BY TERRY EVANS
The Christmas tree at American Legion Post 163 isn't big enough for this season's best present.
So representatives of Weatherford's veteran-oriented organization went to a car lot Saturday to accept a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country, seven-passenger
van.
The generosity of a member of Parker County Women's and Newcomer's Club and some of her friends shocked the Legionnaires.
Post Commander Ron Chandler explained that he was just telling the club about a project that's been on the top of the Legionnaires' list for a long time.
"I mentioned the project, and Carolyn Estes came up to me later and made the commitment to see that we got the van," Chandler said. "I asked her if this was part of the club's work. She said, no, itwas her and a few of her friends."
The generosity of Estes and her circle of community philanthropists — who put the money together and found the van through some of their associates — makes it possible for Post 163 to help veterans get medical attention, Chandler said.
Post Chaplain Chuck Katlic said the organization gets four or five calls a day from men and women who need to get to the Veterans Administration hospital in Dallas.
"What this van means to the veterans is that we have a way to get them over there every day," he said. "I'm talking with Congresswoman Kay Granger and Parker County Judge Mark Riley, trying to get grants for gasoline and upkeep."
Chandler said that Parker County already has committed to helping a great deal. The county recently filled the veterans service officer position with a former county courier named John Hale.
Hale said that he asked Riley if the county could support the van with gas. Riley, he said, intended to check with County Attorney John Forrest to see if that's a legal use of county funds.
"In the meantime, if I take someone, I'll take them without asking for reimbursement," he said.
"I'm already doing that in my own vehicle. I've been here three months and haven't taken anyone to Dallas, but I've taken several to Fort Worth."
"Using the Legion's van for such trips, Hale said that if it needs gas he'll take care of it.
"I hope we can get it worked out so the county can support the van," he said.
Chandler said there are a lot of veterans, men and women, who can't drive anymore but need to get to hospitals, clinics, treatment facilities and related offices.
"They have to appeal claims with hearings in Waco," he gave an example. "So we have to take them down there sometimes."
Chandler said he has a list of five volunteer drivers, ready to get started.
Estes and her friends were lauded as well.
"What a great expression of community support," said Post 163 public information officer JoAnn Cassidy. "We feel this is a very big milestone for the Legion. Chuck has been talking about getting a van for over a year."
Veterans who need such assistance may call Ed Simpson at 940-655-8055, or Katlic at 940-599-0952.
Donations to support the van are welcome, Katlic said. Send them to Veterans Transportation Fund, American Legion Post 163, 703 Eureka St. 76086.
