Caring for America of Henderson County Texas

09/14/2026

What an incredible blessing! Caring for America was honored to receive a generous donation from First Christian Church Athens to support our work benefiting local veterans, first responders, and student scholarships.

The gift was presented to CFAHC President Ben Pate by Barbara Schmidt, who represented First Christian Church and also gives so generously of her own time and heart in service to Caring for America.

We were truly surprised and deeply touched by this extraordinary gift. Thank you to the leadership and congregation of First Christian Church for believing in our mission and helping us continue to serve the people of Henderson County. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and partnership!!

08/19/2026

For the second year in a row, Caring for America of Henderson County has been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity to honor our nation’s purple hearted heroes on August 7.

Last year, CFA representatives were privileged to visit the White House. This year, CFA President and veteran Ben Pate and his wife, Debbie, attended Purple Heart Day at the Texas State Capitol alongside local Purple Heart veterans, their families and Lisa Holmes of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1513.

The occasion included the designation of the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott as part of the National Purple Heart Trail, honoring Purple Heart recipients and Texas’ proud military history.

DFW Mid-Cities Chapter #1513,Military coordinated this special visit with the Governor’s Office and never stops working to honor and advocate for our veterans. We are incredibly grateful to have been included in such a meaningful day.

Pictured in the first photo, from left to right, are Patriot Jerome Wemitt; Jr. Vice Commander Wayne Perkins; Chief of Staff Shawn Vernon; Sr. Vice Commander Jeffrey Seidel; Purple Heart photographer Cliff McKenzie; Patriot Member Elvis Allen; Chapter Adjutant Lisa Holmes-Lunkwicz; Commander Eric Newton; Chief of Staff Jack Wilkes; and Assistant Finance Officer/Adjutant Eric Walter.

We will never stop honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of our Purple Heart recipients.

Thank you, Cliff McKenzie for continuing to capture great pictures for us.

08/07/2026

We wish safe travels to several Purple Heart veterans and our CFAHC President Ben Pate as well as others who will be meeting with Office of the Governor Greg Abbott today in a special Purple Heart ceremony at the Texas Capital.

We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of all veterans and extend a special honor to those who have earned the Purple Heart.

08/03/2026

We are proud to partner with the National 42 Players Association for a special two-day tournament honoring our Purple Heart veterans. As we gather in Athens on August 7–8 for fellowship, competition and remembrance, several members of our board will also be traveling to Austin on Friday for the official National Purple Heart Day proclamation signing at the Texas State Capitol, where Texas will formally recognize August 7 as National Purple Heart Day.

Join us at the Community Center, 3344 TX-31 in Athens, for a weekend dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

**Friday Night Event
• 6:30 p.m. start
• $30 per team
• Seven games guaranteed

**Saturday Main Tournament
• 8:30 a.m. start
• $50 per team
• Morning and afternoon round-robin play

Whether you're a seasoned player or simply want to come out and support our veterans, we invite you to be part of this meaningful weekend filled with great competition, fellowship and gratitude.

Thank you to everyone helping us honor our Purple Heart heroes.

07/24/2026

We can't thank Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Athens for moving ALL these great new and used vehicles for us to host the First Responder Scholarship Car Show with Hazelwood Car Show Productions tomorrow!!!! Looking forward to seeing everyone then.

And while you're there, check out Elder's fantastic inventory. You might just find your new ride while seeing lots of other neat rides!

07/22/2026

We can't wait to see you this Saturday as Hazelwood Car Show Productions teams up with us for the BEST car show in Henderson County raising scholarship funds for our area First Responders and those wanting to enter this field. We'll have some things to cool you down too. We know it's gonna be hot!

See you at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Athens Saturday, July 25 from 10am-2pm.

If you haven't registered your car yet, sign up at

Make plans to join us on Saturday, July 25, for the First Responder Scholarship Benefit Car Show at Elder Dodge in Athens. Hosted by Caring for America of…

07/14/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Jeremy Bussell with Hazelwood Car Show Productions and KLTV 7 for helping spread the word about the Caring for America of Henderson County First Responder Scholarship Benefit Car Show! 🚔🚒🚑

Jeremy, we truly appreciate you taking the time to share the heart behind this event and everything that's in store. Your support helps us reach more people and, ultimately, raise more scholarship funds for students pursuing careers in first response while also supporting those already serving our communities.

Now let's fill Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Athens with amazing vehicles and even more amazing people!

📅 Saturday, July 25
📍 Elder Dodge – Athens
🕗 Registration: 8:00-10:30 a.m.
🏁 Show: 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Expect incredible classic cars, trucks, muscle cars, food trucks, vendors, awards, a 50/50 raffle, and a fun day for the whole family - all for a great cause.

Whether you enter a vehicle, become a sponsor, volunteer, or simply come enjoy the show, every dollar helps make a difference.

🎟️ Register your vehicle or become a sponsor here:
zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/first-responder-scholarship-benefit-car-show-2

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post. Together, we can honor our first responders and invest in the next generation who will answer the call.

https://www.kltv.com/2026/07/14/athens-car-show-raise-scholarship-funds-students-looking-be-first-responders/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

A car is show coming to Athens with the goal to raise scholarship funds for East Texas students looking to launch a career as a first responder.

07/04/2026

Freedom isn't free. Today, as our community gathers to celebrate America's birthday, we honor the service, sacrifice, and courage of the veterans, active military, first responders, and families who help protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Fourth of July from Caring for America of Henderson County.

05/25/2026

Freedom isn’t free. Today, we remember the heroes who gave everything for our country and honor the families who carry their legacy forward. 🇺🇸

From Caring for America of Henderson County, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day as we pause to reflect, remember and give thanks.

05/13/2026

We are proud to recognize five outstanding local students who have each been awarded $1,500 scholarships as they pursue futures in military service and first response fields. Congratulations to:
⭐ Elijah Carnes – Athens High School
⭐ Paige Gillert – Athens Christian Preparatory Academy
⭐ Torey Sawyer – Cross Roads High School
⭐ Addison Stephens – Mabank High School
⭐ Ryder Malone – Mabank High School

These students represent the future of service, leadership, sacrifice, and community care. We are honored to support their journeys and can’t wait to see the impact they make in the world. Thank you for choosing paths dedicated to helping and protecting others!



Athens High School Athens Christian Preparatory Academy Cross Roads ISD, Malakoff, TX Mabank High School Athens Independent School District - Texas