Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs founders Kathryn Chandler, President, and Mary Jane Hetrick, Vice-President, at their first fundraiser held in February at Treaty Oak. Photo courtesy of Jetter Photography
Patriots Hall efforts continue
Despite the monopoly of coronavirus headlines, it’s important to remember that many community efforts continue, or will continue. One such effort is the dream of local veterans of having their own building. To that end, a number of local volunteers have undertaken the gigantic task of building “Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs.”
Both the American Legion and VFW are currently meeting at the old Stephenson Building (the old Hays County Precinct 4 Office just left of the Masonic Lodge Building on Mercer), and have been seeking a more permanent facility. However the new building will go beyond providing a space for the American Legion and VFW, rather it will be aimed at serving an even larger need of the local veteran community.
On Feb. 25th, just before the coronavirus quarantine, Kathryn Chandler and Mary Jane Hetrick held their first of many intimate group fundraising events for Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs at Treaty Oak.
“Keeping these events small gives us the chance to show potential donors what we are truly about. Veterans sharing their stories, board members sharing their passion and a lot of great one-on-one conversations,” Chandler said. The group plans to continue their work after the current crisis has passed, and will use the time to fine tune their assessment of veteran’s needs.
The board of directors for this ambitious project are Kathryn Chandler, Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, Amy Doucet, Kyle Chandler, veteran Jeff Wells, veteran Ben Adair, veteran “Shorty” Barnett, veteran Robert Garland, and veteran Randy Van Camp.
The advisory board is comprised of veteran Cyla Barron, veteran J.R. Martinez, veteran Gary Hale, veteran Daniel Vargas, and Dr. Kevin Lewis.
Currently the multi-phase plan for PHDS is estimated at $5.9 million; with a remaining fundraising goal of $4.55 million (depending on value of in-kind services and materials).
Before the current crisis, groundbreaking was slated for June. Veterans and their supporters are encouraged to learn more at patriotshall.org and on their social media sites.
Twitter: @John_E_Pacheco