(Decatur County, IN) – Thanks to the Ella Jo Briggs Fund for Veterans, 2026 marks the sixth year that the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) will host an event to honor local veterans.
But this year’s event will see a change of venue.
The Veterans Service Office at 315 S. Ireland (the former Washington Elementary School) will play host to this year’s event. DCCF says this location offers plenty of room, a great space to chat, and perhaps best of all, convenient parking.
“This year’s change in location is a strategic move to help familiarize our veterans with the local Veterans Service Office and to introduce them to Director Ken Mobley,” DCCF Executive Director Tami Wenning explained. “Ken has done an excellent job working with our veterans to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned.”
During the event, each veteran will receive a gift card to a local retailer, made possible thanks to the Ella Jo Briggs Veterans Field of Interest Fund.
Mrs. Briggs began the fund at the Foundation in 2017 to support projects, activities, and services for Decatur County veterans.
Veterans simply need to stop by the Veterans Office on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up their gift card.
While at the Veterans Office, visitors are encouraged to come ready to share their stories and to have their memories captured on video.
New this year: veterans will also be honored at the North Decatur at Greensburg girls’ basketball game on November 13.
Veterans will receive free admission to the game. They are asked to check in at the Veterans Table outside the gym at 6:45.
Recognition will follow between the junior varsity and varsity games at approximately 7 pm.
DCCF, American Legion Post 129, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Decatur County Veteran Service Office, and Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home are all partnering to organize the event and recognize local heroes.
Other Veterans Day activities (some of which may require proof of military ID) that have been reported to the Foundation so far include:
- 8 a.m. – Breakfast at North Decatur Elementary.
- 10 a.m. – Program at North Decatur Elementary.
- 12:30 p.m. – Lunch at South Decatur Elementary. RSVP at (812)591-3115 or lporter@decaturco.k12.in.us.
- 2:30 p.m. – Program featuring John Pratt at Willows of Greensburg.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar offers a special, complimentary Veterans menu to all veterans and active-duty military.
- Kennelly & Daughters Car Wash – one free graphene premium car wash for each veteran.
- Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. – South Decatur Girls Basketball game vs. Morristown to honor veterans.
