Benefit concert to help POW Network fund veterans’ week activities

The POW Network proudly invites the community to a benefit concert on Wednesday, August 26, starting at 5 p.m. at the Americana Theatre, 2905 W. 76 Country Blvd. in Branson. Proceeds from the event will help fund the POW Network’s valuable activities, including multiple functions and services during Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, November 5–11. 

For over 36 years, the POW Network, a 501(c)(3) educational volunteer organization, has tracked the POW/MIA issue, focusing particularly on Vietnam War losses, telling the stories of those captured, released, or passed away, and helping bring closure to families who never learned their loved one’s fate. Another important aspect of the Network’s efforts is to identify “fake warriors”—individuals that falsify stories and forge records, pretending to be honorable military heroes. The Network also helps families trace their military legacy and obtain records of family members’ service.  

The Network is on its 30th year of being active in Branson, where just one day is not enough for the honor our veterans deserve. From November 5 through 11 annually, the Network is involved in events including these: 

• An opening evening show, free of charge and featuring great Branson entertainers; 

• A POW/MIA Service of Remembrance; 

• Feeding 1,500-plus veterans, widows and their loved one; providing entertainment and door prizes during service era reunions and a spouses’ luncheon; 

• Hosting the formal Military Gala andd Banquet with dining, dancing, entertainment and a U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting; 

• Partnering with Walmart for a closing show and luncheon. 

With the exception of the Gala, many events during the week are FREE of charge; and as the numbers of veterans attending increases, so do the costs. That’s where the community comes in. The August 26 fundraiser concert will feature several area entertainers: 

• Pre-show with Chris Conant from Kokapelli Studios in Kimberling City 

• Rich and Anna Watson from “A Garth Tribute” at the Showroom, performing and serving as MCs 

• Dan Wagner from “Johnny Cash & Friends” tribute show 

• Jonathan Deanna with “Absolutely Country, Definitely Gospel 

• Steve Sanders 

• Doug Gabriel 

• Dave Hamner 

There will also be auction items, including a patriotic handmade quilt, and a 50/50 raffle, and the POW Network will operate the event’s “PX” featuring military hat pins and one-of-a-kind military geodes. 

Tickets for this valuable and entertaining event are just $20; call the Americana Theatre box office at 417-544-8700 and reserve your seat now, to help honor veterans and serve our POW/MIA families.