By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
To celebrate its sixth year, the Yukon Veterans Museum presents its big annual fund-raiser this week.
Doors open at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 5 for the annual Yukon Veterans Museum gala inside the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
The Yukon Veterans Museum was established in 2013 to honor U.S. military veterans who served their country and fought for the freedoms that citizens enjoy today.
“This is our major fundraiser for the museum,” Yukon Veterans Museum board member Jenny Crane said. “In fact, it’s our only fundraiser. We don’t charge admission for people to come see the museum, so this gala helps pay our expenses throughout the year.”
Addressing the audience Thursday night will be Major General Michael C. Thompson, who has been Oklahoma’s adjutant general since November 2017.
In his official function, Maj. Gen. Thompson serves as the top military advisor to the governor and commands the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard. Thompson had a 28-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, concluding his civilian career in 2017 as DPS commissioner.
About 200 people are expected to attend Thursday’s celebratory gala, which will feature a sit-down dinner catered by Johnny Carino’s Italian restaurant, 50-50 raffle, live music, and a can’t-miss silent auction.
“The auction will have a variety of a lot of stuff,” Crane said. “We have a $250 bow-and-arrow donated by Archery Traditions. Other items include handmade 1911 leather gun holsters, OU tickets, swim parties, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, vehicle services, auto details, and jewelry.”
Thursday’s annual Yukon Veterans Museum Gala will honor U.S. military veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces.
Yukon-area residents and service members are encouraged to attend to support the work of the Yukon Veterans Museum.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12.
“People need to RSVP by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4,” Crane said. “Tickets will not be available at the door.”
For more information, call Rick Cacini at 517-1901 or Jerry Icenhower at 514-6794.
The Yukon Veterans Museum was established in 2013 and is now housed inside the American Legion Building at 1010 W. Main.
Displays feature everything from uniforms, helmets, weapons, battlefield gear, flags, historic photographs, newspaper clippings, and military documents.
For more information, call 517-1901 or 501-3404.
