Published: July 09, 2009 01:36 pm      

Poker run set to benefit VFW color guard

VFW Post No. 1922’s color guard is a relatively unassuming group of veterans whose service to the community reminds audiences why they love America.

Members of the ten member color guard perform taps and fire the solemn three volley salutes at the funerals of U.S. veterans.

They post the colors at parades, public events and football games.

They act as escorts during special events.

Like other volunteers, color guard members require money to continue their good works.

With that in mind, the VFW is planning a motorcycle poker run beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 11 to help pay for the color guard’s uniforms and other expenses.

Commander Ken McColly said this is the first year the organization has held a poker run to raise money for the guard.

“We’ve never done this before, but we hope to have a good turnout,” McColly said.

The run is both a ride and a competition.

During a poker run participants ride their motorcycles to various locations where they collect playing cards.

“The event starts at the (Gainesville) VFW. The riders will pick up a card there. Then they’ll go on to the Pilot Point American Legion to pick up another card. From there, they will head to the Denton VFW to pick up a card and finally head back to our Gainesville VFW to get the fifth card,” McColly explained. “The top three poker hands will win prizes.”

All the riders are due back in Gainesville by 5 p.m. when the VFW plans to host a fish fry and dance.

Fat Boys in the Round — Johnny Mach, Mike Choat and Dirt Stinnett and the Hedrick-Ford Band made up of musicians Andy Hedrick and Mandy Ford plan are scheduled to provide music for the dance.

All proceeds from the run, meal and dance go to benefit the VFW color guard.

VFW Post No. 1922 is located at 3332 FM 372 in Gainesville (from North Grand Avenue head toward the I-35 entrance.)

For more information call 665-9054.