“BEAR” BRYANT a member of VVA Chapter 991, won first place. At the time of the award, he was undergoing serious treatment for a long term battle with cancer. He was unable to accept the award when presented.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Dogwood Chapter 991, Palestine completed its fall scholarship raffle with the drawing of the winners during their regular December meeting. Tickets for the raffle have been sold at all major community festivals and gun shows since April.
The prizes that were awarded were $1,000 in gift cards for the First Place drawing, a Kimber Crimson Trace 1911 .45 caliber for the Second Place drawing, and a Smith-Wesson .38 caliber revolver for the Third Place drawing.
The First Place prize was won by Hilton (Bear) Bryant of Palestine.
Second Place was won by Steve Daniels of Tyler.
Third Place was won by Henry Kitchens of Palestine.
All of the required documentation and firearm delivery was handled by Archie Van Wey from Buffalo Sporting Goods.
Chapter 991 Raffle proceeds are used primarily to annually fund 10-12 scholarships to families of local Vietnam and Vietnam-era Veterans, and for other veterans assistant programs.
The Dogwood Chapter 991 serves Vietnam Veterans from Anderson, Cherokee, Freestone, Henderson, Houston, Limestone, and Leon counties; and provides assistance to all veterans from East Texas.
