2 minute read
NGAT Highlights
by MediaNation
In March, 2022, the Texas National Guard Foundation was selected as the Spec’s Charity of the month partner and was awarded $13,590 from donations in stores throughout Texas. For over 60 years Spec’s has felt an obligation to the community and has supported hundreds of activities from the American Heart Association, Camp Hope, Texas Children’s Cancer Hospital, and many more. We are proud to have the Texas National Guard Foundation added to the list of organizations they have supported.
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The original Spec’s opened in 1962 in Houston, Texas. Carroll B. “Spec” Jackson and Carolynn Jackson founded the store. “Spec” Jackson wanted to work for himself and make enough money so Carolynn wouldn’t have to work. The store’s name, Spec’s, originated from his nickname that referred to his spectacles. “Spec” Jackson spent $7,000 to open his first store.
In 1971, the Jackson’s daughter, Lindy, and her husband, John Rydman, joined the business after graduating from college. Lindy and John learned the business from the ground up. Together the Jacksons and Rydmans put Spec’s in the world’s spotlight. With the introduction of wines in 1974, John Rydman created even more excitement about Spec’s with the breadth of wine selection and pricing offered in Houston.
Spec’s entered the food business in the late ’80s with po’ boy sandwiches, crackers, and cheese to satisfy customers’ requests. It was only the beginning of what was to become a huge selection of gourmet items from all over the world.
In 2007 Spec’s made some major expansions. Spec’s opened three stores in the Austin area. Spec’s then expands to San Antonio, Killeen, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and all across Texas within the next few years!
For over 60 years Spec’s has been a Texas go-to for good times and gourmet foods. Now, with more than 100 stores across Texas, and more on the way, they are bringing savings and selection to every corner of the Lone Star State.
NGAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LTC (RET) MARVIN HARRIS
(right), receives a check from Spec’s as part of their Charity of the Month program. NGAT has worked with Spec’s for many years utilizing their sommeliers at many of our NGAT Conference for our wine tasting events.
MG (RET) CHARLES K. ARIS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
The National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation announces the MG (Ret) Charles K. Aris Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is in recognition of MG Charles Aris’ leadership and 34 plus years of distinguished service to the Great State of Texas, the United States Army, and the United States of America. This scholarship was created to be awarded annually to a Soldier serving in the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities in service to their families, communities, and the military and are seeking financial assistance for higher education to better serve the Texas National Guard, The State of Texas, and the United States of America. To make a donation to this scholarship go to https://ngat.org/ngatef/.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
NGAT would like to thank the outdoor maintenance crew from Medxcel for the exceptional service they provide to NGAT on a monthly basis. We appreciate your service and support.
