HLRGazette Archives

Relive some of our best stories.

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size

Andy Burnett benefit dinner

E-mail Print PDF

Afghan vet Andy Burnett
to be honored at dinner

By JOHN SPARKS

Andy Burnett, a wounded veteran of the war action in Afghanistan will be honored at a benefit dinner Saturday, May 9 at the Hawkins Schools Cafeteria. Burnett and his family were formerly residents of Wood County in the Pine Mills area. Prior to joining the U.S. Army, Burnett served with the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Burnett, a PFC medic in the Army was wounded July 17, 2008 in Afghanistan. He has undergone two surgeries-one to remove the sniper's bullet from vertebra in his neck and a second to fuse remaining vertebra. Andy also lost 85-percent of his spinal cord as a result of the injury. He has received treatment and physical therapy in U.S. Army hospitals in Germany, Washington D.C. and Tampa Florida. His injuries have confined him to a wheel chair, but he recently took delivery of a special vehicle fitted with hand controls to enhance his independence and mobility.
Andy, 23, and his brother Daniel, 27 currently live in Tyler where both are attending college classes. Andy's parents, Larry and Donna, have moved to Texarkana.
The dinner is being sponsored by the Hawkins-Holly Lake Rotary Club and co-sponsored by the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Greater Hawkins Area Veterans Memorial Association. Tickets for the event will be available from members of all three of the sponsoring organizations at a cost of $12.50 each. Net proceeds will benefit Burnett as he pursues a college education.
In addition to the benefit dinner, an account has been established at City National Bank, Hawkins. Direct contributions can be made to the "Andy Burnett' benefit account at the bank or branches in Holly Lake, Quitman, Winnsboro and Yantis as well as two locations in Sulphur Springs.

 

The only searchable local paper.