With focus, dedication, and heart often demonstrated by those much older, 10-year-old Skyler Clark of Isabella,Ozark County, has been meeting with veterans for the past three years and giving them a memento as a thank-you for their service.
Skyler was inspired to do something nice for veterans after talking to a Vietnam vet, told of the poor treatment some of the returning service members received from a public that was reacting to an unpopular war, and sometimes took out their anger on soldiers on their return home.
“He woke us up at 1:30 in the morning and told us what he wanted to do, and we thought he was dreaming,” Skyler’s mother Ashlee says.
But the young boy persisted and since then, he has given an estimated 1,500 to 2,200 bracelets, keychains or necklaces to veterans. His goal is 5,000.
The family, including dad Roger, mostly goes on day trips to distribute the jewelry. That has included locations in Branson during Veterans Week, West Plains and Mtn. Home, Ark., plus a trip to the Missouri State Capitol for recognition from Gov. Mike Parson and a photo op with 155th District Rep. Travis Smith, 33rd District Sen. Karla Eslinger and Parson.
Sometimes the meetings are further out and incorporated into vacations, such as a trip to Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Miss., made while visiting family. A trip to Florida is in the future, and Skyler plans to meet veterans there, too.
Skyler has paid for the supplies to make the jewelry himself, from tips he earned at Thunder Bay Resort on Bull Shoals Lake in Isabella, where his mother worked. Part of Skyler’s plan is to take veterans fishing; his efforts can be followed on his Facebook page, Skylers Fishing Adventures, including pictures of meetings with veterans and updates on his progress.
Ashlee says Skyler isn’t seeking donations, but asks that those who want to support Skyler’s efforts visit and like the page, or send a card of encouragement to P.O. Box 484, Theodosia, MO, 65761.
