Upshur County's Commissioner Frank Berka and Secretary to the Commissioners Ruth Whiteside are both recognized for their efforts for Veterans.
Upshur County Commissioner Frank Berka has been instrumental in finding and pursuing a grant to provide for transportation for Veterans residing in the county to medical appointments.
The vets or dependents living at home are transported to their medical appointments by volunteer drivers, who are then reimbursed by monies from the grant. The grant is administered by the Texas Veterans Commission and the funds come from the Lottery proceeds.
Frank obtained the grant for the FY 2015 and got a six month extension going into 2016. The program has been quite successful with over 140 individuals benefiting.
At the regular County Commissioners meeting on January 15, 2016, American Legion Peppy Blount Post 320 presented Frank with a Certificate of appreciation for his efforts in obtaining the grant.
Ruth Whiteside, Secretary to the Commissioners handles the appointments, arranges for the volunteer drivers and does the paper work for the program. Her efforts are greatly appreciated and she was also presented a certificate to show our gratitude.