LAWTON – During the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s annual fundraiser breakfast held at the Apache Casino Hotel, members recapped 2019 and discussed the organization’s future plans.
Adjutant Bruce Dwyer spoke on the annual goals for the combat-wounded veterans group and discussed challenges the group is currently facing. According to a July 6, 2019, Facebook post, the organization experienced a “significant drop in donations” for the year. Dwyer and others pooled resources to meet their biennial donation of $1,000 to the Disabled American Veterans to help purchase a new van as well as helping to meet the needs for several other veteran-focused initiatives.
Lending its continued support to programs throughout the community, annual contributions from the MOPH help support the long-term recipients at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Center’s Flower Mound facility as well as provide funding to help offset operating expenses for the Veterans Service Center. MOPH also helps fund programs dedicated to helping Southwestern Oklahoma’s homeless veterans as well as those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The faith-based ‘Reboot’ program offers multiple counseling sessions to veterans afflicted by PTSD is one of those programs Dwyer noted. While those organizations are directed toward veterans, the Purple Hearts also supports endeavors to promote patriotism. A $500 check was presented last year to Teresa Leday-Mauney. The Lawton teen is working to build a memorial commemorating seven victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 who had ties to Oklahoma. The Military
Order of the Purple Heart 602 also gave support to the Boy Scouts who lined the streets with flags on Veterans Day. “Being a small outfit – and most of us are getting up there in years, but we still do a lot of good,” said Dwyer. While Dwyer says donations have been hard to come by recently, he remains optimistic. The adjutant says the organization is anticipating a good turnout for its paramount fundraising event in June, the 27th annual Bill Bentley Memorial Golf Tournament at Fort Sill Golf Course. For more details, visit Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 602 via Facebook, or call Adjutant Bruce Dwyer at (580) 583-6417.