The Indiana Fraternal Order of Eagles has announced its recent partnership with the Mary T. Klinker Veteran Resource Center. Based in Lafayette, the organization’s mission is to support veterans suffering from homelessness and/or trauma. Its namesake, Mary Klinker, was a Lafayette native who served as a flight nurse during the Vietnam War. She was one out of the 138 victims who had perished in a Lockheed C-5A Galaxy crash during Operation Babylift, which was the mass evacuation of Vietnamese children to the United States as the Fall of Saigon was happening.
“I have a lot of family that are retired military,” said Denise Hampton, who is the State Auxiliary Madam President. She has been a member of the Auxiliary since 2006 and currently resides in Crawfordsville. “When I entered into this role, my primary goal was to support the veterans.”
The Crawfordsville Eagles Aerie #1005 will serve as a support center for veterans in need of services, which’ll include housing, therapy, and job searching.
“We want to make sure through the Mary T. Klinker resource center that if anyone needs help, they can call, and we will do our best to assist you,” Hampton said.
WCDQ had the chance to talk with Hampton at the Crawfordsville Eagles Aerie #1005. The full interview can be heard below.
The Eagles will soon host an event called President’s Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, which will serve as a fundraiser in support of the collaboration. It’ll feature raffles, a taco bar, and live music performed by Steve Trent & Small Town. The event is open to the public, and will go from 2 until 11 p.m.
The Crawfordsville Eagles Aerie #1005 can be found at 920 E. South Blvd. They can be reached by calling 765-362-5210.
To learn more about the Indiana Fraternal Order of Eagles, click or tap here.
Headline photo: State Auxiliary Madam President Denise Hampton holds a photo of Stella Havercamp, who is her husband’s grandmother. She served as Madam State President from 1970-1971.