November 6, a few days prior to Veterans Day.