Military Order Of The Purple Heart Chapter 553
MOPH Chapter 553 is the Texas Panhandle’s Purple Heart veterans organization affiliated with both the Department of Texas and the National Military Order of the Purple Heart organization. Chapter 553 has approximately 70 members who have served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and the War on Terror. Chapter 553 meets on the third Saturday of the month at 9:00am. The monthly meetings are held at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial
Chapter Officers
Commander/Adjutant; Mendell Schelin
Senior Vice Commander; Don Roden
Junior Vice Commander; Charles (Chuck) Boyd
Finance Officer; Robert Herrera
Sergeant at Arms; Vacant
Trustees; Vacant
Chaplain; Leigh Bratcher
Chapter Vision
Chapter 553 is involved with supporting the Thomas E. Creek Veterans Hospital’s efforts to identify and aid homeless veterans in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Chapter 553 also provides financial assistance to aid the Thomas E., Creek Veterans Hospital’s Community Living Center (CLC) to provide recreational opportunities for the CLC’s residents. Chapter 553 is also focused on recognizing the future leaders trained by four area high school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. Chapter 553 also participates in social activities benefiting the Chapter’s members; their family members, and other veterans from around the Panhandle.
MOPH Chapter 553
Proclamations
Below is a generic proclamation intended to be adopted by city, county, or any other entity desiring to be identified as a "Purple Heart" organization.
Whereas, the people of the county have given admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selfishly serve their country and this county in the Armed Forces; and
Whereas, veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harms way for the good of all; and
Whereas the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from the County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedom and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
Whereas, many men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces; and
Whereas many citizens of this county have earned the Purple Heart as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force, construed as a similar meritorious act of essential service, and
Now therefore, be it resolved at the county court hereby proclaims the county as a Purple Heart County, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nations men and women in uniform wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.