Enjoy dinner and patriotic/county/gospel concert Saturday evening in Kiowa

Anyone who loves America, especially Vietnam veterans, will love hearing country/gospel artist Barry Ward's latest release, "Welcome Home."

This Saturday evening, Sept. 24, Ward will perform that hit and more songs live in Kiowa. "Welcome Home" honors Vietnam veterans and the video brings a sense of overwhelming patriotism as Ward sings while footage of soldiers in action in Vietnam is shown. The video concludes as it shows a few of those veterans today touching and saluting names on the Vietnam Wall Memorial at Medicine Lodge.

You have an opportunity to hear Ward's award-winning music and help the Freedom Gates Boys Ranch at Hazelton, Kansas. All you have to do is treat yourself to dinner and entertainment at the fundraiser in Kiowa's Community Building, 119 S. 5th St., in Kiowa. The pulled pork meal is served at 6 p.m., with Ward's performance starting at 7 p.m.

Recommended donations for those attending are: $25 for a party of two; $15, single; $5, children ages 7 to 12; Free, children under age 7. For reservations call Bobbi at 580-541-7750.

Freedom Gates Boys Ranch President Michael Simpson said funds raised at the dinner and concert will help FGBR finish their "Blue House" in Hazelton. The house was donated to the group that helps transform troubled young men and gives them a path for a bright future.

The donated house had two bedrooms and one bath with a two-door garage. When World Mission Builders (WMB) was here in June, they remodeled and made it a four-bedroom and two bath with a game room. WMB donated their work.

Simpson said the house is almost finished with carpet being laid this week. The money from the fundraiser will help cover expenses left to be paid on this project.

Whatever money remains will help pay new house parents. The board is currently advertising for new house parents. Current house parents Dennis and Nancy Blake are NOT leaving. Simpson said the Blakes will take on a new role in FGBR. They will offer respite care (temporary care) for the new house parents, help with boys' individualized plans, and are becoming certified trainers for house parents.

FGBR is still in the process of transitioning from being a foster care facility to a private placement so they will be free of dealing with the government. Simpson said during this transition period they only have two boys. He anticipates the private placement licensing process to be complete by early November. FGBR has applications from numerous boys. Simpson said it's realistic to have them moved in by the first of the year so they can start school at South Barber in Kiowa for the second semester.

Simpson said the average time house parents stay is two-and-a-half years. The Blakes have been full-time with little respite care to help them for about six years, he said.

"The Blakes have done an amazing job. I'm so impressed with the care and attention they give the boys," Simpson said.

More About Singer/Songwriter Barry Ward

Ward describes himself as a western singer, but more importantly a cowboy who sings. Ward has a long list of honors for his musical talents listed on his website such as: the 2015 Western CD of the Year by the Rural Roots Music Commission, the 2014 Western Music Male Vocalist, Academy of Western Artists. Raised in the western plains of Kansas, he now calls Eureka, Kansas, in the Flint Hills home when he is not touring.

On Ward's website a review of his latest CD tells how it "captures an eclectic gallery of genres and interests, spanning from the back of a horse in God's creation to the gold mines of Alaska!" The title cut, "Welcome Home," reportedly has received standing ovation reviews.

Ward shares his love of America through his music, in his albums and his original songs. A statement on Ward's website said, "His patriotic, farmland spirit of a singer is so filled with the love of God that you can feel it when you listen to his music."