November-December 2022 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine

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the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

Voting:

M E E T R A Y

A Collaborative Vision

“My vision is to be a collaborator – to be a resource. I will bring people together regardless of politics. My vision for Precinct 4 is to inspire people to go back to taking care of each other – not to be polarized by a party. I believe in a future that is all inclusive, consistently strategic and delivered with excellence – by partnering with the people.”

Accessible, Responsible Governance

“As a Commissioner, I’m my constituents’ employee – I work for them, so listening to their concerns and needs is my job. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I believe in being accessible and having open lines of communication. My door will be open, and if a citizen has a concern and can’t come to the office, we’ll go to them.”

Making a Difference

“I’ve been to every city in this county and served in different capacities from delivering meals to seniors, bringing supplies to flood victims, to building young leaders through chamber leadership programs. I truly give a damn. As a Commissioner, I can find out what the need is, have the conversation and do it. And that makes a difference in people’s lives. That’s a heartfelt concern for me – to make a difference – and as Commissioner for Precinct 4, I can make a difference.”

P R I O R I T I E S

Public Safety

Ray will work closely with our first responders to provide them with the tools, skills, equipment and fair compensation they require to best serve and protect our community and develop positive relationships in our neighborhoods.

Taxes & Spending

Eliminating unnecessary spending and utilizing grant funds most efficiently in our communities is a priority for Ray. He believes in putting tax dollars where it belongs – investing in our communities.

Preparing for the Future

Establishing a long-term plan that will ensure our mobility and drainage infrastructure is adequately prepared for both growth and weather emergencies is a priority for Ray.

Alex, Diana and Ray Aguilar with Sara and Nathan Hackley.

invited readers to

website to take an online

to

us who their

are in Brazos in

different categories. See who won this year’s Readers’

Gutierrez

Expert Collision Center: Gary Gutierrez, Brian Valdez and Freddy Lopez.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

EXCLAMATION POINTS!

Associate Publisher, KAY GARRETT

A Very Merry Season

The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means? Thanksgiv ing and my all-time favorite – Christmas!

Celebrating holiday traditions, planning parties and dinners, whether it’s for out-oftown guest, neighbors or family – I love it all. So to help you plan, we put together some de lightful recipes to spice up your holiday en tertaining. After all, it is the most wonderful time of year!

Our cover story highlights a family-owned business, Expert Collision Center. Their stellar customer service, impeccable repair services and skilled technicians have earned them the reputation of the region’s premier collision repair shop. Celebrating their 10year anniversary is a perfect example of what hard work, strength and resilience looks like. To read more about Expert Col lision Center, see page 6. Congratulations on your ten-year anniversary and being our Readers’ Choice Favorite Auto repair shop for seven years in a row!

Kay Garrett and grandsons Graham and Canon Kiehl kicked off the holiday season with the new musical stage adaptation of Winnie the Pooh!

One of our traditions at absolutely! Focus Media is revealing and congratulating our winners of the Readers’ Choice Favorites. Our online survey was a tremendous success again this year with thousands of Brazos readers taking time to vote for their favorites! From food to shopping to entertainment, this special section is defi nitely a “must see” so you will know who is the best in Brazos!

Holiday time in our community is filled with so many events. The Great Pump kin Round Up is open each weekend in November at the George Ranch Historical Park. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable fall family picture. Our charming Historic Downtown districts will have tree lightings, festi vals and shopping. See our calendar of events for all of the details. Shop, sip and dine local this holiday season!

During this very merry season, I want thank all of our advertisers, readers and subscribers. Each and every one of you are the reason we are able to do what we do: bring you the people, places and happenings in our community. I wish you all a very blessed Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you in 2023!

Absolutely yours, Kay Garrett

kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

Vol. 10 No.

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COVER STORY

By Tanya Sterling Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography

Aten-year milestone is usually reflected with a gift that is traditionally tin or aluminum, symbolizing strength and resilience. The 10-year anniversary of Expert Collision Center in Rosenberg, Texas is a perfect example of what strength and resilience looks like as they forge ahead in stellar customer service and impeccable car repair services.

Opening their doors a decade ago, Freddy Lopez and Gary Gutierrez, owners of Expert Collision Center, knew they wanted to provide quality car repair services as well as superior customer service. Through hard work, long hours, exceptional customer serv ice and active community involvement, they have succeeded.

These people are awesome.

They kept me well informed every step of the way. They were also right about how long it would take to repair my car. In addition, when I picked up the car, the battery was dead. They charged it and even though I thought it would recharge by the time I got home, it was dead. I called immediately and they sent someone out to recharge it and tell me if it need replacing. He was awesome. Their team member tested it, tried to get the dealership to get it replaced, but it was too late. He left me the charger, picked my car up the next day at my office and went to the dealership to get the battery replaced, then returned my car to my office. He went way out of his way for a part they didn’t even repair. Kudos to the whole team.

~ Judy F

CelebratesAnniversary10-Year

“We started out with 4 employees and now have grown to a family of 16 employees,” said Lopez. “Ten years ago, we were just in one building that was 3,200 square feet. Now we have acquired two more buildings currently putting us at 23,000 square feet.”

A family-owned business, Expert Collision Center has earned a reputa

tion as one of the region’s premier colli sion repair shops where skilled techni cians return damaged cars to pre-crash condition as quickly as possible.

“We love the look on our customer’s face when they return to pick up their vehicle, and they cannot even remem ber what part of their vehicle was dam aged,” said Gutierrez.

Expert Collision Center owners Freddy Lopez and Gary Gutierrez.

Hands down best customer service. Shout out to Yvonne, such a sweetheart! I couldn’t get a hold my adjuster for the life of me. When I spoke to Yvonne, she took it from there. She handled everything for me, kept me updated with the progress of my car while it was in the shop, set me up with a rental and took me to get the rental. She made the process go extremely smoother than I planned. Thank you so much!

Expert Services

Lopez, Gutierrez and their team address a wide range of car repair needs including collision repair, touch ups, full body paint and abrasives and sanding. They are also the Col lision Center for various dealerships in the Rosenberg area. They provide free on-site estimates all while working with insurance companies and providing reasonable out-of-pocket quotes.

As owners, Lopez and Gutierrez focus on multiple aspects of running a bustling collision repair center especially ensur ing they are bringing in new business on a daily basis.

“We remain focused on continuing to build a reputable business that keeps in mind that our customers are people who have important lives, jobs and families. They greatly de pend on a working vehicle in great condition, and we try to achieve that goal each day,” said Lopez.

Kimberly R A

Brian Valdez, Gary Gutierrez and Freddy Lopez

Community Focused

In addition to satisfying their cus tomers’ needs, Expert Collision Center is actively involved in their community.

“We’ve been located in Fort Bend County for the last 10 years, and that’s where our hearts are,” said Lopez. “We give back to our community all the time, whether it is to Fort Bend Sen iors Meals on Wheels, or a school or ganization, a political campaign, or a charity golf tournament, we strongly

Expert Collision repaired my Suburban to perfection – it looked better when I picked it up than when I drove it off of the lot brand new. The team there is amazing! They kept me up to date on every step in the process. I couldn’t be more pleased with the work and their customer service. I highly recommend this team and if I ever need repair work on any of my vehicles, this will be the only place I would take my cars!

~ Cathy M

believe that giving back has brought us to where we are today!”

When asked about their business’s 10-year anniversary celebration plans, Lopez admits, “We’ve been so busy, that we actually haven’t had time to think of anything!”

Lopez is married to wife, Amanda Lopez, and they have three daughters: Zoe 14, Ady 11 and Mali is 10 years old. Gutierrez’s wife is Natalie Gutier

rez, and they have two children: daugh ter Ava, 8 years-old and son Levi, 4 years-old.

“We treat each and every one of our customers like actual family, that’s what sets Expert Collision apart from any other shop,” said Lopez. “We started out treating our customers like we’ve known them for a long time, and we will continue to do that in the years to come.”

I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the excellent work Expert Collision performed on my damaged

What really impressed me more than any other thing was the matter of your personal integrity and

throughout the process. You are a terrific example of honesty and fairness. I would be pleased to recommend any of my friends, family and strangers to you and I know you would be as fair and professional with them as you were with me.

~ Kelli S.

Gary Gutierrez and Freddy Lopez.

Republican judicial candidates for the November election:

Fort Bend’s Conservative Judicial Candidates

One of the fastest growing counties in the nation, Fort Bend County’s needs are ever increasing particularly in our courtrooms. Now more than ever, knowledgeable, ethical, conservative judges are needed to ensure a strong, prosperous and secure future to make our county the best – and safest – place to live, work and raise our children.

The Fort Bend County Republican Party (FBCRP) is dedicated to supporting principled leaders with an understanding of Fort Bend’s heritage and a clear vision for county’s future. For our judicial system, this means supporting candidates who will work tirelessly to create safe communities by implementing a justice system that

County Courts at Law:

protects families and businesses and punishes criminals. Strong families, safe communities and opportunities for all is the Republican campaign for the November 8th election, and eight judicial candidates are on the ballot with the intent and experience to serve Fort Bend with traditional Texas values – strong families, safe communities, opportunity for all, personal responsibility, principled and innovative leadership, quality education, freedom and limited government. These candidates believe that Fort Bend County residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses, streets and schools and are prepared to provide unwavering, principled leadership to keep our community secure.

Dean Hrbacek and Courtney Rosen Kovach – are seeking to serve as County Court at Law judges. The County Courts at Law handle juvenile cases, misdemeanors, probate, guardianship, mental health cases and condemnation cases. Additionally, County Courts at Law hear civil cases up to $250,000.

the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Four candidates – Judge Chris Morales, Andrew Dornburg,

Chad Bridges, Edward M. Krenek, Courtney Rosen Kovach, Judge Walter Armatys, Judge Chris Morales, Dean A. Hrbacek, Steve Rogers and Andrew Dornburg.

Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography.

Judge Chris Morales County Court at Law No. 1

Alifelong resident of Fort Bend County raised in Richmond, Judge Chris Morales has served as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 for the past eight years overseeing dockets consisting of juvenile, criminal misdemeanor, civil, probate and guardianship, civil mental health commitment and condemnation matters. Addi tionally, Judge Morales over sees the County’s only Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, a court designed to reduce recidivism rates among mentally ill offenders.

Family: Married to high school sweetheart Vanessa, daughter Madelyn and son William Qualifications:

• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor

• Former Owner of The Morales Law Firm, PLLC

• Graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law

• Former Administrative Judge of County Courts at Law

• Fellow with the State Bar College

• Adjunct Professor at University of Houston Law Center

• 11th Judicial Region Budget Committee, Member

• State Bar of Texas, Judicial Section, Civil Justice Sub-Committee Member Community Involvement:

• Lamar Little League Baseball Coach

• Lamar CISD Leadership High School Speaker

• Lamar Education Awards Foundation, Men Who Cook

• George Ranch Rodeo Honoring Black Cowboys Volunteer

• Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni, Class of 2012

• Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, Bubbles & Bauble

• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committee Member

“I was a juvenile probation officer with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Office for over 20 years. During my time with the office, I have seen a lot of Judges over see juvenile matters in the County, but Judge Morales was the only Judge that truly valued everyone’s input and cared deeply about the kids in our system. Judge Morales is com passionate, understanding, hard-working and above all fair. I knew every child before Judge Morales was going to have a chance to succeed and potentially go on to do great things. I am asking the voters of this county to keep Judge Morales on the bench. We need good judges like him,” said Cynthia Durbin, former Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Offi cer.

Judge Morales further believes that to keep our commu nities safe and ensure justice is served for all people, judges must follow the law as written. “Judges have a responsibil ity to ensure the laws of this State and Nation are followed. We cannot just make up the law to fit our particular agenda or needs. I took an oath to follow the law, and I intend to keep it!”

Visit www.JudgeMorales.com for more information.

Andrew Dornburg for Judge, County Court at Law No. 3

For 15 years, Andrew Dornburg has called Fort Bend home resid ing in Cinco Ranch since 2016.

A former Fort Bend County prosecutor, Dornburg served as an Associate Judge for Fort Bend County Courts at Law from 2016 to 2019.

Family: Wife Carolyn, Daughters Emma (12) and Alice (6) Qualifications:

• Licensed Attorney since 2006

• Former Fort Bend County Prosecutor

• Former Fort Bend County Associate Judge

• Presided over hundreds of criminal, juvenile and civil cases as a Judge

• Graduate of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas School of Law Community Involvement:

• Member, Texas Bar Committee on Legal Services to the Poor in Criminal Matters (2021-Present)

• Volunteer, Fort Bend County Fair – Grapes on the Brazos (2018 – Present)

• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation (2016-Present)

• Board of Directors, Texas Young Lawyers Association (2013-2017)

“I am honored to support Andrew Dornburg for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3. Drew has the experience, wis dom and integrity required to serve as an exceptional judge. Andrew Dornburg will work diligently to keep our neighbor hoods safe and to serve all people of Fort Bend County,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas State Representative, District 26.

Dornburg’s vast experience as both a prosecutor and judge make him uniquely qualified to serve on the bench with both the knowledge and expertise required for a magistrate. “The decisions made by a County Court at Law judge affect the lives of every person in Fort Bend County,” shared Dorn burg. “From criminal cases to juvenile matters to probate and civil files, what happens in the County Courts at Law affect each citizen’s day-to-day lives. I believe that everyone should have his or her day in court and experience a fair, level playing field. Fort Bend County needs judges who have the experience and temperament to ensure that happens.”

Visit www.dornburgforjudge.com for more information.

Judge Chris Morales

Andrew Dornburg

Dean A. Hrbacek for Judge, County Court at Law No. 6

The Hrbacek’s moved to Fort Bend County in 1987 and live in Sugar Land. Hrbacek served Sugar Land as Mayor and a Council Member for nine years and was instrumental in the creation of Sugar Land Town Square, in reducing city taxes by 33% and in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County.

Family: Married to Jenny; three adult children – Bradley, Byron and Amanda Qualifications:

• Practiced Law in Fort Bend for over 35 years specializing in civil, probate, guardianship, tax, Real Estate, condemnation and employment

• Board Certified in Tax Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• University of Houston Law Center Graduate

• Fort Bend County Bar Association Member

• State Bar of Texas Member

• Certified Public Accountant Community Involvement:

• Sugar Land Mayor and Council Member for Nine Years

• Instrumental in development of Sugar Land Town Square

• Reduced Sugar Land’s property taxes by 33% as Mayor and Councilmember

• Instrumental in bringing the University of Houston Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend

• Impact a Hero, Board of Directors, whose mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of veterans, active service members and their families

• Fort Bend and Grand Parkway Tollway Authorities, Board of Directors

• Long history of community service: Chamber of Commerce, various nonprofits, Little League Coach

“Dean Hrbacek has every character trait that we want in a true conservative Texas judge – integrity, fairness, a servant’s heart and a commitment to jus tice. He has worked hard to help bring growth, success and a bright future to Fort Bend County, and our future will be even brighter with him serving on the bench. He has my vote, my support and my highest recommendation for this office,” said Rick Miller, Former State Representative, District 26.

“As the former Mayor of Sugar Land and a parent, I un derstand the importance of a SAFE COMMUNITY,” said Hrbacek. “We moved to Fort Bend County to live in a safe community. As a Judge, I will work for YOU in keeping your family safe. I will bring my 35 years of experience to the bench and will be a fair but tough judge. I will respect the rights of every individual and will apply the law with impar tiality, uniformity and fairness. I will follow the law and use common sense.”

Visit www.DeanForCCL.com for more information.

Thirty-year Fort Bend County resident Courtney Rosen Kovach brings her experience as a felony prosecutor and local business owner in her quest to serve as a County Court at Law Judge. A member of her family’s Richmond-based law firm, Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, Rosen Kovach has served as a defense attorney following in the footsteps of her father, Steven Rocket Rosen, a renowned criminal defense attorney.

Family: Married to John Kovach; sons Kace, Callahan and Cannon

Qualifications:

• Partner at Rosen & Kovach, PLLC

• Former Fort Bend and Harris County Assistant District Attorney

• Felony prosecutor trial experience including aggravated robberies, intoxication Manslaughter, murders and capital murder.

• Served as County Court Misdemeanor Chief

• Supervised over misdemeanor trials including assaults, thefts, driving while intoxicated (DWI’s) and burglary of motor vehicles

• Juris Doctor (JD) South Texas College Of Law

• Longtime Sugar Land, Texas Resident

• Graduate of William P. Clements High School

• Division 1 athlete: Played softball at Florida State University

Community Involvement:

• Attends Parkway Fellowship Church

• Teaches Sunday School with husband, John

• Lamar Little League Baseball

• Family-owned businesses in Historic Downtown Richmond: Trough Juice Bar and Dapple Grey Boutique Endorsements:

• Rosenberg Police Association

• Missouri City Police Association

Rosen Kovach shares the philosophy of former President Ronald Reagan when it comes to the law and its societal impact. “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”

“Being a judge is important to me because I believe in law and order to keep our community safe,” shared Rosen Kovach. “I will make sure the law is followed and upheld in my court.”

Visit www.courtneyrosenkovach.com for more in formation.

Dean Hrbacek

Courtney Rosen Kovach

Photo by Chris Gillet.

Courtney Rosen Kovach for Judge, County Court at Law No. 4

District Judge Walter Armatys,

328th Judicial District

A32-year resident of Fort Bend County, Judge Walter Armatys has served 12 years as an As sociate Judge and four years as elected District Judge. Judge Armatys understands the fu ture of this diverse county is dependent on the strength of its families and the children who will one day lead. He believes every child no matter background, race or ethnicity deserves to live in safety and hope for the future, and he has proven to serve the court and community well to help make this happen.

Family: Wife Gail; daughter Madison and son-in-law, Doug; son Logan and daughter-in-law, Lindsey; son Hudson and daughter-in-law, Laura. Two granddaughters, Mila (2), Cora (4 months), and one granddaughter to arrive soon. Plus, a sweet dog, Beaux (15) and cat, Callie (17).

Community Involvement:

• Life Member, Fort Bend County Fair

• Co-chairman Exceptional Rodeo for challenged kids

• Fort Bend Ramps volunteer – builds wheelchair ramps for people in need

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Prison Bible Study leader

• Bible Study teacher for nearly 30 years Community Awards and Commitment:

• Crime Victims Alliance Volunteer of the Year, 1996

• CASA Professional of the Year, 2021

• Crime Victims Response Team “Carol Rees Award” for commitment and advocacy to crime victims of Fort Bend County, 2022

• 17 years leadership and support of Infants and Toddlers Program reuniting children with parents in a safe environment

• 9 years of service to youth on mission summer camps

“I am proud to endorse Walter Armatys for re-election as Judge of the 328th District Court. As a highly qualified, experienced judge, Walter will continue to support families and guard the best interest of children,” said Jacey Jetton, Texas House of Representatives, District 26.

“Families are the backbone of our community, and it’s important to protect them,” said Judge Armatys. “Being a FAMILY District Court Judge is important to me because I hear CPS cases and protective order cases. Families need to be protected. I also know regarding divorce cases and Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationships, experience is key. I have 16 years of this experience – it matters.”

Visit www.walterforjudge.com for more information.

Chad Bridges for Judge, 458th Judicial District

Aresident of Fort Bend for over 19 years, Chad Brides was appointed to the 240th District Court of Fort Bend County in 2015. He is cur rently the Chief Prosecutor for the Family Violence Division of the Fort Bend County Dis trict Attorney’s Office and has served as a Chief Prosecutor for over 15 years. Bridges has handled over 150 jury trials as an Assistant District Attorney and dozens of appellate matters in cases ranging from misdemeanors to Protective Orders to Capital Murder.

Chad Bridges

As a District Court Judge, Bridges moved thousands of cases through his docket, including presiding over dozens of trials, and the Texas Council on Family Violence has asked him to train judges to set bonds to protect the community. Family: Married 25 years to Claudia Torres Bridges; son Matthew and daughter Lauren.

Qualifications:

• President, Fort Bend County Crime Victim’s Response Team

• Member, Texas Council on Family Violence’s Public Policy Committee

• Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Member, State Bar College

• Former member, Fort Bend County Board of District Judges

• 2011 Recipient Carol Rees Award, Outstanding Service to Crime Victims

• Lecturer, George Law Enforcement Academy

• Faculty Advisor and Presenter for the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association

• Advanced Trial Skills and Prosecutor Skills Course

• Published, Texas Center for the Judiciary

• Trained Judges for Texas Council on Family Violence

• Member, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for The State Bar of Texas

• Adjunct Professor, Houston Baptist University

• Bachelor of Arts, Texas A&M University

• Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston Law Center

Community Involvement:

• Past President, Exchange Club of Fort Bend

• Volunteer Trainer, Fort Bend Women’s Center

• Co-Volunteer of the Year with wife, Claudia, Pecan Grove Gators of the Fort Bend Youth Football League

• Wharton County Junior College Human Services Program Advisory Board

• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair Association Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Member, 2011

• Leadership Class

• Parishioners, St. Laurence Catholic Church, Sugar Land

“Fairness in the courtroom and safety in the community. It’s not a slogan,” shared Bridges. “It’s what the Fort Bend County community deserves. I am a proven leader, and I am ready to serve from day one.”

Visit www.ChadforJudge.com for more informa tion.

Judge Walter Armatys

Photo by Bill Robertson/Big Texas

the Republican Party of Fort Bend County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.fbcgop.org

Edward M. Krenek for Judge, 240th Judicial District

Anative Texan and Fort Bend County resident born and raised in Orchard, Edward M. Krenek is double board certified and has practiced law for 34 years. His ex tensive first-chair trial experience in a variety of legal arenas makes him the best candidate for this position.

Family: Married to Tricia; children Carol, Keith, Kelli and Andrea; two grandchildren and family dog, Bella Qualifications:

• Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law 1996 –Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law 1999 – Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Certified Public Accountant since 1986

• Tried hundreds of cases to resolution/disposition and handled over a thousand matters in active litigation practice

• Fellow, College of the State Bar of Texas

• NITA National Session in Trial Advocacy

• Member, Fort Bend County Bar Association

• Graduate, Texas A&M University, BBA in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude

• Graduate, University of Texas School of Law, JD with Honors

Community Involvement:

• Board Commissioner, Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4

• Director and Lifetime Member, Fulshear Police Foundation

• Member, Brazos River Rotary Club

• Lifetime Member, Fort Bend County Fair

• Member, Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce

• Volunteer, Family Hope

• Fulshear Citizens Police Academy (Inaugural Class)

• Former Precinct Chair, Fort Bend County GOP

• Third Degree Knights of Columbus Member

• Professional Musician

“I am proud to endorse Edward Krenek for Judge of the 240th District Court. Ed has the knowledge, experience and integrity that Fort Bend County voters deserve and will be well-served by,” said Bobby Eberle, Chairman of the Fort Bend Republican Party.

“I want to serve as your judge to make a positive differ ence for all people of Fort Bend County,” said Krenek. “Our community faces a critical crossroads, one that will shape the future of our children and grandchildren. Promoting the tenets of safety and security for all families and ensuring law and order are the paramount principles I will bring to the bench. I will use my extensive trial experience and de sire to ensure fairness for all people appearing before this Court to make this the safest community in Texas that we all call ‘home.’”

For more information, visit www.edkrenek.com.

District Courts: Judge Walter Armatys along with three judicial candidates – Chad Bridges, Edward M. Krenek and Steve Rogers – are seeking to serve Fort Bend County as District Court Judges. The District Courts handle serious felony cases including crimes against children and the elderly, aggravated robbery and capital murder, along with significant civil cases including family law. Civil case jurisdiction in District Court is the widest range of all of the trial courts. Examples of civil cases heard in District Court include wrongful death, personal injury, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, Real Estate actions and breach of contract claims. Family law cases include divorce, child custody and support proceedings.

Steve Rogers has called Fort Bend home for over 13 years. His desire to serve his community is based on his belief that “there is a push to turn our judges into legislators and invent law. I am running for district court judge to protect the constitutions of the United States and Texas.

“Being your neighbor has been a blessing and having the op portunity to serve in this district is a privilege,” shared Rogers. “My bench will be one where everyone has equal justice under the law. I will serve and protect the people of Fort Bend County. And I will not give in to peer pressure to do anything less than follow the Law as it is written.”

Family: Married to Rebecca for over 20 years; Children Emily, John, Mac and Will.

Qualifications:

• 19 years practicing attorney in the areas of tax, Real Estate, estate planning, contracts, criminal defense and M & A

• 15 year College Lecturer in Law, Government and Business at Houston Baptist University, HIU and UNCP

• Assistant District Attorney, Brazoria County

• Admitted in Iowa, Arizona, Texas and 7 Federal Courts

Community Involvement:

• Member, St. Laurence Catholic Church

• Marriage preparation teacher for over 12 years;

prepared over 4,000 individuals for marriage

• Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Volunteer Attorney

• Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, Volunteer Legal Counsel

• Stella Maris, Volunteer Legal Counsel

“Steve Rogers deeply respects the Constitution and has the education, qualifications, and temperament to be an excellent judge. Steve Rogers has my full support in his election to the 268th District Court,” said Congressman Troy Nehls.

In 1919, President Coolidge wrote, “Men do not make laws. They do but discover them. Laws must be justified by more than the will of the majority. They must rest on the eternal foundation of righteousness.”

“Lawyers and judges in particular are called to do good,” said Rogers. “They are tasked with doing justice for the com munity. That is my oath to the people of the 268th Judicial District Court.”

Visit www.VoteSteveRogers.com for more information.

Edward M. Krenek

Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers for Judge, 268th Judicial District

From theatres to outdoor recreation,

Favorite Movie Theatre Star Cinema Grill 22125 FM 1093, Richmond, TX 77407

Favorite Live Entertainment Cast Theatrical Company 1909 Avenue G, Rosenberg, TX 77471

George Ranch Historical Park.

Favorite Man Cave The Bohemian Hill Tavern 2339 1st St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Kids’ Entertainment George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite Sports Recreation Fort Bend Impact 4501 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Fitness Gym Planet Fitness 5101 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Country Club Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club 3000 Plantation Dr, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Event Facility Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77407

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos

Favorite Emergency/Urgent Care Clinic Next Level Urgent Care

Locations in Fort Bend

Favorite Plastic Surgeon Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery 16926 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479

When

out these Brazos’

dentists.

Favorite Hospital

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Doctor Salman S. Aly, MD 6903 Brisbane Ct, #100, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Dentist Tammy Osina, DDS 1320 Thompson Rd, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite Orthodontist Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics 1310 Thompson Rd, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite Dermatologist

5219 Reading Rd Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Wellness Center

Aesthetics

Anti-Aging

6903 Brisbane Ct, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite

The Retreat Boutique Salon & Day

2740 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite

Contacts

Brazos Town Crossing, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471

’Tis the season to shop ’til you drop! Check out these favorite shopping spots.

Favorite Gift Shop Southern Sister 817 3rd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Antiques Shop Roots & Relics Antiques and Gardens 828 3rd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Bargain Shopping Pennywise Resale Center 501 E Hwy 90 Alt, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Grocery Store H-E-B Texas Grocery 9 Locations in Fort Bend

Favorite Health Food Market Pavlock Farms 210 Huntington Rd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Jewelry Store

Chris Dostal’s Designs in Fine Jewelry 940 3rd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Spirits Store Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Locations in Fort Bend

Favorite Shoe Store Rack Room Shoes

Locations in Fort Bend

FM1640

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 CADILLAC CROSSOVER & SUV

The 2022 Cadillac Crossover and SUV lineup is one that has upped the bar for its competitors. Known as the ultimate in luxury, Cadillac has taken that cue and created a group of four vehicles that will be the envy of all your neighbors. And, there’s a size to fit all families, from empty nesters to large families that always need more room.

For those who are looking to move up to a luxury brand ve hicle, the Cadillac XT4 is the perfect choice. It’s the entry level model that is also designed for buyers who want the luxury but don’t need a great deal of room behind the front seat. With a base MSRP of $36,295, this compact crossover is powered by a 235 hp, 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four cylinder engine and delivers impressive fuel economy numbers of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It may be just an entry level crossover, but it’s still a Cadillac through and through.

If you need a roomier interior with a larger back seat, then step up to the Cadillac XT5. With a base MSRP of $44,195, the XT5 was designed for families and those owners who just need extra cargo space. The base engine for the XT5 is the same as its smaller sister the XT4, but there’s a larger more powerful en

gine as an option. So, if you feel the need for more power, then you choose the 310 hp, 3.6 liter V6 engine that will give you 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The largest crossover Cadillac offers is the three-row XT6. This is the crossover to choose if you have to have a third row but you don’t need all the room the big Escalade can provide. The XT6 is offered with two powertrains, the same ones that power the smaller XT5.

The Cadillac Escalade is the biggest, roomiest and most powerful Cadillac in this lineup. With a starting MSRP of $79,795, the Escalade comes standard with a massive 420 hp, 6.2 liter V8 that gets 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. There is an alternate powertrain, a 277 hp, 3.0 liter turbo-diesel that delivers much better fuel economy numbers of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Whatever your needs, there’s a luxurious Caddy to fit your needs like a well made suit.

Cadillac XT6

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade interior.

drunken cyclist

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. www.thedrunkencyclist.com

The Key to Bringing the Right Wine?

Know Your Audience

Now that Halloween is now in our rearview mirror, albeit only slightly, the holiday season is beginning and will carry us all the way through the end on the year. Office parties, neighborhood celebrations, family visits, they all get started in earnest this month, soon followed by Thanksgiving, Channukah, Christmas and ending with New Year’s Day.

In most instances, you will have no idea what food will be served at a given party, so it is best to opt for a wine that can go with a variety of food. Pinot Noir is the most versatile of all red wines as it can work in just about any situation. Zinfandel is another red, which usually has a lot more body than Pinot, but still has the requisite acidity to make it a good choice, and let’s not forget Chardonnay, the most popular white variety in the world. Sparkling wine is really the single best choice for a ton of reasons, and next month, we will dive into the bubbles in time for New Year’s.

You also want to bring a bottle that you yourself would not mind drinking since, let’s face it, often the booze selection at these get togethers can be rather bleak (I hope those who are excited to see Bud Light at a party are not too offended).

Perhaps it goes without saying, but all of these “parties” are inherently different and thus require a modicum of forethought when deciding what wine to bring. The first step is what my college basketball coach referred to as “KYP” or “Know Your

Personnel.” Basically, before acting, make sure you know the other players involved.

There are, essentially, three tiers to which just about every person you encounter this holiday party season can be attributed, and for each you will find three wine suggestions. In descending order:

Tier Three ($30-50): This is a group that you hope to impress, or might be a bit more sophisti cated when it comes to wine. Maybe it is your own office party, and you’re bucking for a promotion or perhaps you want to impress the neighbors up the street who also have a second house in Vail. This is where you break out the big guns, so to speak.

Chardonnay: Jordan Vineyard and Winery ($40). One of the top producers in Sonoma, never oaky or buttery, it will certainly impress.

Pinot Noir: Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Selection ($45). Gary Farrell makes a slew of Pinots, but it is hard to beat the flagship RRV Se lection.

Zinfandel: Ridge Benito Dusi ($37). Ridge is perhaps the name in Zinfandel, and the Benito Dusi is al ways one of my favorites.

Tier Two ($20-30): With this group, you might have a good time, but you also might need to make sure your phone is fully charged as your spouse pretends to be all chummy with the same people about whom you

have heard nothing but complaints for the last twelve months. You do not want to bring complete swill, but you also don’t want to feel bad leaving the bottle behind when you have to leave early be cause you’re not “feeling well.”

Chardonnay: Qupé Y Block ($22). A pleas ant quaffer from the Central Coast with the added benefit of a screw top.

Pinot Noir: Raeburn Russian River Valley ($25). It is difficult to produce quality Pinot under $30, but Raeburn does, every year.

Zinfandel: The Federalist Dry Creek Valley ($28). You can bring a solid wine and show your patriotic (or Broadway) pride with this Zin featuring Alexander Hamilton.

Tier One: To put it bluntly, this is the group that you wouldn’t be caught dead socializing with oth erwise. For some, that might be your (or your spouse’s) office party. For others, it might even be family. (Cousin Jimmy, you’re 53 years old, time to start going by Jim?) This group will grab the bottle out of your hand and fill their glass to the rim, only to discard it completely after a single sip.

Chardonnay: Rodney Strong California ($18). It is a shame wasting a wine this good, but despite my efforts to convince the folks at Rodney Strong otherwise, this wine re mains crazily inexpensive.

Pinot Noir: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve ($15). I am always amazed that this is a top performer in my yearly blind Pinot Noir tasting.

Zinfandel: Pedroncelli Mother Clone ($20). It might require a bit of searching, but this might be the single best value on this list. It might make Cousin Jimmy like wine, but don’t hold your breath.

Start a Holiday Tradition with Tender Steaks

Creating traditions is a

focal point for many families throughout the

season, and a timeless way

bring your nearest and dearest back year after year is with an exquisite meal.

With a combination of savory, salty and sweet bites, SumacCrusted Filet Mignon with HoneyLemon Glazed Carrots and Garlic Mashed Potatoes provides a little something for everyone. At the center of this seasonal feast is tender, flavorful cuts of filet mignon, hand-cut by master butchers at Omaha Steaks to make your family’s holiday truly special.

To find more holiday recipes, visit

Sumac-Crusted

Honey-Lemon

• To make garlic mashed potatoes: Add potatoes to stockpot. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and add 1 pinch salt. Turn on high heat and bring to boil 12-15 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain and place potatoes in large mixing bowl.

• In saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and simmer 5 minutes. Add heavy cream, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; bring to boil. When mix ture boils, reduce to simmer 3 minutes then remove from heat.

• Mash hot potatoes until most lumps are gone. Using hand mixer on low speed, slowly add butter and cream mix ture until desired smoothness and taste.

• Season with salt and white pepper, to taste.

• To make honey-lemon glazed carrots: In small bowl, whisk honey, lemon juice, sumac, lemon zest, 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch pepper.

• Preheat oven to 425 F.

• Fill stockpot 2/3 full with water. Bring to boil and add 1 pinch salt. Blanch carrots in boiling water 5 minutes. Drain and shock with cold water. When cool enough to handle, halve carrots lengthwise.

• In large saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and butter.

• Add carrots to pan, flat sides down, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sear until browned, about 2 minutes.

• Flip carrots and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add half of glaze to pan and glaze generously. Bake 3 min utes. Add remaining glaze to carrots and bake 2 minutes. Remove glazed carrots from oven.

• To make sumac-crusted filet mignon: Thaw filet mi gnons in refrigerator overnight, pat dry with paper towels then bring to room temperature 30 minutes.

• In small bowl, whisk kosher salt, sumac, black pepper and dried thyme. Season steaks on all sides.

• In cast-iron pan over high heat, add grapeseed oil.

• Place filets in pan and cook 4 minutes until browned and seared. Add 1 tablespoon butter to pan.

• Flip filets and butter baste about 20 seconds. Cook filets 3 minutes for medium-rare.

• Remove filets from pan and top each with 1/2 tablespoon butter. Rest steaks 7-8 minutes.

• Place garlic mashed potatoes on plate and top with sumac-crusted filet mignon. Place honey-lemon glazed carrots next to filet mignon and mashed potatoes.

The Cullinan Park Conservancy (CPC) raised $119,000 for park improvements at its 6th Annual Picnic for the Park presented by Memorial Hermann. Supporters of the park gathered on October 7th at River Pointe Church to raise funds for the expansion and improvement of trails, beautification of White Lake and design and construction of a future Learning, Exploration and Play (LEAP) area for children.

Picnic Raises $119,000 for Cullinan Park

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyles in our community, Memorial Hermann has partnered with the Conservancy to support Cullinan Park and the outdoor nature experience the park offers to all. Studies show that spending time in nature can improve both physical and mental health, and the medi cal providers at Memorial Hermann want to support and pro mote outdoor experiences. Malisha Patel, Senior Vice Presi dent and CEO, Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, facilitated an eye-opening discussion with Drs. Sameer Murali and Melissa Kwan on wellness, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to nature and how that positively impacts community health.

“Many thanks to our generous sponsors, loyal patrons and new donors who support our efforts to enhance and protect the natural beauty of Cullinan Park. It’s wonderful to see that so many in our community value Cullinan as much as I do,” said Development Chair Gay Thompson.

“We were also honored to present the Nina Cullinan Award to faithful supporters Doug and Susie Goff,” added Thompson. “The Goffs have been instrumental in supporting our mission for many, many years, and we appreciate their leadership and generosity.”

Winners of the 2022 Cullinan Park Photo Contest were announced at the Picnic. The contest drew more than 300 entries from across the greater Houston area including in

credible images of the birds, wildlife, flora and scenery found at the 754-acre nature park.

“We had a huge spike in the number of photographers vis iting Cullinan this year, and that is reflected in our contest entries. We were blown away by the quality and variety of images, making the judges’ task very difficult. The winning shots are amazing, and many of our honorable mention pho tos are magazine cover-worthy,” said contest organizer Rob bin Mallett.

Three accomplished local photographers served as contest judges: Mary Favre, John Whitt and Greg Lavaty. The con test was sponsored by Oxbow Advisors, LLC, and all entries had to be taken within Cullinan Park, located just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport at 12414 Highway 6 South in Sugar Land.

In the adult group, the following entries won first place in their respective categories: Birds – “Tangled Up Little Blues” by Sue Mitchell; Wildlife – “Baby Possum” by Roger Hutchison; Eagle/Osprey – “Live Another Day” by Clarence Yeung; Landscape – “Morning Reflection” by Kent Lim; and Flora – “Spreading Out” by Janaki Wallooppillai.

The youth winners ranged from ages seven to 15. Winning first place were: Wildlife – “Creature Hidden in the Deep” by Saketh Tammisetti; Birds – “Standing Watch” by Tyler Lock wood; Landscape – “Waiting for the Right One” by Rishi Eti; and Flora – “Golden Bloom” by Tyler Lockwood.

All of the winning photo contest entries can be viewed at www.cullinanparkconservancy.org

Foster Announces National Merit Semifinalist

Foster High School announced senior Benjamin Wu was named a 2023 National Merit Semifinalist. To qualify, he scored in the top 1% of the 1.5 million high school juniors across the United States who took the Preliminary SAT last October.

The next step of this highly competitive program is to complete the application to become a finalist. Winners will be announced next April and may receive scholarships starting at $2500. Wu will be evaluated on SAT scores, academic transcript (difficulty level, depth and breadth of subjects studied, as well as grades earned), extracurricu lar and community involvement, leadership positions and a 1500-word essay. Additionally, students must be enrolled in their last year of high school and plan to attend college full-time next fall.

At Foster, Wu made drumline all four years of high school and is currently co-section leader of this elite group. He has gone to the State Marching Band competition twice and State Solo and Ensemble twice. He is a member of Nation al Honor Society, Code Wars, UIL Computer Science and Workforce in Training. This past summer, he completed the 100+ hours required for Service Cord volunteering at vari ous Gulf Coast Beach Clean-ups, Faith United Methodist Church and Lunches of Love.

Senior year, Wu is taking a full course load including AP Chemistry, AP English IV, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Statistics and Marching Band. By gradua tion, he will complete 14 AP courses with passing scores on all of the exams he’s taken so far. In addition to his multidisciplinary endorsement, he will also earn a STEM-Mathe matics endorsement upon graduation. He plans to major in Computer Science / Computer Engineering in college.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Their mission is to recognize and honor the aca demically talented students of the United States. Seniors Andrew Kunz and Corinne Wang were also named National Merit Semifinalists at Foster. Best of luck to all the Foster Falcons!

Benjamin Wu

OutRun Hunger 5K Raises

More Than $30,000 for Charity

Hundreds of people turned miles into meals during this year’s OutRun Hunger 5k Family Walk and Run hosted by Harvest Green, raising more than $30,000 to feed hungry Fort Bend families.

This is the most money the event has raised since its inception in 2018. The annual race benefits East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, a non-profit organization helping families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis.

“It was a definitely an amazing day,” said Stacey Wil liams, development director for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. “We had perfect weather, almost 500 runner and walkers and more than $30,000 raised for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry.”

The run also attracted 52 sponsors who contributed $19,750 toward the total. Approximately $97,500 has been raised by the run since its launch four years ago.

Last year, 300 participants and 50 sponsors raised $19,000 for the non-profit.

The money will be used by East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry to provide food and financial assistance to children, families and seniors. In 2021, the organization distributed $1,842,832 worth of food to families in need.

The race ended with an after-party at the finish line for participants and their cheering squads. The top three male and female finishers received awards. Kids received

This year’s OutRun Hunger event in Harvest Green raised more than $30,000 for charity East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry and attracted its most participants ever.

completion ribbons for participation in a separate Kids Run. Overall winners in the race were Justin Arnosky, 34, first place with a time of 18:10; Adam Hawks, 38, second place, 18:41; and Kayla Shelky, 21, third place, 19:24.

“Hosting the OutRun Hunger 5K is one of the highlights of our year,” said Jerry Ulke, General Manager for Harvest Green. “We love seeing so many families turn out for a great cause.”

For more information about East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, visit https://www.humanneeds.org.

Visit https://www.harvestgreentexas.com for more in formation about Harvest Green.

Fort Bend County Libraries Announces 2022 Book Fest Houston Author/Professor Stephen Klineberg to Headline Festival

Fort Bend County Libraries will present its 2022 Book Fest on Saturday, November 12th, from 10 am to 3 pm, at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Rice University pro fessor and author of the urban biography Prophetic City: Houston the Cusp of a Changing America, joins the festi val as the keynote speaker.

The Book Fest will feature several workshops designed to encourage aspiring writers of all ages and genres, from prose and poetry to comics. Creative and inspiring pro grams are planned for child and teen writers, as well as adults. Participants may attend the whole day, or they can choose which individual session(s) they would like to at tend.

Houston Writing Guild will present a workshop on pub lishing and marketing one’s book. A session on “The Se cret History of Gaming” will share the secret educational skills behind games, such as “Magic: the Gathering and Pokémon Trading Card Game.”

Local author Liara Tamani will share her experiences as a YA (Young Adult) author and BIPOC creator. Children’s author Valerie Sweeten will lead a writing workshop for children who would like to become writers.

Tabitha Voight, who coordinates the Story Spinners Writing Club and NaNoWriMo events at George Memorial Library, will lead a writing workshop for all ages on how to take an idea from the beginning stages to a book draft. She will also moderate a “Writers Showcase,” where ama teur and professional authors can share excerpts of their works.

The #FBCLBookFest2022 celebrates books, authors, and the importance of literature to the imagination. The complete schedule of events can be found on the Fort Bend County Libraries website.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Book Fest is free and open to the public. For more information, see the FBCL website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call the library system’s Com munications Office at 281-633-4734.

Armistice Day 2022 and The Unbreakable Bonds of 41 Million Americans

Armistice Day is a very special day of honor for our nation’s military veterans and their families. Armistice Day was created to celebrate the end of the “War to End All Wars” – World War I. The end of hostilities between the Allies and Germany would be formally signed in 1918 at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to permanently lock down the significance of the global peace the end of World War I promised. November 11th became Armistice Day.

Sadly, twenty-two years later, the promise of Armistice Day’s global peace ended when Nazi Adolf Hitler invaded Poland. For six years, our world endured the unimaginable horrors of the Second World War. The deaths of 20 MILLION service members, 100 MILLION CIVILIANS, the Holocaust, ballistic missiles and atomic bombs shattered the hope of Armistice Day. Congress acted in 1954; Armistice Day became Veterans Day. November 11th of every year is now a day we honor the service and sacrifice of every man or woman who has worn our country’s uniform.

Our military does not discriminate. It does not matter what your skin color is, how much money is in your wallet or purse, where you chose to worship or what school awarded you a diploma. You cannot be drafted to serve. Since 1973, our ser vice members have been 100% volunteer. Our military is the most diverse, caring and lethal the world has ever known.

Fort Bend Heroes

Since Fort Bend is the most diverse and patriotic county in the United States, we see the service and sacrifice of neigh bors who are veterans every single day. Most of these veter ans have one timeless, American trait: they use their military service to empower themselves to make society better after they leave the military. Richmond City Commissioner Barry Beard is one of our heroic neighbors. Beard was an Army he licopter pilot in Vietnam. He flew combat missions, classified missions with the Green Berets, rescue missions and medical

evacuations, routinely returning from these missions with more than 100 bullet holes in his aircraft.

Beard never flew with Army Medal of Honor awardee Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, but I’m sure they would have made an amazing team. On May 2nd, 1968, Benavidez jumped on a helicopter to rescue a 12-man Special Forces team that was getting mowed down. His body was ripped apart by small arms fire and hand grenades. His head was smashed by the enemy with a club. Despite these life-threatening injuries, Benavidez was able to get all the wounded and dead on the last helicopter. He collapsed on the flight home. His fellow soldiers thought he was dead and tried to put him in a body bag. Benavidez could not speak, but he could spit. He spit on the soldier zipping him up in the body bag. Benavidez has ties to Fort Bend – he was a regular at Bob’s Taco Station. His Medal of Honor license plate is on the wall, along with the Medal of Honor citation.

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez

Celso “C.J.” Pacheco, Jr. is another Fort Bend friend deserv ing recognition. Pacheco deployed multiple times in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and now uses the skills he learned in the Army to prevent a 9/11 from happening in Fort Bend. He has won awards working for us in the Houston Office of Emergency Management. If we are hit by another hurricane, or there’s an accident at a chemical plant, or God-forbid, we experience an act of terror, Pacheco has already made plans to minimize injury and loss of life. Barry Beard, Roy Benavidez and C.J. Pacheco, Jr. make us Fort Bend Strong!

On Veterans Day, we also remember and honor Fort Bend neighbors who have come home from service in a flag-draped coffin or with severe physical wounds or mental wounds from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My friend, Curtis Brown, was severely injured in training accident in California when a large mobile artillery vehicle broke away and ran over his small vehicle. He saved other soldiers’ lives, but his spine was se verely broken. The severe pain caused him to become addict ed to powerful painkillers. His faith allowed him to break his addiction. Brown created a charity, Front Line Forces, to help fellow service members avoid addiction and PTSD.

While I never met him, Marine Lance Corporeal Garrett Gamble is a hero of mine. Gamble’s mother, Michelle, told me her little 11-year-old boy stared at the television in anger on September 11th, 2001. Gamble was going to join the Marine Corps to make sure no religious zealots were going to kill in nocent Americans ever again. His family and friends thought his comments were teenage bravado, until Gamble came back from lunch at Austin High School and told his best friend that he had joined the Marines. His best friend could not believe that Gamble actually became a Marine. He chastised Gamble for such an impetuous, irrational decision. He told Gamble, “You may get killed. I would NEVER join the Marines.” In act of pure love, Gamble put his arms on his friend’s shoulder and calmly said, “That’s why I did it.” He died in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on March 11th, 2010 after stepping on a land mine. My hero was only 20-years-old. I was able to get Congress to name the U.S. Post Office on Grants Lake in Sugar Land after Gamble. I visit him every year at the Houston National Cem etery, Section R1, Site 761.

We will never forget the courage and sacrifice of Casey, Gar rett and the nearly 1.5 MILLION other Americans who have died for our freedom. They make us Fort Bend Stronger!

PTSD took the life of a friend, Marine Casey Owens. Owens grew up and attended school in Katy. After we were attacked on 9/11, Owens joined the Marine Corps. On patrol in Iraq, Ow ens’ vehicle hit a double stacked bomb. He was thrown from his vehicle and severely wounded. He lost both legs, his left hand was disabled and he developed traumatic brain injury and severe PTSD. He seemed to be doing well. He had moved to Colorado to train as a snow skier to represent the United States in the Paralympics. He was still struggling with PTSD. In 2012, Owens told a national television audience on CBS News, “I re ally don’t think I’ll ever be free. I don’t think the burden of war is ever gone.” Ten years of the burden of war was too much for my friend. On October 16, 2014, Owens took his own life.

Finally, there is group of largely forgotten Americans who ensure our men and women in uniform have the support they need to defeat our enemies. They are our business leaders and the families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. No civil ian business owner in Fort Bend County and Greater Houston has done more to support our veterans than Jim McIngvale, Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture. Mack NEVER sings his own praises, because he does not care about good publicity, glow ing public accolades or strong profits. Mack only cares about taking care of our heroes and their families. That is why he paid for 110 veterans, being treated for PTSD at Camp Hope, to do something I have only dreamed of – watching our Astros play in the World Series! Mack summed up his patriotism and gen erosity with these simple words, “I never served, but I’ve seen the trauma that these guys have been through. It gives all of us at Gallery Furniture great joy to help these veterans who have done so much while I did so little.”

Marine Casey Owens

Celebrating Our Veteran Families

All of the family members of our troops should be remem bered and celebrated on Veterans Day. A great example of the importance of the family to American men and women in uni form is Jamay Schadrien. I was fortunate to meet Schadrien when she spoke to the Exchange Club of Sugar Land last year. She spoke about Career Gear, a non-profit she started in Hous ton in 2004. Schadrien talks the talk and walks the walk. She is the child and wife of warfighters. She saw first-hand how unprepared our troops are to find employment after military ser vice. These troops have never had a resume. They only own civilian leisure clothes – they had uniforms with strict guidelines as to how that uniform is the be worn at work. These troops have no idea how to make their work in military applicable and beneficial to the private sector. How does the career of a gun ner in an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank mean something in the private sector? (Answer – TEAMWORK!) Schadrien knows what the veterans need for success. She gives them confidence and makes us better.

I know the importance of a supporting spouse first-hand. My Nancy is the epitome of a loving, supporting spouse. We were married on September 25th, 1993. She knew that in less than seven months, I was going to leave Hawaii in May 1994 and go to the Persian Gulf for six months. Minimum. There was no phone communication – only slow mail sent from Ma sirah, Oman or Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean. She knew that she would be alone for our first anniversary. The families of many of my squadron mates left for their parent’s home the day after we left on deployment. They could not bear the loneliness. My Nancy was determined to have our home, so she stayed on Oahu. She used our separation to get a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

A few months before coming home, my squadron was told that we were a casualty of the end of the Cold War – we were being totally disestablished. GREAT NEWS – Nancy and I could stay in Oahu for two to three months with no burden of training for the next deployment! We could catch up for lost time and enjoy Hawaii, starting on November 6th, 1994 when I returned home. I remember shutting the engines down and flying into Nancy’s arms. We were together again! I was only home for one week when the Navy ended our relaxation dreams. I received orders to report to the Pentagon by December 10th, 1994, to prepare for an internship for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. So, four weeks after coming home, I left Nancy again. Now she had to sell one of our cars, pack up our furniture, clean up and re pair our condominium for the next renters, and start looking for a new place to live that was 8,000 miles and seven time zones away in Northern Virginia. Two days before Christmas, I picked Nancy up at the airport. Nancy was, is, and always will be the greatest Christmas present EVER. Military families are Fort Bend Strongest!

I’m sure you have stories of veterans, fallen heroes and military families. If you feel comfortable sharing these personal stories with me, please email me at pete@absolutelyfocusmedia.com so I can share them, too. On Veterans Day and every chance you get, please thank a veteran for their service. They will probably respond by saying, “That’s very kind, but unnecessary. America has given me more than I’ll ever be able to give to her.”

That’s Fort Bend and America Strong!

Jamay Schadrien