DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) – Kathryn Chandler said after moving to Dripping Springs, she noticed a lack of spaces for veterans to meet and connect.
“My father being a Vietnam veteran, I was like, ‘Let’s do this,’” she said, “I mean, we owe this to these guys.”
She and others in the veteran community started fundraising for the Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs five years ago. Now, after raising $8.4 million, it is nearing completion.
“This community stepped up and funded this,” Chandler said. “[Veterans] are so cherished here. We just want to give them all the tools they need.”
And after its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3, veterans in Dripping Springs will have access to many new tools at the Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs.
Chandler said the facility is intended to support the military-to-civilian transition and provide education, employment opportunities, camaraderie and mental health support.
“Let’s get the other families together. Let’s have a good time. So [the facility] embraces the family dynamic,” Chandler said.
Johanna Wynne, a recently retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, said having a space where veterans can connect with other veterans is crucial.
“This is building a space where people can build relationships over time and through those trusted relationships, perhaps be more inclined to seek support that they need, that they otherwise might not,” Wynne, who is also on the board, said.
Wynne said that the space is pretty unique and will adapt to meet the needs of the community.
“It’s going to be by veterans, for veterans,” she said.