Residents at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home received a thank you in the grandest fashion Tuesday as officials from the state, county and city stopped in to pay their respects to those who’d served their country.
“Sometime throughout the day, take a moment and look around. It’s very easy to find a veteran, and it’s even easier to shake the hand of a veteran and say thanks,” said Donna Huffman, Texas Veterans Land Board representative at the Veterans Home. “We are honored to be here with them today”
The honor, however, was expressed most profoundly by the veterans themselves as many of them struggled, with the help of walkers and canes, to stand at attention as members of the 4th Infantry Division posted the American flag at the front of the room.
“Each American veteran is a source of strength and pride for our country,” Temple Mayor Bill Jones III said. “We are forever grateful for these selfless individuals, especially those who’ve given the last full measure of devotion for our well being.”
Indeed, there was plenty of room to express gratitude for their service, and plenty of people turned out to do just that.
Among them was newly elected state Rep. Ralph Sheffield, Temple City Manager David Blackburn, County Judge Jon Burrows and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a retired Marine officer.
Patterson talked about the five generations of his family who have served and continue to serve today.
“In my family, it was what you did. Answering the call was not something you had to think about. It was expected. It was the norm,” Patterson said. “This is not a day to boost retail sales ... It’s really about honor. It’s about recognition.”
Referring to Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Greatest Generation,” Patterson looked out into the crowded room and said that no matter when a soldier served - during World War II or today - all of them fell into that same category of greatness.
Master Sgt. Brian Allen stood in the hallway with Staff Sgt. Burnett Harris and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Litsenberg as Patterson delivered his comments.
The soldiers, who all serve with the 1st Army on West Fort Hood, couldn’t help but be moved by what Patterson had said.
J.C. Fischer, a volunteer at the veterans home for the past eight years and a Vietnam veteran, said he volunteers because he loves the veterans.
In fact, he loves them so much that he donated the collection of military medals and badges that cover the walls of the main hallway at the home.
“They’ll find their own medals up there and many of them have opened up and talked about their service when they’ve never talked before,” Fischer said. “It has been a real good thing for the veterans to have.”
Fischer said sharing Veterans Day with all of them bears a special significance to him.
“There’s a very deep pride being among so many veterans and to be recognized for my service,” Fischer said.
Jamie Howell, a U.S. Army veteran and a registered nurse at the home, said being at the home with the veterans every day fills her with a sense of pride.
“I’m honored,” she said. “It’s a very rewarding and humbling experience. It’s kind of my way to continue to serve even though I can’t be on active duty anymore.”
