Local veteran resource center continues forward

Central Texas veterans are one step closer to their own permanent retreat and resource base at Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs.

Patriots Hall’s mission is to provide a place for veterans of all ages and military branches (as well as their families) to connect and find support. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the 10-acre property hosted a small gathering of veterans, donors and supporters to commemorate its mortgage payoff, signifying not only financial stability for the center but a step forward in the long journey towards the complete opening of its multi-use campus.

Thus far, Patriots Hall has completed only one of its planned buildings and amenities: a 1200 sq. ft. Meeting House. This building is now home to two veteran groups: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2933 and American Legion Post #290.

Patriots Hall also has plans for a 7,100 sq. ft. gathering hall, a wellness center and outdoor amenities including a fishing pond, obstacle course and ADA walking trails. The construction is expected to take place in five phases: main buildings, property renovation and landscapes, wellness clinic and Veterans Affairs claims assistance, veteran development workshops and seminars and annual operating budget. Thus far, Patriots Hall remains in the first stage.

PHDS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To fund its endeavors, Patriots’ Hall embarked on a large-scale, local fundraising effort over the past few years, with a current end goal of $9 million, according to its website.

“Due to rising building costs, inflation, and supply shortages, our entire PHDS budget has slowly risen and is now capped at $9M,” the site states. “But thanks to our generous community and their steadfast faith in our mission, we have raised just over $5M to date. We are well on our way to meeting our goal.”

In addition to philanthropic efforts from local and regional donors, Hays County leadership has been instrumental in Patriots Hall’s continued progress and success, said Kathryn Chandler, co-founder of the project with Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick. PHDS received and continues to receive immense support from the Hays County Commissioners Court and the Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission, she said.

Commissioners Walt Smith (Precinct 4) and Mark Jones (Precinct 2) were invited to attend the small gathering as a token of appreciation for their assistance, according to Chandler. The gathering, about a dozen people in size, featured brief remarks from both Chandler and Smith, preceded by a ceremonial burning of the mortgage document.

For more information and updates on Patriots Hall of Dripping Springs, visit patriotshall.org.