In memory of Cora: Gift presented to POW Network

Decades ago, Branson entertainer Tony Orlando said “one day is not enough,” for celebrating and honoring veterans in Branson. In agreement with that statement, this year marks the 29th year that every Nov. 5-11, Branson comes together for Veterans Homecoming Week, to show gratitude and pay tribute to those who have fought our wars, and given us freedom in this beautiful country.

The POW Network has been part of Homecoming since the start. Volunteers work year-round in cooperation with area veterans’ groups, to help prepare for the opening shows, service era reunions, a POW/MIA Service of Remembrance and the much-anticipated formal of the week, the Annual Military Banquet & Gala, all of which will return for this fall.

As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is a huge part of the Network’s year-long effort to cover expenses for all the events, allowing most to be free for the veterans. It’s not a small undertaking, as era reunions include entertainment, door prizes and a hot catered meal, with two such reunions usually having 500 attendees each. 

Last year, Network volunteers Mike and Paula Conley, from Mt. Olive, Illinois, raised almost $3k for the Network’s Homecoming events with a silent auction, with goals set even higher for this year. Recently, the Conleys were invited by Dan Wagner of Branson's “Johnny Cash and Friends” Tribute Show, to stop by the show on June 12. After introductions and an opportunity for Mike Conley to explain the POW Network’s nonprofit work, “Johnny Cash” presented an autographed black acoustic guitar to the organization, in honor of Dan’s late daughter, Cora.

Conley and Wagner (Photo submitted)

The gift included a CD of Dan’s music, and an autographed T-shirt, which will be part of this fall’s silent auction along with the guitar. Opening bids will be accepted at the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony, starting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Americana Theater.

Conley, himself an Army veteran, stated: “I believe that this truly is the only town in the U.S. that this could be accomplished in. The love shown for veterans in Branson is beyond belief.”

For more information about POW Network or to make a tax-deductible monetary donation to support the events held Nov. 5-11, call Mary Schantag, chairman, at 417-336-4232. Visit https://pownetwork.org and click the “Branson, MO” tab for an updated calendar of events, and make your plans now to attend.