Posted by Pamela Bratton on Jan 11, 2018

Dripping Springs to have a Veterans Hall

Kathryn Chandler and Mary Jane Hetrick have a passion for helping our Veterans.  The American Legion and VFW in Dripping Springs was founded in 1994 by Shorty Barnett and Gary Hale and have been looking for a permanent meeting home since that time.  Local philanthropists Kathryn Chandler and Mary Jane Hetrick have organized the creation of just such a home for our veterans.  The 2 acre property in Westwood subdivision off of Highway 290 was donated.  People like PGA Architects, Polkinghorn, John Burns and Doucet came together to create plans, site development and building plans to make it happen. 
The 5-6K square foot hall will cost about $1.5M and will be available to all Veterans for a place to gather.  The hall will be built to host events and there is hope that it will be used as a wedding venue to raise funds for upkeep and operations.  The volunteers making this happen are looking for community connections to complete the building and interior to make it friendly for family and veterans.  One of the items is a commercial grade pool table, just in case you know someone who would like to donate.
Starting in April there will be 3 fundraising events scheduled, including a motorcycle ride from the Austin Veterans.  Wish for our Heroes is active in the development.  The website is under development, and soon there will be bricks for sale.
There are about 200 dues paying members of the two organizations (VFW and American Legion) in Dripping Springs who will be anxiously awaiting a permanent home. 
 
 
The plans were revealed just today for the new building.  Watch for news of community events and opportunities to support this home for our Veterans.