The community event that honors veterans in Bandera County, Bandera Honors Veterans, was created by Fidel Ramirez two decades ago. It is still going strong and the celebration attracted over 100 veterans, their families, and community members this year to the Courthouse lawn.
The program stuck to the original format that has been used since the event began. JR Zowie, a veteran of the US Army, was the Master of Ceremonies. As the Sports Director for the Ranch Radio Group, Zowie ably kept the program proceeding forward. He spoke of his late father, also a veteran. His whole family, including uncles and cousins have served their country in the military.
The Bandera High School Naval ROTC posted the colors on the courthouse steps and then waited patiently and respectfully for Master Sergeant Luis Estela to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Estela recently turned 90 years old, but he was just a youngster compared to some at the event.
Local David Main sang the national anthem. His stirring rendition was an excellent leadoff into the Invocation that was followed given by Chris Dion.
Retired Army Colonel Susan Junker welcomed the audience and thanked County Judge Richard Evans. “What a great day to be in Bandera, Texas and God bless the mud on our boots,” Junker remarked. “The only reason we are gathered here under our nation’s flag is because of our veterans and military, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice and could not be here with us.”
Junker recognized the 2024 Bandera Honors Veterans Supporters: Bandera City Marshal’s Office, Bandera County Commissioners’ Court, Bandera County Republican Women, Bandera Economic Development Council, Lowe’s Market, Ben E. Keith Company, Boy Scout Troop Number 146, American Heritage Girls Troop 4567, Trail Life Troop 9112, Jonathan Mallard, Silver Sage Senior Center, Circle M Ice, JM Artisan Baked Goods, Lions Club of Bandera, TJ’s at the Old Forge, TXN Bank, and the Bandera Pro Rodeo Association.
She also thanked the Legion 157 Leadership Team for all their help with the event.
The San Antonio Pipe and Drums played a medley of military service anthems.
Emcee JR Zowie recognized the veterans in the audience starting with WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Cold War (Grenada, Panama, and Kosovo), Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and War on Terror veterans (Iraq and Afghanistan). He also made sure to thank the veterans’ families.
Retired Army Captain and local teacher Shikesha Coloney sang the song “America the Beautiful” with tender emotion and tremendous talent.
Keynote speaker Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Roy Boudreaux, retired, spoke briefly about what a veteran is. “We honor them for their patriotism, their love of country, and their service for the common good.” He reminded the audience that serving in the military is about more than just showing courage but also about putting their life on the line for their country, “doing something greater than yourself.” He noted the sacrifices that veterans have made to serve their country. “The service of American veterans never ends. Even when they hang up their uniforms, they serve their communities in jobs like first responders, healthcare leaders, business leaders, and teachers.”
“A veteran is, whether active duty, reserve or national guard, is someone who at a point in his or her life wrote a blank check to the United States of America for an amount up to and including his or her life,” stated Boudreaux.
To wrap up the program, local entertainer and Air Force veteran Dave Kemp sang the Lee Greenwood favorite “God Bless the USA.” Local pastor and Marine Corps veteran David Rouark gave the benediction. He detailed his own story when joining the Marines before giving the benediction. “I am proud to be a part of the Marine Corps and a service member.” Rouark read the Marine Corps prayer as an offering.
The audience broke up to view the parade.
Captain Shikesha Colony, US Army retired, provided a special song for the celebration.
The 42nd Medical group, veterans from Dessert Storm, rode in a trailer pulled by Cinar Interiors.
Colonel Susan Junker (Retired) welcomed the audience to the celebration. BULLETIN PHOTOS/ Tracy Thayer
