Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Seven Points Post 4376 Commander and State Surgeon Randall Johnston (from left) and VFW Seven Points Post 4376 Past Commander Wiliam Fuzi attend the Nov. 5 Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation USO Party.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Michael Brown (from left) and Sam Abrahamson, both of Mabank, wear 1950s-themed outfits during the Nov. 5 Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation USO Party.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE–The Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation (CCVF) held its USO Party Nov. 5, which was presented by Cedar Creek Country Club and had a 1950s theme related to the Korean War.
Attendees danced the night away to live music as the foundation fulfilled its mission to raise money to benefit active-duty military members and veterans through its three selected charitable causes: Fisher House, CampV and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
The foundation’s goal is to assist with the physical and emotional recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and disabled military personnel and veterans, with a focus on those residing in and organizations serving the Northeast Texas region.
The USO (United Service Organizations) was founded in 1941 to support America’s military service members using live entertainment, much like the foundation and its party theme. CCVF Director and Board President Lyn Thomas said this was the second year the event was held at the country club.
“We’re very honored that they’re (the country club) so kind and gracious to put on such an event and that they turn back to money so we can donate to (veterans’ and active-duty military) causes,” Thomas said. “It takes a village to put all this together and pull all this off.”
The country club decorates the clubhouse, Thomas added. All raffle and auction item proceeds go back to the foundation, with the country club deducting just enough to cover costs, according to Cedar Creek Country Club Board of Directors President Robbie Sutton Petty.
Cedar Creek Country Club Events Coordinator Heather Duncan said she solicited table sponsors and collected auction items from around the area. “It was nice to reach out to them (businesses and individuals) and get to meet them,” said Duncan, who added that she received a “good response” while gathering auction items.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Seven Points Post 4376 Commander and VFW State Surgeon Randall Johnston also informed the audience about VFW functions, which includes funding scholarships, providing an honor guard at funeral last rites for veterans, holding a 9-11 program for first responders, conducting an annual Veterans Day parade and sponsoring legislation that supports veterans.