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2026 marks the 3nd year of Camp Bowie District Inc’s Hometown Hero Salute. We are taking the month of July to celebrate our freedoms and independence by saluting those that served our country fighting to preserve those rights. This year, we are honoring 38 veterans who were nominated by their peers, friends and neighbors. These featured veterans are represented on banners honoring their service along the historic Camp Bowie Boulevard that was once sacred ground itself as a World War I camp that trained more than 100,000 members of the U.S. Army.
DR. JOHN ALEXANDER
U.S. Air Force
Years of Service: 1944 - 1945
Dr. John Alexander proudly served as a pilot during World War II, flying a B-24 bomber. At just 21 years old, he was recognized in the Book of Texas Records as the pilot of the last four-engine aircraft to drop a bomb on Berlin during the war.
Following his military service, Alexander put himself through medical school, graduating first in his class. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and later became a board-certified anatomical and clinical pathologist.
Alexander served for many years at Harris Hospital, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. After retiring, he was asked by the hospital to return and continue his work. He later retired again after additional years of service.
Alexander passed away in 2018, leaving a legacy of distinguished military service, medical excellence, and dedication to the Fort Worth community.
JUSTIN BLANCARTE
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2021 - 2025
Specialist Justin Blancarte is a United States Army veteran who served in aviation.
He was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where he also became a member of the Horse Cavalry Detachment. A United States Army veteran, Blancarte continues to make a lasting impact in Fort Worth through his commitment to civic engagement, leadership, and service to others.
GUADALUPE CORTEZ III
U.S. Marine Corps
Years of Service: 2005 - 2015
Guadalupe Cortez III, known as “Jr,” was born in Riverside, California, and raised in Norco. He built his life around faith, family, and service. In Norco, he met his high school sweetheart, Heather, who has been his wife and steadfast partner for 22 years. Together, they are proud parents of two sons, Aidan and Kaleb.
At the age of 20, Cortez felt a calling to serve his country and began his military career in the United States Marine Corps. With a young wife and one-year-old son at home, he entered service with courage and conviction. After completing boot camp, Marine Combat Training (MCT), and MOS school as a Heavy Equipment Operator, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for seven months.
Over the course of his ten-year Marine Corps career, Cortez completed two additional deployments to Afghanistan. His service also took his family overseas to Okinawa, Japan, from 2011 to 2014, while much of his stateside service was spent at Camp Pendleton. Known for his excellence, leadership, and pride in being a United States Marine, he earned multiple promotions throughout his career. Although trained and serving primarily as a Heavy Equipment Operator, he also served as a Marksmanship Instructor at Camp Pendleton, mentoring and training fellow Marines before relocating to Okinawa.
In 2014, with two young sons at home, Cortez transitioned from active duty to devote more time to his family.
In 2021, his family moved to Texas, where Cortez continues to lead and serve as a superintendent for a nationwide general contractor. He has become an integral part of the Fort Worth community, most notably serving as superintendent on the historic restoration of the Armour Building in the Fort Worth Stockyards, helping return the landmark to its former glory.
Today, his commitment to Fort Worth is reflected through his craftsmanship, leadership, faith, and dedication to family and community. Whether in uniform or in a hard hat, Cortez’s life reflects integrity, discipline, and service. He continues to serve Fort Worth by strengthening its built environment while preserving its historic character and contributing to the city’s ongoing growth and legacy.
BRIAN EPPERSON
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 2003 - 2013
Brian Epperson is a United States Navy veteran who served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the Navy Reserve, supporting numerous missions as an Information Systems Technician.
Today, Mr. Epperson continues to serve the Fort Worth community through his dedication to his church, where he operates the camera during Sunday services, and through the elaborate holiday displays he creates each year. His synchronized Halloween and Christmas light shows have become a local favorite, bringing joy to families across the community.
BILLY DEAN HOWARD
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1967 - 1969
Billy Dean Howard was born in New Mexico and moved to Fort Worth, as a teenager, where he remained and raised his family.
Mr. Howard owned and operated Billy Dean Painting for more than 50 years throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Over the course of his career, he completed numerous projects, including painting the Fort Worth Woman's Club and the Junior Woman's Club for many years, as well as several projects at the airport.
ROBERT P. MCDONALD
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1942 - 1946
Robert P. McDonald served for four years in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, spending 28 months aboard the USS J. Franklin Bell, an attack transport with the Amphibious Forces. He was present at the initial landing at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, and at Saipan, where, with over two hundred casualties on board, his ship received its first allotment of the new wonder drug, penicillin.
He entered private practice in Fort Worth in 1946. First and foremost, a physician, in an era when house calls were the norm, McDonald delivered thousands of babies and deeply valued that aspect of his practice. He was actively involved in the polio campaign and took pride in delivering the baby of one of his own patients who was confined to an iron lung. He is remembered by generations of women for his kind demeanor and compassionate, healing hands.
McDonald was also passionate about growing camellias and often shared his blooms with patients and staff, carrying trays of flowers on his hospital rounds.
He was a member of the Tarrant County, Texas, and American Medical Associations; a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; a Fellow of the Academy of International Medicine; and a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas OB-GYN Associations, as well as the Bellevue Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.
He served 13 years on the State Maternal Health Committee and volunteered his services in the care of wives of TCU scholarship athletes during Coach Abe Martin’s tenure. He served on the staff of Harris and All Saints Hospitals for more than 50 years. He received the Distinguished Alum Award from the University of North Texas. He was a life member of the Jewel Charity Ball, a former member of Colonial Country Club and the Steeplechase Club, and a charter member of the Fort Worth Camellia Society.
GEORGE MURRAY
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1945 - 1949
George Murray was born on March 15, 1928, and was the youngest of ten children. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Begor. Among his proudest memories of military service was being aboard the ship during the Bikini Atoll atomic bomb testing.
Murray retired from General Dynamics in 1971. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Syble, remained actively involved in USS Begor reunions and traveled extensively, including numerous trips throughout Europe and Israel.
His greatest interests included researching family genealogy and spending time with his family. Throughout his later years, Murray remained active in veterans' affairs, continuing to serve and support the Fort Worth community until his passing.
HARROLD OWEN
U.S. Air Force Air National
Years of Service: 1942 - 1945
Harrold Owen attended Central High School (now Paschal High School) and later graduated from TCU after World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps at age 17 and trained as a fighter pilot during the war. Stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines, he shot down five Japanese aircraft in the Pacific Theater, qualifying as an ace pilot. However, he was never officially recognized because the witness to his fifth aerial victory was shot down and killed before returning to base.
In 2007, Mr. Owen returned to the Philippines, where he was honored as a returning hero for his role in the country's fight for independence. Following World War II, he continued his military service with the 181st Fighter Squadron of the Texas Air National Guard, as documented in a Fort Worth Star-Telegram article published on August 19, 1950.
Mr. Owen was the son of church planters who settled in Fort Worth in 1915 and opened Owen Machine Shop at 556 Kelli's St. His father, Ivan Ernest Owen, was the first licensed welder in Tarrant County.
Following in his father's footsteps, Mr. Owen founded numerous wireline and perforating companies, including GOEX, Pengo, and Owen Oil Tools. In 2000, Hart Publications named him one of the 100 most influential people of the oil century for his innovations in shaped charges and perforating gun systems. Through his influence, 80 to 90 % of all shaped charges manufactured worldwide were produced in or around Fort Worth, creating hundreds of jobs in the city throughout his career.
Mr. Owen held numerous patents and served on the American Petroleum Institute's Perforating Committee for more than 25 years. In 1995, he received a Special Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation from Petroleum Engineer International. His work, along with similar systems he designed, helped pave the way for new horizontal perforating methods in the Barnett Shale region in and around Fort Worth.
Abilene Christian University honored Mr. Owen as its Distinguished Business Leader for 1997–98 in recognition of his contributions to the petroleum industry. He and his wife, Betty, were charter members of Trail Lake Church of Christ, later known as Altamesa Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for many years.
Mr. Owen also served on the boards of Abilene Christian University, Cerebral Palsy of Fort Worth, and the former City National Bank on Fort Worth's east side. He was a member of the Fort Worth Petroleum Club and Ridglea Country Club and supported numerous charitable organizations throughout his life, including Abilene Christian University, Southwest Christian School of Fort Worth, Christ's Haven for Children in Keller, Christian Care Center of Garland, and Altamesa Church of Christ.
MARJIE RATCLIFF
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1974 - 1977
Marjie Ratcliff joined the United States Army in 1974, completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She served at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, and in Okinawa, Japan, as a Personnel Actions Specialist. She was born at Amarillo Air Force Base, where her father served as an officer.
Although she spent her childhood in southern Ohio, Ratcliff has lived most of her life in Texas, moving to Fort Worth in 2013. She has been married for 47 years and has two grown daughters, both of whom reside in Fort Worth with their families, including two sons-in-law and six grandchildren.
After retiring from Southwest Airlines as a communications specialist, she has dedicated much of her time to caring for her grandchildren and her 100-year-old mother, who resides in McKinney, Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in theology and ministry at TCU Brite Divinity School.
Ratcliff serves weekly with a local hospice organization as a chaplain intern as part of her graduate program. She is an active member of Saint Patrick Cathedral and remains deeply committed to her faith and community service. She continues to volunteer at community events as needed, with much of her time dedicated to caring for her mother.
LARRY SNYDER
U.S. Air Force
Years of Service: 1962 - 1982
Larry Snyder was born on Christmas Day in 1942 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, Snyder dedicated his career to healthcare as a registered nurse. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Director of the Rehabilitation Unit at Osteopathic Hospital.
Snyder passed away on Easter Sunday, April 7, 1996, from complications related to Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam. He is remembered for both his service to his country and his commitment to caring for others through his work in the medical profession.
MYRNA THOMPSON
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2002 - 2005
Myrna Thompson is a United States military veteran who served from 2002 to 2005. She is also the wife of fellow veteran Mitchell Thompson, and together they deployed on their first tour to Iraq in 2003.
She and her husband later became parents in 2006. Throughout multiple deployments and the challenges of military life, Ms. Thompson supported her family while serving her country, reflecting a shared commitment to service and resilience within her military family.
JULIAN VALAZES
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1994 - 2024
Chief Julian Valadez began his military service in 1994 at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, and later graduated from Sonar Technician (Surface) “A” School in San Diego, California.
During his active-duty service, Chief Valadez served aboard the USS Stump (DD-978) and completed two deployments to the Middle East. After completing his active-duty enlistment in 2000, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and transitioned to the Information Systems Technician (IT) field.
His assignments included Commander, Carrier Strike Group FIVE; PACOM JIOC; Joint Information Operations Warfare Center (now the Joint Electronic Warfare Center); United States Africa Command Headquarters; and C7F N3 COPS. He was mobilized twice in support of the Global War on Terror, first with a Special Operations Joint Task Force and later at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Chief Valadez retired on December 1, 2024, and resides in Fort Worth with his wife and two daughters. He remains active in the community as a member of the Paschal High School Band Boosters.
MAY WHITLOCK
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1971 - 1975
May Whitlock enlisted in the United States Navy after graduating from high school in 1971 and served honorably until receiving an honorable discharge in 1975.
After relocating to Texas, she was accepted into the Fort Worth Police Academy in 1978. She went on to serve as a Fort Worth Police Officer for 30 years, including assignments with the newly formed Weed and Seed Unit and the Fort Worth Mounted Patrol Unit. She retired in 2008 as an Auto Theft Detective.
Today, May resides in Reno, Texas.
THOMAS AMES
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1989 - Present
Commander Thomas Ames serves in the United States Navy Reserve as Executive Officer of Commander, TENTH Fleet, Navy Information Operations Command, Texas (NR C10F NIOCTX). A Cryptologic Warfare Officer, he is board-qualified as an Information Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer/Officer in Charge, and Maritime Air Operations Time-Sensitive Targeteer.
Originally from Lansing, Michigan, Ames entered the Navy in 1989 as a Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance). After completing six years of active-duty service, he transferred to the Navy Reserve while attending college. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 2004.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ames has served in numerous leadership positions, including Commanding Officer and Executive Officer assignments within Navy Information Operations Commands across the country. He served with Navy Reserve Information Operations Command at NAS JRB Fort Worth in both enlisted and officer roles and has supported a variety of fleet, intelligence, and national security missions.
From 2010 to 2011, Ames deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served as Deputy Director of Intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force Troy in support of U.S. Central Command. In this role, he supported counter-improvised explosive device operations and intelligence efforts throughout Iraq. He was later mobilized to Guam from 2023 to 2024 and continues to serve as Executive Officer of a major Navy command in Texas.
In his civilian career, Ames works at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth serving as a senior-staff systems engineer supporting programs including the F-35, F-22, and F-16 aircraft.
Ames also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College. He is the recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal and numerous other personal decorations and unit awards recognizing his exceptional military service and leadership.
JAMES BRANTLEY
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1965 - 1970
James Brantley served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy, flying S-2 Trackers and A-1 Skyraiders during his military career.
After completing his operational flying assignments, he served as a formation instructor, training Naval aviators in the T-28 aircraft.
Following his military service, Mr. Brantley continued his aviation career as a pilot for American Airlines. He now resides in Fort Worth, Texas, after a lifelong career in both military and civilian aviation.
BETH CRAIN
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2000 - 2013
Beth Crain joined the United States Army in April 2000 and was assigned as a combat medic to the 302nd Military Police Company out of Grand Prairie, Texas. Following the events of September 11, she deployed to Iraq for 14 months.
After returning home, she completed her degree at Hardin-Simmons University and was commissioned as a Medical Service Officer in 2006. She went on to serve with the 341st Medical Battalion, the 441st Medical Company, the 300th Sustainment Brigade, and the 90th Aviation Support Battalion.
She worked as an ER technician at Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist in Fort Worth before completing nursing school. She later served as a Registered Nurse Educator in the Cardiovascular Operating Room at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Her clinical career includes over 16 years in the ER at THR Fort Worth, over 2 years in the operating room, and additional service in the Cardiovascular Operating Room at Cook Children’s Medical Center before relocating to Georgia with her family.
She continues her work in healthcare and medical education, building on a career defined by service, leadership, and dedication to patient care.
HEATH FARMER
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1988 - 1999
Heath Farmer served as an Electronics Technician in the United States Navy for 11 years.
He now resides in Fort Worth with his wife, who is also a United States Navy veteran. He continues to serve the Fort Worth community through volunteer work with the Tarrant Regional Water District.
Farmer remains committed to service, both through his military background and ongoing community involvement.
WILLIAM "LEROY" JAMES
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1943 - 1946
William “Leroy” James served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He decided to enlist during World War II rather than graduate with his class at Paschal High School to serve his country.
He served in the Pacific Theater during the war, though few details of his service were shared publicly, as he chose to keep those experiences private. James passed away in 2007.
Following his return home from World War II, he began a long career with the United States Postal Service in Fort Worth, where he faithfully served the community for more than 30 years.
He is remembered for a legacy of integrity, hard work, and service that continues through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom still reside in Fort Worth and surrounding communities.
TRACEY PAUL MCCONNELL
U.S. Air Force
Years of Service: 1986 - 1991
Sergeant Tracey Paul McConnell served in the U.S. Air Force and is a devoted husband of 33 years, father of three children, and proud Papaw to five grandchildren.
In addition to his military service, McConnell has dedicated more than 21 years to education, serving as a public school teacher and making a lasting impact on the lives of his students and community.
JEFF MURRAY
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1967-70 | 1973-90
Jeff Murray served as a Warrant Officer helicopter gunship pilot in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company from 1968 to 1969.
He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1973 and served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army from 1973 to 1990, retiring after a distinguished military career.
Following his military service, Murray remained active in community service. He chaired Bank of America’s volunteer network for two years, participated in multiple Habitat for Humanity builds, and served in various school activities within Keller Independent School District.
MICHAEL PARENTEAU
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1972 - 1976
Michael Parenteau was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and has spent most of his life in Texas, moving to Fort Worth in 2013. He served four years in the United States Army Infantry with the 2nd Armored Division. During his military career, he completed several domestic assignments and overseas service in South Korea and Germany.
After retiring from Fidelity Investments as a Certified Financial Planner, he shifted his focus to serving those in need. He is an adult server at Saint Patrick Cathedral and is deeply committed to his faith. He is also a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, a Catholic lay order dedicated to serving those in need following the rule of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Parenteau is an active member of the Fort Worth Fly Fishers organization and enjoys fishing trips to Alaska, Colorado, Montana, and the Texas coast. He is an avid New England Patriots fan and enjoys ice hockey, a sport he played throughout his childhood in Massachusetts. He also works part-time at Central Market and is known as an enthusiastic cook.
Since retirement, he has devoted much of his time to volunteer service. Each week, he helps distribute groceries and essentials at First United Methodist Church downtown for those in need. He also serves weekly at Gethsemane Presbyterian supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Monthly, he joins his Franciscan community to cook and serve meals for veterans at the Patriot House. In addition, he volunteers with Community Healthcare of Texas, honoring veterans in hospice care on an as-needed basis. He is widely regarded as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong volunteer committed to serving his community.
ANDREW ROBERSON
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 2002 - 2010
Andrew Roberson proudly served his country in the United States Navy, most notably with VFA-201, deploying with the squadron in 2003.
During his military service, Roberson also supported his community through Tarrant County Meals on Wheels. Following his time in the Navy, he continued his commitment to service by volunteering in local church children's ministries and serving as a Children's Pastor.
Roberson remains dedicated to serving others through faith, community involvement, and leadership.
RACHEL STROMAN
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1998 - 2018
Senior Chief Rachel Stroman, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, retired from the United States Navy and now resides in Fort Worth.
She and her husband, who continues to serve on active duty at NAS JRB Fort Worth, have a daughter and two sons. Following her military career, Senior Chief Stroman has remained active in her community, serving as a board member of her homeowner’s association, working for American Airlines in Fort Worth, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels Fort Worth.
BILL TILLERY
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1943 - 1949
Bill Tillery served during the final two years of World War II and was stationed near the islands of Saipan and Guam.
A lifelong Texas resident, Mr. Tillery spent more than 60 years in Fort Worth, where he remained a valued member of the community.
CALEB VIGUET
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 2017 - 2023
Caleb Viguet served as a Damage Controlman Second Class (DC2) in the United States Navy from 2017 to 2023. A Fort Worth native, he proudly returned home after completing his military service.
During his naval career, Mr. Viguet coordinated and led major shipboard evolutions, setting performance records in damage control and emergency response. His leadership, technical expertise, and composure under pressure earned him a Flag Letter of Commendation.
He continues to exemplify the resilience, service, and commitment to duty that defined his time in uniform.
CHARLES "SONNY" WHITLOCK
U.S. Army
4 active
2 non-active
Charles "Sonny" Whitlock enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, where he was honored for rescuing a victim from a burning vehicle.
Following his military service, Mr. Whitlock worked in construction and helped build some of Fort Worth's most iconic buildings. He later joined the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, serving as a Deputy Sheriff before retiring from the Fugitive Unit.
JENNIFER BENAVIDES
U.S. Marine Corps
Years of Service: 2006 - 2011
Jennifer Benavides served as a CH-53E Crew Chief in the United States Marine Corps and deployed as part of a Lioness Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also served with Female Engagement Teams during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Following her military service, Benavides has continued her commitment to service by supporting her local community through work addressing food insecurity with DUBB Love. She also volunteers weekly in the Lancaster area, providing premade meals to members of the homeless population.
Benavides remains dedicated to serving others and strengthening her community through ongoing acts of service and outreach.
WILLARD CAYWOOD
U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1944 - 1946
Sergeant Willard J. Caywood served as an infantryman in the renowned 83rd Infantry Division of General George S. Patton’s Third Army during World War II.
His extraordinary wartime service took him across the major battlegrounds of Western Europe from 1944 to 1945. Caywood advanced from Omaha Beach to the Elbe River in Germany, where the 83rd Infantry Division met Soviet forces a few miles south of Berlin.
For his bravery and service, Caywood was awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. His unit was also present when Amon G. Carter arrived at the Elbe River to reunite with his son, who had been captured by German forces.
Caywood’s military service stands as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and dedication during one of history’s most significant conflicts.
OGLE HUBERT "BUD" CREW
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1942 - 1945
Ogle Hubert “Bud” Crew was working as a salesman when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, just months after the United States entered World War II. After training at Fort Wolters, Texas, he deployed overseas in 1943, serving in Belfast and Liverpool before later mobilizing to the Pacific Theater, including the Philippines and Japan.
Upon returning safely to the United States in late 1945, Staff Sergeant Crew was awarded the ETO Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with the Good Conduct Award, the World War II Victory Award, and American Defense Awards. He was subsequently discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned home to Fort Worth.
Following the war, Mr. Crew resumed his sales career, but his greatest passion remained horses. A lifelong horseman, he learned to ride as a toddler and by 1955 had become a full-time horse breeder and trainer. An original member of the National Cutting Horse Association, he was the oldest active palomino exhibitor in the 1980s and was inducted into the Palomino Horse Breeders Hall of Fame.
A fixture at the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for decades, Mr. Crew earned the nickname “Mr. Palomino” among those in the equestrian community. Through riding seminars, coaching, and mentorship, he helped bridge Western tradition with the modern era, ensuring younger generations benefited from his extensive knowledge and experience. He was also a dedicated mentor who taught arena performance and horsemanship to local youth.
Fulfilling his oft-stated wish to ride horses for the rest of his life, Crew spent the morning of November 20, 1990, with his horses and passed away later that afternoon at the age of 83. He left behind his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth, and a lasting legacy in the equestrian community.
BOBBY FORSHEE
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1964 - 1968
Bobby Forshee was raised in South Arlington and joined the United States military in 1964 through the buddy system with a close friend.
After returning from Vietnam, he settled in South Fort Worth, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He had one daughter, two grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.
Forshee was extremely proud of his military service and the life he built following his time in the armed forces.
AMANDA JUAREZ
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2014 - 2025
Sergeant First Class Amanda Juarez honorably served 11 years in the United States Army as a 15Q Air Traffic Controller. She also served for 2.5 years as an Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Drill Sergeant, where she played a critical role in training, mentoring, and shaping future Army Air Traffic Controllers for Army Aviation. Her service was distinguished by numerous awards and recognitions that reflected her leadership, professionalism, and impact on mission readiness.
Originally from Lockhart, Texas, Sergeant First Class Juarez currently resides in Fort Worth, with her husband, Vertin Guilfoil, and their son, Vander Guilfoil.
PATRICIA MOLINA
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1986 - 1991
Patricia Molina is a proud Hispanic United States military veteran from Fort Worth’s North Side who served during Operation Desert Storm. She answered the call to serve at a time when women — particularly women of color — were underrepresented in the military, deploying overseas in support of the mission and demonstrating strength, resilience, and determination in a demanding combat-era environment.
Her service reflects not only dedication to the country but also the courage to break barriers and represent her community with honor. Molina’s legacy as a Desert Storm veteran continues to stand as a symbol of sacrifice, pride, and service.
She is also a proud member of Elks Lodge #124 on White Settlement Road, where she actively supports and participates in veterans’ programs dedicated to honoring and assisting those who have served. Her life reflects a continued commitment to service, community, and country.
JOEL NELSON
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1998 - 2012
Sergeant Joel Nelson is a proud United States Army veteran, devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life is defined by service, sacrifice, and family.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Nelson answered the call to serve his country and was among the first wave of soldiers to deploy following the events of September 11, 2001, serving with honor during a pivotal moment in United States history. The values forged through his service — discipline, loyalty, and perseverance — continue to guide his life today.
In 2014, Nelson planted permanent roots in Fort Worth, where he built a life alongside his wife, Elizabeth, a Fort Worth native whose family history dates back to the city's founding. The couple married in 2015 and has shared 11 years of marriage grounded in commitment, resilience, and shared purpose.
Nelson welcomed Elizabeth’s three children as his own, later formally adopting them, choosing fatherhood through love, responsibility, and unwavering presence. Together, Nelson and Elizabeth adopted two more children, intentionally building a family rooted in protection, stability, and choice. He is also a proud grandfather to five, embracing that role with the same steadiness and strength that defined his military service.
Nelson is known for his integrity, humility, and deep devotion to family. He earned an Associate’s degree in Logistical Management from Tarrant County College and currently supports local safety and mobility through his work with Safelite AutoGlass.
Nelson continues his service to the Fort Worth community through leadership, education, and family commitment. A United States Army veteran and first-wave deployer after 9/11, he remains dedicated to strengthening his community by serving, protecting, and leading by example.
MINDI RAGSDALE
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2003 - 2006
Mindi Ragsdale served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator).
She is currently fighting cancer and continues to serve her community as a volunteer with the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD).
ROGER SHINGLEDECKER
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 1989 - 1997
Roger Shingledecker served his country with pride, enlisting in the United States Army while still in high school. He completed four years of active-duty service and four years in the Army Reserve.
A lifelong servant to his community, Shingledecker also served for approximately 13 years as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He was actively involved in numerous community roles, including Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, and volunteer in a variety of local capacities.
Most recently, Shingledecker worked at Bell Helicopter and was an active member of Salt and Light Church in Fort Worth. He remained committed to service throughout his life until his unexpected passing in 2022 at the age of 49.
MITCHELL THOMPSON
U.S. Army
Years of Service: 2002 - 2018
Mitchell Thompson served two tours in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq as an infantryman in the United States Army. He served with the 1st Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division, where he led as a platoon leader responsible for troops in combat operations.
Following his military service, Mr. Thompson attended Texas Christian University (TCU) and later founded his own junk removal company, DumpShuttle.com.
CARL "LYNN" TOOMER
U.S. Marine Corps
Years of Service: 1986 - 1993
Carl “Lynn” Toomer is a United States Marine Corps veteran who was combat-tested during Operation Desert Storm and the Somalia conflict, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, among other service ribbons.
Toomer graduated from Southwest High School in 1986, where he earned accolades in football. He later joined the Marines, serving with distinction in two conflicts before returning to Fort Worth in 1993, where he began a career in construction. He founded his company, EGA Construction, named after the Marine emblem, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Toomer continues to serve the Fort Worth community and veterans through his construction business, which includes hiring homeless and fellow veterans.
He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he has served in multiple leadership roles. He was elected Commander of his VFW Post, then District 21 Commander over 18 posts, and in 2022 was elected Texas State Commander. Under his leadership, VFW membership in Texas grew to 65,000, the largest in the world, guided by the motto “Service over Self.” He continues to advocate for veterans’ issues at all levels of government.
Toomer currently resides in South Fort Worth, where he remains active in his community and continues serving in leadership roles within the local and district VFW, with ongoing aspirations for national leadership.
THOMAS WALSH
U.S. Air Force
Years of Service: 1985-1993
Thomas Walsh, a native of New York City, joined the United States Air Force after graduating from college. He served in Vietnam and spent 21 years as a B-52 Bombardier Navigator, retiring from military service at Carswell Air Force Base in 1987.
Following his retirement, Mr. Walsh continued serving fellow veterans by volunteering for many years at the pharmacy at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, formerly Carswell Air Force Base.
He remains active in the veteran community as a member of the American Legion in Benbrook and Benbrook VFW Post 10429.
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