WEATHERFORD —
Donna Brooks may not be a veteran herself but she knows the life.
Her husband, Grant, was an Air Force veteran and Donna has spent the last 40-plus years contributing to the military life through her service as a member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary.
On Tuesday, Brooks was honored for 45 years with the organization with a ceremony at the R.D. Nelson Memorial VFW Post 4746 with a 45-year memorial pin as well as a lifetime post membership, purchased by the ladies’ auxiliary.
“Thank you for all of your hard work and, on behalf of the VFW Post 4746, we thank you very much,” VFW commander Vic Graham said.
Weatherford mayor Dennis Hooks, as well as District 21 ladies’ auxiliary president Karen Burks, were also on hand to honor Brooks.
“We’re very proud,” Burks said. “That’s 45 years of dedication and loyalty.
“You’ve done wonderful for us and we appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Since joining the VFW almost a half century ago, Brooks has been a fixture at meetings and events hosted by the post.
“I’ve held almost every position there is, all here in Weatherford,” she said. “It’s been a long 45 years but a good 45 years. If this is what it’s like for 45 years, what do we do at 50?”
Born in Illinois, Brooks came to Texas as a small child, graduating high school in Dallas before making her way to Parker County.
Husband Grant, who passed away in January of 2011, was also a committed member of the post.
Grant Brooks, who grew up in Clarksville, joined the Air Force right after high school in 1948. He was a member of the air police which supported the 185th Fighter Wing squadron station in Korea and Japan.
He was employed with the Otis Elevator Company before working for the Defense Nuclear Agency at Kirkland Air Force base in Albuquerque, N.M.
“He and his two brothers, all three of them were in the Air Force,” Donna Brooks said. “The Weatherford VFW post was the only post he belonged to.”
Grant Brooks was also an officer at the post, including post commander, and was a member of MOCA, where he served as District 6 commander.
Since the loss of her husband, Brooks has immersed herself in VFW festivities and other hobbies to keep her busy.
“The holidays are a difficult time for me to get through, but I try to cope with it,” she said.
On top of her ladies’ auxiliary duties, Brooks also works at the computer lab at Tison Middle School, a job she says is very rewarding.
“The kids are what keep me going,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Ladies’ Auxiliary president Cindy Graham, right, embraces member Donna Brooks, who was surprised with a reception honoring her 45 years of service in the auxiliary as other members looked on. SALLY SEXTON/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
The Democrat welcomes comments. Inappropriate language or comments outside our standards will be removed. No guest or anonymous comments allowed.
45 years of VFW service
- Local News
-
-
Suspect Tasered after traffic stop, chase
A Weatherford man who was stopped late Tuesday over vehicle-related violations ended up being Tasered and taken to jail after he reportedly fled a deputy, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.
-
Zonta’s sweet event Tuesday
Join the Zonta Club of Parker County for an evening of “Sweet Entertainment” this Tuesday at The Texas Opry Theater, 315 York Ave., in historic downtown Weatherford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
-
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Timely prunings will make for better mums
Garden mums are a perennial that will bloom twice each year if they are not pruned. However, the stems will be long and floppy and the flowers will be small. Timely pruning will greatly improve the appearance and the bloom of the plant.
-
Local Guild sends quilts to West nursing home residents
The Quilter’s Guild of Parker County has a long history of providing quilts to local organizations and individuals through it’s Comfort Quilt Program.
-
WCS student reads in nation’s capitol marking 224th inaugural anniversary of President George Washington
Madison Avery Flynn, daughter of Sean and Ashley Flynn, of Weatherford, and a first grader at Weatherford Christian School, participated in a historic event in the nation’s capitol on May 8th honoring President George Washington.
-
Local artists’ works on display
The Weatherford Art Association announced the Artist of the Month for April at their Monday meeting.
-
MILITARY NEWS: Pvt. Thompson completes basic infantry training
Army National Guard Pvt. Ian A. Thompson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
-
Substance abuse rally Monday at Texas Opry Theater
The next IFC Wellness Coalition “Substance Abuse Awareness Rally” is Monday evening at the Texas Opry Theater.
-
Sheriff's investigators probe shooting
Parker County sheriff’s investigators are looking into a shooting incident that led to a female being injured.
-
CRIME STOPPERS: Alleged check forger sought
On April 20 at approximately 6 p.m. an unidentified white male forged a stolen check at Super Save grocery store located at 102 College Park Ave. in Weatherford.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Suspect Tasered after traffic stop, chase
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
