Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold | Brig. Gen. Darren L. Werner, the commanding general of the 13th Expeditionary...... read more read more
TEMPLE, Texas — Approximately 100 Soldiers from the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and 1st Medical Brigade, along with members of the Texas National Guard and cadets from Belton and Temple high schools’ Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, participated in the Temple Chamber of Commerce’s 34th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon Tuesday.
The luncheon was held at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center here, as the almost 900 service members, veterans, community leaders and honored guests in attendance reveled in the festivities, which not only celebrated past, present and future Soldiers, but also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Fort Hood’s own III Corps.
Those in attendance were treated to catered food and musical performances by the 1st Cavalry Division Ceremonial Brass Band, as well as patriotic melodies provided by Temple High School’s Polyfoniks.
Chamber President Rod Henry has been with the Temple Chamber of Commerce since 2013 and expressed how the luncheon has been expanded to acknowledge more military communities.
“This is significant to have an event of this magnitude sustained for three-plus decades,” Henry said. “Today, we have moved the program towards not only an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to troops at Fort Hood, but also the Texas National Guard and veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.”
This year had a special feel to it as 15 Vietnam-era veterans were recognized with the United States Congress-authorized Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pin.
Afterwards, guest speaker Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, spoke of the importance of remembering those who have gone before in service to the nation.
“I want all the active duty members here to pay attention,” Funk said. “America’s heroes are here from our greatest generation. Could you guys please give all the World War II veterans a big round of applause?”
As the crowd cheered, Funk expressed why recognizing them will always be important to him.
“They were, in fact, called to serve and served honorably,” Funk quipped.
After Funk delivered an update on how III Corps has been actively engaged in helping keep the country and citizens safe from threats in the U.S. and abroad, he shared his gratitude with the crowd.
“It is great to be part of your communities,” Funk said. “Thanks for all you do every day to celebrate our men and women in the United States military. Thank you very much.”
Following the general’s remarks, a special proclamation was read on behalf of the Texas House of Representatives and State Representative Hugh D. Shine in honor of III Corps’ 100th birthday.
“Therefore, be it said that the centennial year of the U.S. Army III Corps be commemorated, and that all those associated with the corps be extended sincere, best wishes for continued success in their important work,” the proclamation read.
Service members in attendance enjoyed the outpour of support shown by all those responsible for putting the event together, and were grateful for everything that was done for them.
“It’s great that the community brings people together like this,” said Sgt. Andrew Gonzales, 1st Med. Bde. “We appreciate what everyone has done and feel honored that what we do doesn’t go unnoticed.”
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2018 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 298474 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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