Community connection, family involvement and camaraderie are at the center of a new effort taking shape among local veterans in Ray County. Founded on April 9, the Ray County Veterans Association was created as a separate nonprofit organization, independent from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The group’s focus is on supporting veterans, strengthening community involvement and continuing longtime local programs and services from the veterans building at 312 Clark Street in Richmond. Founder and Commander Jason Blakeman emphasized one of the biggest goals behind the Ray County Veterans Association is creating a more welcoming atmosphere for veterans, families and community members. He noted many people associate traditional veterans organizations with an older atmosphere that can feel unwelcoming or outdated to younger veterans and families. “They think of an old smoky place with a bunch of crabby old veterans,” said Blakeman. “They’re not wrong, but we…