Service

Andrew Carpenter

Staff Sgt. Andrew Carpenter, US Army After high school Drew was drawn to the military, determined to be what he calls a net positive, with a goal to support others who can’t support themselves. In aviation operations, he was in a black hawk unit during his service from 2004 to 2007. During that time he…

Joshua Hamilton headshot

Josh Hamilton

Retired Sgt. Joshua Hamilton, US Army   Josh Hamilton knew from a very young age he wanted to serve his country and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and uncle, he just never guessed there were going to be so many obstacles in the way to reaching that goal. Diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma as a child, the military…

Karen Atkinson

Karen Atkinson

Retired Captain Karen Atkinson, US Army  Karen joined the Army Reserves while still in High School at age 17, anxious to start saving money for college and see the world. What she found was a wonderful career that took her through college and law school, providing rewarding service first as a hospital administrator, then after completing law school as a J.A.G. officer. Her key role was assisting other National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers preparing to…

2020 recipient Scott Dunckel

Scott Dunckel

Former Staff Sgt. Scott Dunckel, US Army Scott grew up in Michigan and was always an outdoors kind of guy. He worked in construction and decided when he graduated from high school that joining the military would give him opportunities to build new things in new places, to have a purpose, and broaden his horizons.…

Jeff Ward-headshot-photo

Jeff Ward

  Retired Specialist (US Army) Jeff Ward A week after high school, Jeff Ward signed up for the Army. Overall, he spent two years with the Army and another six with the National Guard. Although the military offered many career paths, Jeff chose to follow his culinary passion. After serving in the Army mess hall, he…

Monty Crumrine

Monty Crumrine

Retired US Army Specialist Monty Crumrine Monty Crumrine served in the US Army as a tactical wire operations specialist. He left the service in 1985 to return to his career as a lineman with New Braunfels Utilities. On March 18, 1988, his left shoulder made contact with a high voltage line. The electricity exited both…