Branson Stars and Flags will present awards to 10 of the 22 winning entries in the Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards at the Branson Veterans Week Opening Show on Thursday, November 5, 2:00pm, at the Mansion Theatre. The awards will be presented by last year’s winners; Eddie Beesley, a Marine who lost both his legs in Vietnam, and Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys.
All books are based on a military-related theme. Many of the authors are active-duty military, veterans or a military family member. Readers of nonfiction and fiction, as well as music, video and photography lovers will be able to find something special to take home from Branson. After the awards presentation, authors will sign books at Veterans Village and the various reunions throughout the week.
Award winners attending Veterans Week activities are listed below. The complete list of winners is available at www.bransonstarsandflags.com.
Grand Prize: Tom Ruck for" Sacred Ground"
Historical Fiction Vietnam: Gold Medal to Lynn Salsi for "Firefight on Vietnam Brown Water"
Fiction – Thriller/Adventure: Silver Medal to T.H.E. Hill for "Voices Under Berlin"
Non-fiction: Gold Medal to Del Staecker for "The Lady Gangster;" Silver Medal to Gail Chatfield for "By Dammit, We’re Marines"
Inspirational: Silver Medal to Deborah Tainsh for "Heart of a Hawk"
Poetry: Gold Medal to Erwin Thompson (WWII vet) for "Worth Remembering: the Poetry of Our Heritage"
Photography: Gold Medal to Tom Ruck for" Sacred Ground;" Silver Medal to Jim Staley for "Come In, Swanee Leader"
Audio/Video: Gold Medal to Jeff Senour for original song "Way Back Home;" Silver Medal to Denzil Batson for video "Korea: We Called It War"
Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.