There’s no greater evangelist for the Daughters of World War II group in Dallas than Laura Leppert, the nonprofit’s president and co-founder. The wife of former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert comes alive talking about sacrifices made by members of the Greatest Generation, especially those living in North Texas.
Just now Laura is excited about the Daughters’ event, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11, called “Heroes Among Us: A Tribute to WWII Veterans Luncheon,” at the Hilton Anatole.
With Ebby Halliday serving as honorary chair and an honorary committee including the likes of Maurine Dickey, Mary Poss and Gloria Campos, the two-hour luncheon will honor retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence F. Snowden and James Leavelle, who served in the U.S. Navy.
Gen. Snowden was involved in the capture of Saipan and in the assault on Iwo Jima. Leavelle, a Pearl Harbor survivor, was the Dallas police detective who was handcuffed to Lee Harvey Oswald when Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby.
Native Texan Robert Bearden, a paratrooper and German POW during World War II, also will appear at the luncheon as a “surprise guest” and sign copies of his memoir, To D-Day and Back.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event include $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 levels. Laura is expecting as many as 400 at the luncheon, which is free to all World War II vets.