Boots on the Ground

Honoring Veterans

Four military personnel are standing and presenting the American flag and the Texas flag. Four military personnel are standing and presenting the American flag and the Texas flag.

World War I, originally called "The Great War," officially concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, at the Palace of Versailles in France.

However, the fighting had already stopped seven months earlier when an armistice, a temporary halt in hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany.

A veteran wearing a parachute is presenting the American flag falling from the sky. A veteran wearing a parachute is presenting the American flag falling from the sky.

This ceasefire took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, which is why November 11, 1918, is widely recognized as the end of "the war to end all wars."

Veterans Day is still observed annually on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. Keeping this observance on its original date honors its historical significance.

It emphasizes the true purpose of Veterans Day: a celebration dedicated to honoring America’s veterans for their dedication to their country, patriotism, service, and sacrifice.

Sherry Cervi with her hat off and praying next to an American flag. Sherry Cervi with her hat off and praying next to an American flag.

While numerous songs, stories, poems, books, and movies have all been written and made famous with military veterans in mind, join us in shining a light on the everyday military heroes submitted to us by loved ones of the heroes in their lives.

This Veterans Day and every day, we tip our hats to the brave men and women who have sacrificed the most for our country and our freedom.

A photo of Cameron Gilbert in a military uniform. A photo of Cameron Gilbert in a military uniform.

Photos courtesy of Cameron’s family.

Cameron Gilbert - United States Army

Cameron served in the United States Army for eight years, from 2005 to 2013, including multiple tours overseas in Iraq. While he was sent home with injuries, he said he would undoubtedly return to combat for our country if he could.

Thank you, Cameron, for your service.

Three photos of Daniel Jennett, one of him in uniform, with his kids, and his army brothers. Three photos of Daniel Jennett, one of him in uniform, with his kids, and his army brothers.

Photos courtesy of Daniel’s family

Daniel Jennett - United States Army

Daniel served in the United States Army as a 63M Bradley systems mechanic supporting 5/4 cavalry with the first infantry division for three years from 2007 to 2010, including a year spent deployed in Baghdad.

While away, he wrote letters to his loved ones connecting to home while he was experiencing questionably the scariest things of his life. Before his time in the Army, he developed his passions as a Western enthusiast. He worked as a bouncer and rode bulls at the notable Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Texas.

However, his roots in Fort Worth don’t stop growing there. He married a former Fort Worth Police Officer, and they have two kids, one of which they affectionately named after the tanks he worked on during his time in the army.

He passed down his love to Bradlea, who participates in Justin Mutton Bustin. His family describes Daniel as “the epitome of a family man,” they say he “represents everything the military stands for bravery, respect, hard work, and a love for our country.”

Thank you, Daniel, for your service.

Jerry Kates is wearing a navy t-shirt and holding a bass fish. Jerry Kates is wearing a navy t-shirt and holding a bass fish.

Photos courtesy of Jerry’s family.

Jerry Kates - United States Army

Jerry served in the United States Army as a Military Police at Fort Hood for four years, from 1975 to 1979. However, his family said he “lives his whole life in service to others.”

After the army, he became a police officer for his community for several years, followed by a decade as a paramedic. Last year, he retired as a paramedic and joined the volunteer fire department as the chaplain, right away, being voted “Firefighter of the Year” as well.

Thank you, Jerry, for your service.

A photo of Captain Kyle Gettings in uniform posing with a kid in sunglasses. A photo of Captain Kyle Gettings in uniform posing with a kid in sunglasses.

Photos courtesy of Kyle’s family.

Captain Kyle Gettings - United States Marine Corps

Kyle served in the United States Marine Corps for four years as a Captain, Assistant Operations Officer, and Route Clearance Platoon Commander in Afghanistan, North Carolina, and Regional Command Southwest. He even led 33 marines on 54 route clearance missions, clearing over 2700 miles, clearing capability to three Marine Corps Infantry Battalions in Afghanistan. “He’s really humble, which is a characteristic of a true leader,” Corporal Jesse Haglin, a Marine he led, said. “While in service, I’ve had five lieutenants, and he was the only one to spend the time to get to know his Marines and the job at hand, and he’s earned the respect and love of his brothers,” he continued.

Thank you, Captain Kyle, for your service.

A collage of Sergeant Larry Lawson in uniform and posing with his grandkids. A collage of Sergeant Larry Lawson in uniform and posing with his grandkids.

Photos courtesy of Larry’s family.

Sergeant Larry Lawson - United States Army

Larry served two tours in Vietnam as a part of the 173rd Infantry Brigade, also known as the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as a Green Beret. He volunteered to jump out of helicopters and airplanes and assisted in the victory of South Vietnam and its main ally, the United States.

The Vietnam War was a lengthy, expensive, and highly divisive conflict that involved North Vietnam's communist government clashing with South Vietnam, supported by its principal ally, the United States. The ongoing Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union further fueled the war. The conflict claimed the lives of more than 3 million people, including over 58,000 Americans, with Vietnamese civilians making up more than half of the total fatalities.

Thank you, Sergeant Larry, for your service.

Tom Feller dressed as a rodeo clown, smiling and looking away. Tom Feller dressed as a rodeo clown, smiling and looking away.

Tom Feller - United States Marine Corps

A keen sense of patriotism and a passion for serving others led Tom to join the United States Marine Corps in 1968, knowing full well his decision would take him straight to the jungles of Vietnam. Indeed it did, but even after receiving a Purple Heart for his combat encounters, Tom was one of the Blessed to return home and pursue a new life. Completing his education with a degree in art education, Tom spent the next two decades serving in a different arena as a rodeo clown. Funny how deeply our passions often run. For the past 32 years, Tom has been at Justin Brands, overseeing operations of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and the Justin Sportsmedicine Team.

Thank you, Tom, for your service.

A photo of Willaim “Tom” Rogers in a Navy uniform. A photo of Willaim “Tom” Rogers in a Navy uniform.

Photos courtesy of William “Tom’s” family.

William “Tom” Rogers - United States Navy

Tom served in the United States Navy for three years as an Oceanographic Systems Tech Analyst in Bermuda, North Carolina, Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Japan. He kept our country safe by tracking enemy submarines from naval facilities. Unwillingly, Tom left the Navy after developing ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and says he would serve our country all over again if he could.

Thank you, Tom, for your service.