BONHAM – VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS)/Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center (SRMVC) and the City of Bonham will host the 19th annual Regional Veterans Day Program, Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, 10 a.m. at the Bonham High School Warrior football stadium.

A military flyover from Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) will kick off the formal program, followed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) color guard.  Additional program performances will include the Bonham High School band and Lone Star chapter of the PVA wheelchair rifle volley.

The event will include a static display of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and vehicle display from the Military Preservation and Historical Club.

Guest speaker will be Brigadier General Karen S. Rankin, USAF (Retired).  General Rankin’s military career included Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force; Commander of the 3700th Technical Training Wing, Sheppard AFB, Texas; Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; and Director of Plans and Programs at HQ Air Education and Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas.  Governor Rick Perry appointed General Rankin to the Texas Veterans Commission in March 2004 and designated her Chair of the Commission in 2008.

Remarks will be given by Congressman Ralph M. Hall, U. S. Navy veteran who served during World War II, and State Senator Bob Deuell, who was named one of Texas’ Ten Best Legislators in 2007.

VANTHCS Director Joseph M. Dalpiaz invites the community to join the VA in recognition and honor of America’s Veterans that have earned and deserve our respect and appreciation for their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families. 

Bobbie Scoggins, VANTHCS chief, Voluntary Service and coordinator of the Regional Veterans Day Program, may be contacted at 903-583-6282 for additional information.

2008 Veterans Day Celebration - photos by Allen Rich