Tywin Handson
Conducting
Tywin Handson Army Veteran Fights Ravages of Combat Through
Veterans’ Services and Coles Crossing Community
By Patricia Hudson as Shared by Tywin Handson
Editor’s Note: While searching for a feature subject for the September/October Coles Crossing edition of PinPointe Magazine, the name Tywin Handson came up repeatedly. It took several phone calls before Major Handson consented to allow PinPointe Magazine to feature his life. One cannot help but be impressed with the man’s forthrightness, his extensive l ife achievements, and his commitment to community. Tywin’s exceptional communication skills were evident in his interview responses. For that reason, here is Major Tywin Handson’s story in his own words.
My name is Tywin M. Handson, Sr., and I proudly trace my roots back to the vibrant streets of Kansas City, Missouri.
Post-Army Journey: After retiring as a Major in the United States Army, my family and I returned to the scenic beauty of Colorado Springs. We envisioned planting our roots there, drawn by its stunning landscapes. However, as we settled in, we sensed a cultural shift that left us feeling disconnected from the community we once cherished.
A New Chapter in Cypress: Just when I thought I had found my footing in Colorado, an opportunity emerged that felt like a divine sign. A childhood friend re ached out, inviting me to help establish a church in Cypress, TX. He offered not only the chance to build a ministry, but also provide support for the physical and mental scars I carried from my combat service. It was a calling that resonated deeply, leading my family and me to the welcoming embrace of Coles Crossing, a community that
mirrored our spiritual values and personal beliefs, “A Classic Way of Life.”
Family Life: My partner in this journey is my wife, Jasmin Handson, a native of Weingarts, Germany. Together, we’ve built a loving home over the past 15 years, raising our spirited 10-year-old son, Tywin Jr. and two fur babies (Tyson and Skye). If I had a family motto, it would be: “To achieve any goal in life, follow this formula: Small Smart Steps + Consistency + Time = Radical Results.”
Military Servi ce: I proudly served in the U.S. Army, beginning my career as an enlisted soldier, where I was promoted to Sergeant, then transitioning as a commissioned officer and retiring as a Major. My assignments took me to Independence, MO; Fort Lee, VA (twice); Fort Bragg, GA; Kitzingen
Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman MAH Design LLC
Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman MAH Design LLC
and Wiesbaden, Germany; Colorado Springs, CO; San Jose, CA; and Fort Leavenworth, KS.
I deployed three times:
1) Tikrit, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-05) as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer
2) Tikrit and Mosul, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09) with Division Staff and the Ninawa Operations Command - Training Team
3) Herat, Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11) as the Delta Troop Commander.
I received numerous awards which included, but were not limited to the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Airborne Wings.
Community Service: Giving back is a cornerstone of my life, a value instilled in me by my mother, Ranada Handson. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I have served as the Operations Officer for Divine Promise Ministries and contributed to the Campus Planning Objective Committee at Sampson Elementary, where I also assist in the nurse's office and volunteer as a Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students). In Coles Crossing, I am the Fitness Center
Chair, overseeing the Center Renovation Project, managing the ongoing equipment acquisition project, and conducting daily operations. Additionally, I led the Coles Crossing Volunteer Appreciation events and write monthly contributions for the Paper Boy.
Educational Background: My academic pursuits led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, followed by a Master’s degree in Human Resources. Each step of my journey has shaped who I am today, fueling my passion for community and connection.
Recreational Life: While I once loved playing basketball, military injuries have led me to transition to
a more spectator role. Now, I enjoy cheering on my Kansas City Chiefs with friends every Sunday. Mentoring my son and other kids is a joy, and I cherish traveling to Germany with my wife.
Fond Military Memories: Some of my fondest moments in the military were spent training Iraqi leaders to take over their country, helping orphaned children in Afghanistan, commanding soldiers in combat, and swearing in hundreds of young people into the military at the Military Entrance Processing Station. It has been a privilege and honor to serve in the military and now in my community. In short, the motto I live by is to “Connect, Serve, Grow, and Go!”
Veteran Service Organizations and Coles Crossing: Although I proudly served my country and would do so again without hesitation, I now bear the lasting marks of that service: permanent mental scars (PTSD) and physical challenges that require ongoing surgery and therapy. While I may appear fine on the outside, I silently strug gle each day. I had to accept that counseling and physical therapy will be a lifelong journey for me.
For fellow veterans seeking support, please reach out to your local VA or Veteran Service Organizations. Helpful resources include Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org), the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), and Spring Vet Center (281-537-7812). Even though I will never fully heal, the VA, the supportive community of Coles Crossing, and Sampson Elementary’s annual Veterans Day Program are helping me face these challenges head-on.
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
The Best of Cy-Fair
By Patricia Hudson
PinPointe Magazine opted for a different take for our restaurant reviews this edition. We chose to highlight two unique establishments: Senate Avenue Brewing Company and The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge. Less than 10 miles apart, why not jump on US290 and visit them both?
Senate Avenue Brewing Company PLACES T O EAT
The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce held the August networking breakfast in a most unlikely place: Senate Avenue Brewing Company. Andrew Mitcham, owner of Senate Avenue, hosted the event, which also served as a ribbon cutting, “Just 4 years later but… oh well,” joked Mitcham. (His
story is intriguing; In the wake of 911, he left UT to join the Army and became a combat medic, earned his EMT Certification and taught Combat Lifesaver courses across the country. He did a stint in the Corporate IT world before starting his own IT company with his brother-in-law.
Moving back to Jersey Village, he married and served as the Mayor of JV. While his ultimate goal was to attract a brewery to his city, ironically, he now owns one!)
Getting back to Senate Brewing Company; they are billed as a nanobrewery and taphouse, and sell wine by the glass and bottle. The full-service kitchen offers unique fare such as fried artichoke hearts and crab cakes, bison and black bean burgers, street tacos, (Our breakfast tacos and biscuits were delicious), and blackened redfish. SABC is family friendly; even dogs are welcome on the patio.
Senate Avenue
Brewing Company
16000 Dillard Drive Unit F
Jersey Village, TX 77040 (832) 295-3188
Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday: Noon-7pm
Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm Saturday: Noon-9 pm
AThe Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge
friend’s networking event found me at The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge midweek, just as folks were leaving work. A first-time visitor, I asked others about the establishment; a fun place to relax, watch the game, practice your swing, and meet friends, so they said. A friendly bartender called out a greeting while deftly offering a selection of spirits, craft beers, and cocktails to clients seated around the bar and around the room. My Cuba Libre was on point. Comfortable seating for conversation and tables for those perusing menus and others that checked out the Astros on multiple screens filled the room. Truffle Pretzel Bites and Cajun Crunch Egg Rolls; Handhelds of short rib and brisket blended beef with Bourbon bacon jam and shoestring potatoes
tempted the tastebuds. Talk is, the oven fired flatbread pizzas are favorites among the golfers. The indoor golf simulators located in bays in the next room were filled with golfers and others that aspired to be. Bring your own clubs, or rent some. It’s 21 and over after 9 pm. Oh, and Bottomless Mimosas are offered for $12 a person every Saturday and Sunday. I’d say The Daly Round measures up to the hype.
The Daily Round Indoor Golf & Lounge 11734 Barker Cypress • Ste. 116 • Cypress Tx 77433 (346) 462-7043
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-Midnight
HAPPENINGS Cypress
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
Shop 'til you Drop 2024 Marketplace
Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 9am-5pm 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Cy-Fair Women's Club Annual Fundraiser. There are over 250 vendors. All proceeds go back to the community through scholarships to graduating seniors in the CFISD area and financial assistance to nonprofits in the community. cyfairwomensclub.org
St. Cuthbert School 40th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 10am-1pm 17020 West Rd. • Houston, TX 77095
Bring the kids! Train rides, music, games, silent auction, craft area and food trucks. Admission is free! www.stcuthbert.org
Cy-Fair Fire Fest
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 10am-2pm Fire Station 11 • 18132 West Rd. • Cypress, TX
Join us for a fun-filled day for the family with live demonstrations, Kidz Zone, Smoke House, Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and more!
Fairfield Women’s Club Fundraising Garage Sale
Saturday October 5, 2024 • 7am-2pm
Over 100 homes participating in the sale. For a map of all homes involved in the sale visit fairfieldwomensclub.org.
Market at the Attic
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Angel's Attic Resale Store • 12930 Cypress N. Houston • Cypress, TX
Support area small businesses featuring arts & crafts, jewelry, yummy treats, and much more.
Jersey Village Brewfest
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 6-9pm
DeLozier Park - Intersection of DeLozier and Rio Grande Presented by City of Jersey Village Parks and Recreation Parking at Champions Forest Church. Tickets $30 www.jerseyvillagetx.com/page/events.jvbrewfest
6th Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 5-8pm (4pm VIP Entry)
Lakeland Village Center • 10615 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Loads of food, wine, beer, music, a silent auction, and festivities! Proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope to help local families and residents in need. Purchase tickets at: atasteofcyfair.com
Cy-Fest 2024
Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 10am-2pm
Lone Star College-CyFair • 9191 Barker Cypress Rd • Cypress, TX Cy-Fest, a free family-friendly community celebration for all ages, returns with a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, book mobile, bounce houses food trucks & More! www.lonestar.edu/cy-fest
Fairfield Family Night out
Sunday, October 6, 2024 • 4-7pm
Fairfield Central Park • 15015 Heath Green Circle • Cypress, TX
Bounce Houses, Live DJ, Food Trucks, Face Painting, Games & More!
Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes
Saturday, October 12, 2024 • 8am / Kid's 1K @ 9am
Bridgeland’s Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX
Supporting The Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans, Inc. Details and Registration: blrunforheroes2024.eventbrite.com
The Judy Dierker Holiday Market
Friday, October 18 & Saturday, October 19, 2024 • 9am-4pm
Foundry Church • 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065
For 22 years, we have been bringing together a variety of vendors, artisans, and makers to offer a unique and festive shopping experience. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, but you'll also be supporting a great cause.
Rotary Club of Cy-Fair Annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Benefitting PTSD Foundation of America & Camp Hope Register at: tinyurl.com/CyFair-Rotary-Golf2024 www.rotarycypressfairbanks.org
Veterans Day Celebration & Military Memorial Wall Dedication
Saturday, November 9, 2024 • 10am-Noon 12527 Cypress North Houston • Cypress, TX 77429
Join us to celebrate all those who served while we are dedicating our new Military Memorial Wall! Light refreshments will be served.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Festival of Trees
Saturday, November 9, 2024 • 7-10pm
Lindsay Lakes • 16536 Mueschke Rd. • Cypress, TX
Dinner & Dessert, Cocktails& Mocktails Live Music, Bourbon Pull, Silent Auction & More! Visit www.cyfairhelpinghands.org/FOT2024/ for info on tables, sponsorships and tickets.
Cy-Fair Nutcracker Market
Saturday, November 23, 2024 • 9am-5pm
Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Over 270 vendors offering everything from Women's and Children's Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Gourmet Food Items, Hand made and Fashion Jewelry, and so much more! $5 Cash Entry Fee at Door or purchase online. Children under 13 Free Entry. No Stroller allowed by Berry Center Policy during event until after 3pm. https://www.berrycenter.net/event-details/cyfair-nutcracker-market
TRAVeliNG SeNioR oF CypReSS TRipS & ACTiViTieS
April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.
All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.
Upcoming Coles Crossing Community events
Coles Crossing lap pool
16217 Coles Crossing Dr. • Cypress, TX 77429
Robotics Demo: Sept. 21 • 3pm
Community Wide Garage Sale: Nov. 2 • 7am-1pm
Coles Crossing Community Center
13050 Barker Cypress • Cypress, TX 77429
Family Movie Night in the Park: Sept. 28 • 7:30pm
Coles Crossing Craft Show: Oct. 4 • 9am-5pm / Oct. 5 • 9am-4pm
