Star Group – VHV to hold 10th annual Independence Day picnic

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

The entire community is invited to attend the 10th annual Independence Day Picnic hosted by Star Group – Veterans Helping Veterans at the Copperas Cove Civic Center on Saturday from 11 a.m.  until 3 p.m.
Doors open at 10 a.m., with the group expecting more than 1,000 to attend the free event. 
There will be free door prize drawings for a 50-inch flat screen TV and a grill, along with other prizes. 
In addition to the free food and door prize drawings, there will be a bounce house for the kids, Rolling Video Games of Killeen, and a Veterans Mobile Assistance Van.
Star Group – VHV began holding the annual picnic on the weekend prior to the Fourth of July weekend in an effort to honor those who serve and have served the United States and stood for freedom. The community is invited to attend, regardless of veteran status. 
On Friday, the Purple Heart Traveling Wall will arrive in Copperas Cove and will be escorted via a motorcade along Business 190 and to the Civic Center, where it will remain veiled until Saturday. 
The Purple Heart Traveling Wall bears the photos and names of Texas soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Purple Heart.
Star Group – VHV has enlisted the help of area sponsors who have helped make the picnic possible. 
Premier corporate sponsors include PCSI, Century 21 & JR Herring Rentals, The National United Bank – Copperas Cove, Ted Smith Law Group, Linnenman Realty, Scott’s Funeral Home, All American Chevrolet, AFGE Local 1920 & District 10.
Event platinum sponsors include the City of Copperas Cove; Walmart - Copperas Cove, Killeen, and Harker Heights; Sam’s Club; Pepsi; Central Texas College; and the Fort Hood Thrift Store.
Event gold sponsors include Ohana Ink Company, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Operation Phantom Support, and Fairway Sports Vehicles of Salado.
Silver sponsors include Lil Tex Restaurant, Bill French Jewelers, A Cut Above Lawn Service, Oliver Transmission, Cali Signs & Graphics, and Venus Beauty Mart.