14 | SUNRAYS JANUARY 2015
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
CA NEWS
Veterans Memorial Advisory Group Leadership (VMAG) Transition
Submitted by Chuck Graham, Chairman, VMAG
In early 2002, eight Veterans presented
the CA Board of Directors with a plan
to build a Veterans Memorial. With the
Board’s approval, they raised the funds
to build the Georgetown-Williamson
County Veterans Memorial, officially
dedicating it on Memorial Day, 2003.
These veterans became the nucleus
of the Veterans Memorial Advisory
Group (VMAG), a sub-committee of
the CA Property and Grounds Com-
mittee which oversees our Memorial
and conducts the annual Memorial Day
and Veterans Day ceremonies. Today,
the VMAG has grown to 24 dedicated
members, each committed to ensuring
our service men and women, veterans,
and their families are honored appro-
priately.
After almost 13 years, leadership of the
VMAG is being passed to some younger
veterans – some who aren’t yet 80 years
of age. A transition plan has been ap-
proved to reorganize the VMAG and
improve its functionality. The change
of leadership and the reorganization are
effective as of January 1, 2015.
George Celis will serve as the new
VMAG Chairman and Pat McCaslin
will serve as the new Vice Chairman.
Both George and Pat have considerable
VMAG experience and possess the lead-
ership qualities to direct the organiza-
tion in the future. They replace Chuck
Graham and John Wood, who have led
VMAG for over a decade. Chuck and
John will continue to serve as VMAG
members. The new Secretary will be
Mark Hilton, and Richard Mee will be
the Treasurer. Other VMAG members
will serve as functional team leaders.
We welcome these new leaders, who will
ensure the Veterans Memorial contin-
ues to be a focal point in our community.
Veteran Burial Benefits
Submitted by J. Paul Comola, CTSVC Outreach Volunteer, 512-819-9953
Are you an honorably discharged veteran from active duty in
the U.S. Armed Forces? If so, you and your spouse are likely
eligible for this incomparable State of Texas Veterans Cem-
etery benefit. Internment at the Central Texas State Veterans
Cemetery-Killeen is at no cost for the veteran and minimal cost
for the spouse. The benefit includes: space, concrete liner (for
caskets), opening/closing, headstone, engraving and perpetual
care. There are three options for cremated remains: Colum-
bariumWall; Scattering Garden; and In-ground Internment.
Military Honors are arranged through your Funeral Director.
Misinformation continues to keep eligible veterans from ap-
plying for this benefit, including:
• You must be a Texas resident:
False
• My spouse cannot be buried there:
False
• You must be killed in action:
False
• You must be a disabled or retired veteran:
False
Unlike the National System, the Texas program allows you
to pre-register. For informa-
tion, call the CTSVC at 254-
616-1770, or call the CTSVC
Outreach Volunteer, Sun
City Texas resident J. Paul
Comola, at 512-819-9953 to arrange an appointment. Paul has
all the required forms and will assist you with pre-registration.
You will need a copy of your DD214 and marriage certificate.
It is highly recommended that you visit the cemetery before
completing the paperwork. A visit will help you understand
the program and make you proud of this benefit that is avail-
able to veterans - a benefit you have earned!
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is located about
13 miles north of Florence on SH 195 (out the Sun City Texas
back gate and left on SH 195). All Sun City Texas residents
are welcome to visit the cemetery, which is open to the public
daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
George Celis, pictured above, will serve as the new VMAG Chairman and Pat
McCaslin will serve as the new Vice Chairman. For more photos from the 2014
Veterans Day ceremony, see page 118.
PHOTO BY PHOTO PHIL
