Founded by Billy Teague and HOT 107.3 FM in January 2015, the Texoma Hero Program was developed to not only recognize a local Veteran's military service, but continued service to our community after leaving the military. It is also a small way to say thank you and pay tribute to all who have and are still serving in OUR armed forces.
On behalf of Billy Teague, Bill McCutchen and Judy Teller with HOT 107.3 FM, American Legion Post 29, VVA Chapter 973, VFW Post 2772, Joi Biddle, Sherman Noon Lions Club, SAR Chapter #34, Red River Valley MVP, Faith Church of Sherman, Bill & Martha Neyman, Emil and Amanda North, the Hurricane Creek Rotary Club, the Texoma Heroes Board of Directors and all of the Texoma Hero Family, we are very happy to announce the upcoming ceremony on Saturday, December 7 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Texoma Hero Program.
To date, we have had the privilege of presenting 138 framed American flags during our monthly 118 ceremonies. We have paid tribute to members of all branches of the military, combat and non-combat, enlisted and officer, and have had the distinct Honor of recognizing three Veterans that were 100 years old, and one Veteran who served in the Marine Corps during WWII, Korea and Vietnam, whom at 96 years old, still wears his Marine Corps Dress Blues. As an outreach, we also recognize Veterans outside our community, like one of the few remaining WWII Nurses from Garland, TX., a Tuskegee Airman, Captain Sully Sullenberger, an Iwo Jima Mount Suribachi Marine and so many more, including many Terminally ill Veterans.
CEREMONY ITINERARY
Texoma Hero© 10th Year Anniversary Ceremony
Saturday, December 7, 2024
12:00 Noon to 2:30 PM
Sherman Municipal Ballroom, 405 North Rusk Street, Sherman, Texas
* 1LT Billy Teague, Texoma Hero to welcome everyone to the 10th Year Anniversary Ceremony. Audience to rise, Senior Pastor Ryan Cernero, Faith Church of Sherman, Texas to offer invocation,
* Shields of Honor Pipes & Drums- Texoma© led by Rob Ballew, Sherman Police Department, to play the military medley, while the Choctaw Veterans Honor Guard post the colors, followed by the National Anthem sang by Cesar Saenz, Texoma Hero & music by Judy Teller, Honorary Texoma Hero and HOT 107.3 FM Radio,
* Bruce Dawsey, Grayson County Judge and Texoma Hero to read Proclamation declaring December 7, 2024 “Texoma Hero Day,”
* LT Teague to read the name of each Hero: Texoma Hero or Honorary Hero to stand for recognition as name is announced,
* Moment of Silence for our Fallen,
* SMSgt Cindy Unerfusser, Texoma Hero to read each name of our deceased Heroes, (28), Slow Salute, Bell to be rung by Mel Carruth, Honorary Texoma Hero, and a rose presented by the American Heritage Girls to the next of kin or the Texoma Hero Board,
* Audience to rise as TAPS is played at end of the Memorial Service by David Pedigo, Honorary Texoma Hero,
* LTC Buddy Merrick, Texoma Hero to sing “God Bless the USA,”
* Guest Speaker Admiral William “Bill” Retz, United States Navy (Retired) and Texoma Hero to speak,
* LT Teague to address and thank the “Above and Beyond” Appreciation Certificate recipients and Honor G/Sgt Jim Haun, USMC, with the Texoma Hero Lifetime Achievement Award,
* LT Teague to read comments from President George Bush and Governor Abbott, thank the Board of Directors and invite everyone to lunch. Audience to rise,
* Senior Pastor Ryan Cernero to offer benediction,
* 1:15PM to 2:30PM- Lunch