VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 • 4:30 p.m. Louis L. Adam Memorial Plaza, Veterans Park & Athletic Complex 3101 Harvey Road • College Station, 2015 Board of Directors and Officers Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Inc.

John Anderson ...... Audit Committee Steve Beachy ...... Special Assistant to the President Anne Boykin ...... Chief Information Officer Committee Glenn Burnside ...... Chaplain Irma Cauley ...... Brazos County Representative Chip Dawson ...... History Committee (Chair) Chris Dyer ...... ACBV Ex-Officio Representative Jerry Fox ...... Treasurer Mike Guidry ...... Event Committee John Happ ...... Vice President, Development Committee (Chair) Brian Hilton ...... Secretary Randy House ...... President Fain McDougal ...... Development Committee Mike Neu ...... Chief Information Officer Committee (Chair) Louis Newman ...... Development Committee David Sahm ...... Design Committee (Vice Chair) David Schmitz ...... City of College Station Representative Jim Singleton ...... Design Committee (Chair) Travis Small ...... Special Assistant to the President Mike Southerland ...... City of Bryan Representative Perry Stephney ...... Event Committee John Velasquez ...... Flag Coordinator Bill Youngkin ...... Event Committee (Chair)

Veteran Affiliations American Legion . Veterans of Foreign Wars . Disabled American Veterans Order of Daedalians . Air Force Association . Vietnam Veterans of America Brazos Valley Marine Corps League . Military Officers Association of America Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Veterans Day Program 11 November 2015 4:30 p.m. Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Veterans Park & Athletic Complex College Station, Texas

Honor Wall Roll Call Bill Youngkin, Esq. BVVM Board of Directors Welcome Remarks LTG Randolph House, USA (Ret.) President, BVVM Board of Directors Invocation MAJ Glenn Burnside, USMC (Ret.) Chaplain, BVVM Board of Directors National Anthem, Texas Our Texas The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band History of Veterans Day MAJ Glenn Burnside, USMC (Ret.) Special Recognition of Bill Youngkin, Esq. Brazos Valley Heroes Service Medley The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band Keynote Address Michael Beggs Special Presentation of the LTG Randolph House, USA (Ret.) Advocate Award, Patriot Award Rifle Salute Ross Volunteers Texas A&M University Texas Aggie Band Bugler

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.” -UNKNOWN KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Michael Beggs

Michael Beggs was born in Tyler, Texas, and attended schools all around the southeastern portion of the United States due to his father’s employment. He attended 7 high schools, graduating from the one at Athens, Texas, in 1964.

He enrolled at Texas A&M thereafter, and spent his college years as a member of Squadron One in the Corps of Cadets, a Ross Volunteer, and a Yell Leader. He married the former Darragh Fertitta of Beaumont, Texas, received his commission as a Marine Corps officer after college, and embarked upon what he intended to be a career in the Marine Corps.

However, he sustained wounds in Vietnam that resulted in his being medically retired from the Marines, and he subsequently went to work in the defense industry as a systems engineer, project manager, and program manager for various weapons systems which were primarily related to the US Navy and Marine Corps. He spent over 30 years in that role while working in various divisions of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, where his duties required travel throughout the world.

Mike and his wife raised their 5 children on a farm outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia. As years went by, the desire to “go home” to Texas became stronger, so in 2011, Mike and his wife sold the farm, retired from their jobs, and moved to College Station, Texas. Mike is now retired, spends his time with grandchildren, and serves in the Association of Former Yell Leaders and the Ross Volunteer Association. Special Veterans Day Presentations

Bryan Rotary Field of Valor | Nov. 8-15 During the week of Veterans Day, Bryan Rotary displays 1,000 American flags at Veterans Park. Rotary members also lead tours of the American Mile and Lynn Stuart Pathway history trails for more than 1,470 fifth-grade students. Want to dedicate a flag or become a Veterans Week docent? Go to http://bryan-rotary.org/SitePage/field-of-valor-2015.

2015 Advocate Award This award recognizes businesses which have shown a commitment to the support of veterans by donating goods or services to the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, thus honoring veterans who have served in the uniformed services of the United States.

2015 Patriot Award Established in 2010, the Patriot Award is presented to individuals, groups or businesses that show outstanding support to the Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Inc. and its mission.

Previous winners: The B-CS Eagle, Texas A&M Univ. Corps of Cadets, The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Pete Huddleston, Bryan Rotary, JaCody Inc. 2015 Wall of Honor

David F. Ahlers USA John Albers USMC Dr. Carl G. Anderson USA Donald B. Austin USA Elmer Berryhill, Jr. USA M.J. Blackman USN Thomas David Borski USN Joshua Joseph Borski USN Janayle Margaret Borski USN Merle Seth Brower USAF Doyle Eugene Brower USA Oscar James “Jim” Bruffett USN David Linton Burch USMC Auvye Spear Burch USA Gary Lee Byrd USA Thomas L. Calvin USMC Frank Calvin USMC Hubert Calvin USA Warren D. “Sarge” Cameron USAF Lonnie James Green USA Sandra J. Cameron-McMillan USA Salvador N. Guerrero USN Paul Tyler Carroll USMC Stephen Halbert USAF Jack Collins USAF Stephen Colvin Hand USMC James R. Collins, Sr. USA Bob Louis Hand USN James R. Collins, Jr. USA Richard A. Hannah, Jr. USAF Matthew J. Collins USA Milton N. “Bubba” Harris USMC Charles James Collins USAF Eddie Lawrence Hester USAF Willie Edward Colvin USA Henry C. Hill USAF Joseph H. Cross USN Henry C. Hill II USN Patrick D. “Danny” Everitt USA James R. Hinderman USA Larry O. Fisher USN Donald B. Hodges USAF Jack R. Foster USA Donnie L. Hodges USAF Robert Darwin Garrett USN John L. Kapsen USN William Perry Garrett USA Murray Luther Kinman USN Lelve G. Gayle USAF Lewis E. LaGesse USN Roland Travis Golden USA Edmond E. Lagrone USN 2015 Wall of Honor

J.C. “Buddy” Oelkers USMC Sergio G. Ortuno USN Phillip J. Paschal USAF Donald Garner Patton USA Jeffrey Scott Patton USAF Chester F. Payton USA Charles Samuel Perrone USA Emory “Al” Ragsdale USN Ross Rayburn USMC James M. Richards USAF Stephan H. Richardson USMC Robert M. Roseman, Jr. USA Daniel Ruiz USA Daniel Ruiz, Jr. USA Daniel Ruiz III USA Daniel A. Ruiz USA David H. Saxby USA Tommy D. Smith USA Lynn Laird USAF Austin Hunter Smith USA Robert D. Lancaster USA Roger E. Smith USA Joe Lara USA USN Willum Harry Spillers, Jr. USAF Arnold Lara USA Mark Roberston Spillers USN Edward D. Lawrence USN Robert William “Bob” Spoede USA Richard Lawrence USMC Herman Henry Spoede, Jr. USMC Charles Leon Leonard USA Stuart Lee Spoede USN Henry L. Lesley USA James T. Stinnett III USAF Charlie H. Liles USA Billy J. Thames USA USAF Bobby J. Loehr USMC Alice Tigerina USMC Harold A. Lukefahr USN John F. Udan USAF Kenneth E. Matthews USAF David Richard Usher USAF Charles E. McCandless USAF Thomas “Jerry” Wade USAF David E. McLeod USA Erwin H. “Joe” Winkelmann USA Richard H. Metz USA Gerald K. “Red” Withrow USN Richard H. Mueller USMC William P. Workman USA Michael E. Nugent USA USAF Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial History

The mission of the Memorial for all The red granite Wall of Honor serves Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Inc., is as the memorial’s primary feature, two fold: highlighting the etched names of 4,846 military service members from (1) To take a proactive role in all periods of U.S. history who are honoring veterans who have family and friends to those residing served in the uniformed services of in the Brazos Valley. the United States, and Notable names on the wall include (2) To serve as an educational 24 U.S. Presidents with military venue for future generations to service and seven former students of learn that freedom is purchased Texas A&M University who received with a heavy price and sacrifice. the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award given to military hartered in 2000 as a non-profit personnel. C corporation by the State of Texas, BVVM is generously supported by The bronze sculpture mounted atop numerous community residents, the wall’s 250-ton granite base is the organizations and partners including work of artist Robert Eccleston from the municipalities of Bryan, College Schuyler Falls, New York. Eccleston Station and Brazos County. served as a U.S. Army Ranger in the 10th Mountain Division before his In May 2002, Don Adam, chairman beginning his career as an artist. of The Adam Corporation and veteran of the U.S. Army, provided BVVM Sites & Statues the first major gift to the memorial. The first of many memorial sites to In gratitude, BVVM named its main highlight U.S. military engagements plaza “Louis L. Adam Memorial was the War on Terror Memorial, Plaza” in honor of his father, who dedicated May 30, 2005. This site also was a U.S. Army veteran. features a steel relic from one of the World Trade Center Towers in New BVVM was dedicated Nov. 10, York City struck by U.S. enemies on 2002. President George H.W. Bush Sept. 11, 2001. attended the dedication, saying: The Lynn Stuart Pathway, a half-mile “The Brazos Valley community can trail connecting all of the BVVM stand proud. The names that mark the memorial showcase the sons and war memorials, was dedicated daughters who gave dedicated service Sept. 22, 2006. This trail honors to our nation so that future generations Brigadier General Louis Lynn Stuart can share the freedoms we enjoy. Their (U.S. Army), whose support and task was great and their sacrifice even greater, but their legacy stands firm leadership were critical to the initial and their memories burn bright.” development of BVVM. Photos of the two Civil War Memorial statues at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, dedicated April 9, 2015.

Left: soldier Right: soldier

The American Revolution site, titled The second World War II site statue, Liberty or Death, was dedicated July titled Letters from Home, was 1, 2010. A bronze Continental soldier dedicated Nov. 11, 2013. Sculpted is shown standing in dramatic pose. in the likeness of C.J. Allen of Bryan, Texas, the statue features a U.S. The War for Texas Independence Army infantryman resting on a stone site, titled Come and Take It, wall while reading a letter from was dedicated Oct. 2, 2010, the home. The memorial pays tribute to 175th anniversary of the Battle of those who served in Europe as well Gonzales. The bronze statue depicts as those who supported the war a rugged frontiersman. effort back home.

The Korean War site, titled Katchi The Vietnam War Memorial site, Kapshida or “We Go Together,” was titledHOT LZ, was dedicated May 31, dedicated Nov. 11, 2010, around the 2014. The site monument features a 60th anniversary of the start of the bronze UH-1D Huey helicopter with Korean War. The site features two soldiers preparing to drop onto a bronze statues, one Korean soldier dangerous (or “hot”) landing zone. and one American soldier, standing together against a common enemy. The Civil War Memorial site, titled Going Home, was dedicated April 9, The first World War II site statue, 2015. The site monument features titled Day of Infamy, was dedicated two bronze statues in the likeness of Dec. 7, 2011, the 70th anniversary soldiers from opposing sides, each of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The looking back at his former enemy. site features a bronze statue in the likeness of President George H.W. Each site statue was designed by Bush as a young U.S. Navy airman. local artist and scupltor J. Payne Lara. His work serves as the focal The War of 1812 Memorial site, point of each war memorial site titled Don’t Give Up the Ship, was and provides a vivid portrayal of the dedicated June 1, 2012, the 200th look and character of many military anniversary of the start of the war. veterans throughout our history. Sincerest thanks to these partners for their generous support

CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS COUNTY, CITY OF BRYAN *** SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, BOOKMAN PETERS, MERVIN PETERS, ADELHEID TRANT, GEORGE NELSON *** MARY ALICE & STEVE BEACHY, DR. & MRS. JAMES B. WOODLEY, NORMA & JOHNNIE HOLLEY, BILL YOUNGKIN, TRAVIS SMALL *** RANDOLPH W. HOUSE, FAIN MCDOUGAL, JIM SINGLETON, JERRY FOX, JACODY INC., A&M TWIN CITY PAINT & BODY Many thanks to all of our contributors!

THE ROSS VOLUNTEERS

The Ross Volunteer Company, the oldest special unit of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, serves as Honor Guard for the . Ross Volunteers attend all Texas governor inauguration ceremonies and perform the three-volley salute at Texas A&M’s Silver Taps and Muster events each year.

The group first organized as the Scott Volunteers on Texas A&M campus in 1887 (then known as Texas A.M.C.) for drill precision. It was named for Thomas Scott, agent of the board of regents and business manager from 1883 to 1891. When Gov. Lawrence Sullivan Ross was appointed college president in 1891, the company was renamed the Ross Volunteers. Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross was the 19th Governor of Texas and a Confederate States Army general during the .

Ross came to be known as a “Soldier, Statesman and Knightly Gentleman,” and all Ross Volunteers are expected to reflect his traits and values. The company is composed of junior and senior Corps of Cadets members chosen from among their peers on the basis of honor, humility, and character.

Reference: Heathman, C. (2013, July 2). Special units within the Corps of Cadets. The Bryan-College Station Eagle. Retrieved from http://myaggienation.com. SAVE THE DATE * JULY 28, 2016

Indian Wars Memorial Statues of a Buffalo Soldier & Tonkawa Scout

Our site will feature the “Buffalo Soldier,” a term coined by Native Americans in reference to the African-American soldiers of the U.S. military they fought during the Indian Wars. The statue (not pictured) will show a soldier with a hat hanging from his throat as he holds his rifle, McClelland saddle and bridal. He is standing beside a Tonkawa scout who is pointing the way back to the fort. The Tonkawa are a Native American tribe indigenous to present-day Oklahoma and Texas.

On July 28, 1866, Congress passed a measure establishing the 9th and 10th cavalries and four infantry regiments (38th-41st) to be comprised of African- American enlisted men. According to the National Park Service, these new regiments were immediately transferred to the Western states and territories for service on the American frontier. The black men were former slaves, freedmen and Civil War soldiers.

These statues will allow our community to honor a significant portion of our citizens for the sacrifice their ancestors made for our country and state.

We still need your support! With your help, we can install additional benches, markers and plates around each of the 22 sites that make up the entire 12-acre Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial grounds.

BVVM.ORG 979.696.6247 WALL OF HONOR

Now accepting 2016 applications We are now accepting applications for placement of military veteran names on our Wall of Honor in 2016. The Wall of Honor is the centerpiece of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial and a patriotic and reverent tribute to all veterans (living, deceased, or currently serving) of our United States Armed Forces.

DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION AT BVVM.ORG/CONTRIBUTE/WALL

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bvvm.org P.O. Box 11055 • College Station, Texas 77842 [email protected] • 979.696.6247