Raffle organized to help fund Veterans Honor Tour spot

Veterans helping fellow veterans is the goal of a trio of local men, who are holding a raffle to help fund one spot with the local Veterans Honor Tour program.

Mike Harwell is an Army veteran who wants to use his skills to help pay for a veteran to participate in the tour, which visits memorials in Washington, D.C.

Harwell plans to raise $1,000, and needs to sell at least 100 tickets for the raffle. The raffle includes a table he made with a restored sewing machine base and a handmade golden oak top.

Helping with Harwell’s project are two disabled vets, Chris Thomas and Ben Hinkle. They have provided the second raffle item, a set of four gold-plated or colorized coins in a display case.

Harwell, who retired from both the Army and Army Reserves, explains he has skills for building things. He’s decided to use his talents to raise financing for the tour.

Thomas and Hinkle served in the Missouri Army National Guard. Thomas was deployed to both Iraq and Qatar. Hinkle served in Iraq. They are also assisting with the sale of raffle tickets.

The men agree 100% of the proceeds will go to the Veterans Honor Tour, and the raffle will not be held until all the tickets are sold.

Jerry Sneathern, who is in charge of the tour, said, “It is awfully nice of him to do this and donate to the tour. A $1,000 donation will send one.”

Plans for a fall tour are not confirmed, Sneathern said. The COVID-19 crisis is putting a damper on arrangements for the event, which might not be safe for veterans, who range in age from their 70s to 90s.

Sneathern thinks it might be spring before the next tour takes place.

While World War II veterans are still making the trip, the last trek included six veterans from the Korean War and 28 Vietnam veterans.

Sneathern said anyone who wants to put a program or fundraising event together may get in touch with him at 573-718-9224.

The money goes to the Wake Foundation, a tax-exempt organization, which handles the money for the veterans.

Anyone wanting to purchase a ticket, may contact Harwell at 573-609-1741 or Thomas at 573-772-0148.

The tickets are $10 each, and the winner will receive both prizes.

The items are on display at PB Antiques, 1901 Sunset, Poplar Bluff.

The Daily American Republic regrets Ben Hinkle's name was incorrectly listed as Tinkle