Amarillo Chapter of Purple Heart 553

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Meeting Time

Every third Saturday of every month, we meet at 9 am at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial in Amarillo, TX.

Purple Heart 553

Chapter 553 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is a veteran service organization composed of combat wounded veterans whose mission is to continue in service to their country and community by focusing on the needs of veterans and their families in the upper twenty-six counties of the Texas Panhandle.

Chapter 553 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart was chartered on February 29, 1988. The National Order was created in 1932 by an Act of Congress, the same year the Purple Heart medal was created. Chapter 553 membership consists of veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the War on Terror and received the Purple Heart. Relatives of the Chapter’s members are also eligible for associate membership.

The Purple Hearts of Amarillo

The VA Amarillo Healthcare System provides health care services at 5 locations serving northern Texas and eastern New Mexico. The facilities include the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo and 4 community-based outpatient clinics in Clovis, New Mexico, and Childress, Dalhart, and Lubbock, Texas.

How Chapter 553 Supports the VA Hospital

Caprock High School USMC JROTC – Cadet Kat’lyn Gonzales

Hereford High School USMC JROTC – Cadet Sofia Enriqez

Tascosa High School Navy JROTC – Cadet Olivia McLaurin

Palo Duro High School Air Force JROTC – Cadet Taylie Wheeler

Chapter 553 Supports Amarillo VA Hospital

MOPH Chapter 553 Officers, Mr. Don Roden (l) & Mr. Mendell Schelin (r) present a $1,000 check to Mr. Bob Heppner, Director of VA Hospital’s Community Living Center, to provide expanded recreational opportunities for the residents of the CLC.

MOPH Chapter 553 Officers, Mr. Don Roden (l) & Mr. Mendell Schelin (r) present a $1,000 check to Ms. Trisha Reid, Director of Civic Engagement, to benefit the VA Hospital’s Clothing Room to provide clothing for Amarillo’s homeless veterans

MOPH Chapter 553 Officers, Mr. Don Roden (l) & Mr. Mendell Schelin (r) present a $1,000 check to Ms. Teena Hall, Director of the Housing First Program to aid Amarillo’s homeless veterans

Participants in the June 6, 2022 check presentations at the Thomas E. Creek VA Hospital.  Mr. Bob Heppner, Director of the Community Living Center; Mr. Don Roden, Senior Vice-Commander, MOPH, Chapter 553; Ms. Trisha Reid, Director of Civic Engagement; Mr. Mendell Schelin, Commander, MOPH Chapter 553; and, Ms. Teena Hall, Director of the Housing First Program.

Who are Purple Heart Veterans?

Amarillo Purple Heart

The Purple Heart originated on Aug. 7, 1782, when General. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. The award was established by Washington to honor soldiers and non-commissioned officers.  Only three men are known to have received the badge which was only awarded during the Revolutionary War.

Read About The History

Texas Panhandle War Memorial

Amarillo Purple Heart

When we moved into the old Randall County Annex, we knew it would be the perfect place to honor and remember our Veterans and their families.  The Education Center, military artifacts, Military Chapel, and Memorial Park are a testiment to the courage, sacrifice, and commitment these men and women gave for their country. Learn more about our 15,000 square foot building and Memorial Park on approximately 2.88 acres.

See our Memorial Videos

Our Focus

Purple Heart 553

Chapter 553 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is a veteran service organization composed of combat wounded veterans that continue to serve by focusing on the needs of veterans and their families in the upper twenty-six counties of the Texas Panhandle with particular emphasis on the Amarillo Veterans Administration Hospital, and the area’s Junior ROTC programs.

Chapter 553's Veterans

MOPH Chapter 553 is comprised of seventy plus combat wounded veterans who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf War and the War on Terror. Each of their stories is unique. To read more about these veterans follow the link below.

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Chapter 553 Veteran's Stories

JROTC Leadership Awards

Four area high schools conduct Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs as an elective. The JROTC course offers the high schools’ students instruction in citizenship, character, leadership and community service. The curriculum emphasizes health, physical education, ethics and financial responsibility.

JROTC Leadership - Scholarship Awards

Community Projects

The veterans of Chapter 553 continue to serve with their involvement in supporting the Thomas E. Creek Veterans Hospital; the four Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs offered at area high schools; The Texas Panhandle War Memorial (TPWM); and, other projects that honor the Panhandle’s veterans. 

Community Projects

Contact Purple Heart 553

Commander/Adjutant; Mendell Schelin
Senior Vice Commander; Don Roden
Junior Vice Commander; Charles Chuck Boyd
Finance Officer; Robert Herrera
Sergeant at Arms; vacant
Trustees; Vacant
Chaplain; Leigh Bratcher

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