Thanks to the expert care I received, from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation, I’m back to doing what I love—golfing, walking my dog and being with friends.” Find the right treatment to get you back on course.
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“UT Tyler has one of the best college communities in the state of Texas! The university holds many annual school spirit events that are a great place to meet new people and enjoy the campus.”
Cohen Taylor CLASS OF 2026
General Business BS
Pre-Pharmacy Program
The University of Texas at Tyler makes it easy to discover your future with more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs leading to in-demand careers in a variety of fields. Plus, small class sizes, affordable tuition and cutting-edge research opportunities combine to create an educational experience unlike any other.
Learn more at uttyler.edu
YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Loyal ETX View readers know which issue of the magazine is my favorite.
If you’re new here and don’t know the story, well, I’ll spare the others and wait to reshare that one in our November/December 2025 issue… But, many know I am partial to the holiday season. However, our March/ April issue is nearly tied as my favorite issue of the year. The Nonprofit, Faith & Philanthropy edition is always special because it shines a light on people, places and organizations that are truly making a difference each day in our region.
When you ask residents what they enjoy about living in East Texas, answers often center around the fact that people help their neighbors – and they do so genuinely. Since I moved here in December 2020, I’ve seen that on display time and time again, and it never gets old.
Featured on our cover are three ladies in Tyler who have hearts for giving back. Read all about that spirit instilled in each of them and how they use it to serve the community on Page 40.
In the front of the magazine, our feature story on Page 8 highlights East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, a nonprofit working every day to empower residents who are blind and help them gain confidence and true independence.
We love to share places worth adding to your travel bucket list in our Travel section, but for this issue we wanted to highlight the opportunities our local churches provide for servants to travel the world sharing the gospel. While attending a recent Sunday morning service at Green Acres Baptist Church, Missions Pastor John Roach said something I couldn’t get out of my mind. He talked about how here in the Bible Belt, pretty much everyone has heard Jesus’ name. Whether nonbelievers have truly heard the good news of His salvation is not as likely,
but still, His holy name is commonly heard. But in some areas of the world, people have never even heard the word “Jesus.” Ever! What a humbling reminder. The important work church members are doing to make the Savior’s name known around the world was a story well worth telling; read more on Page 18.
It’s not every day you see a vintage warbird on top of a building – and a coffee shop, at that. But drive into Mount Pleasant and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Huey’s Coffee is a destination in itself, but its efforts to give back and support veterans make it a business even more worthy of your support. Read more on Page 30.
Learn the story behind some mesmerizing art inside of Flint’s newest parish church on Page 50.
On Page 58, meet Tyler Campbell – son of the legendary Tyler Rose, Earl Campbell – and hear his inspiring story of overcoming obstacle after obstacle to come out on the other side as a successful entrepreneur inspiring others.
Then on Page 64, learn about an East Texas nonprofit giving military working dogs a second chance after retiring from a life of service
Lastly, make plans with us on Page 68 in this jam-packed calendar of events for March and April.
I sincerely hope you enjoy reading about all of these wonderful people and organizations making a difference in East Texas. Our Outdoors & Recreation issue is coming up, and I’d love to hear from you about what you’d like to see in that edition.
EAST TEXAS LIGHTHOUSE EMPOWERS THE BLIND, HELPS WITH INDEPENDENCE
STORY BY JENNIFER SCOTT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL AND LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
In the heart of Tyler, the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is more than just a resource for those who are blind or visually impaired – it’s a symbol of hope, faith, and community. The nonprofit organization offers crucial support and services to help people gain the independence they need to live fulfilling lives.
“We are the largest employer of people who are blind in East Texas, we are not just a training facility,” said Alicia Lansford, Vice President/Chief Mission Officer for East Texas Lighthouse. “We have an HR department, we have OSHA standards, we have federal contractor standards, and we have the experience of people who are blind doing these jobs. We are doing it safely, we are doing it legally, we are doing it productively. We are a successful company.”
The Lighthouse operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired through two divisions: Horizon Industries, a manufacturing operation, and Client Services, a community rehabilitation facility. In 2012, they opened their current facility at 411 W Front Street in Tyler, where they now train employees.
“We needed to do more for people than just give them a job,” Lansford said. “We needed to provide training. And what if they wanted to leave our organization and work somewhere else? That’s a big goal of ours — not everyone who’s blind wants to work for us. But we’re a great stepping stone for people who might not be ready. Maybe they’ve lost their vision later in life and aren’t quite ready to go out and work yet. They need training in a safer environment. We have people who work for us and then go on to work in the public sector as well.”
The Lighthouse serves as a vocational rehabilitation facility, providing services across 40 counties. In addition to job training, it offers orientation and mobility training, including lessons on using a white cane, and provides support for students in local school districts.
“We’ve gone from just being really vocational-focused with Horizon Industries to really being a full life cycle for someone who is blind,” Lansford said.
| CONT. ON PG. 11
| CONT. FROM PG. 8
Beyond employment services, the Lighthouse provides medical tools and devices in its store, such as talking glucometers, talking scales, talking watches, and talking blood pressure monitors.
“We’re knowledgeable about these devices and can help people use them,” Lansford said. “There’s a pharmacy in town that can take someone’s prescriptions and organize them into a blister pack. They just punch a square for each day and have their pills ready. This helps with medication management. We can also teach people how to use apps that read their prescription bottles for easier access.”
One of the key areas Lansford highlights is the importance of addressing the broader impacts of health conditions, such as diabetes.
“The leading causes of blindness in our area are diabetes and glaucoma,” she said. “If they are managed, blindness can be prevented, so regular eye exams are very important. Catching issues early is key.”
According to Lansford, diabetes education plays a critical role in managing the condition, yet many healthcare professionals focus primarily on blood sugar levels and overall health, often overlooking the significant risk of blindness.
“Doctors tend to focus on blood sugar and health of this and that… and I’m not being negative against doctors, but they don’t warn people about the blindness factor of diabetes enough,” she said. “They talk about mobility, they talk about not losing your toes and feet. But they don’t talk about blindness, and it can happen like that.”
Lansford shared how she’s heard of people who were driving when their retinas detached or who went to bed with sight and woke up blind.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in our area,” she reiterated, “but the good news is it’s preventable with proper management.”
This warning hits close to home for Kody Woodruff, 34, who was born with juvenile diabetes and now | CONT. ON PG. 12
lives with complete blindness.
“At first I was taking care of myself at a young age and my parents were constantly watching over me,” he said. “But as I gradually got older, I was just telling them I was taking my medication… and I didn’t.”
Juvenile diabetes – also known as Type 1 diabetes – is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone the body uses to allow sugar to enter cells and produce energy.
“When I finally decided to start taking care of my health, my body wasn’t accustomed to it,” Woodruff said. “Within a few months of making those changes, my vision began to decrease rapidly and gradually.”
Before his blindness, Woodruff had to undergo the amputation of his right leg below the knee due to complications from diabetes. He also has kidney failure.
“I am completely blind in both eyes. All I see is black,” he said. “I was stuck in a wheelchair, losing my sight while my leg was healing from an amputation.”
Feeling depressed and lost at 28 years old, Woodruff didn’t know how to cope with his struggles, but his main concern was how much independence he thought he would have to give up.
“At first, I really didn’t cope with it well because I didn’t know what I was gonna do,” Woodruff said. “I’ve been working since before I was 16, so… I’ve always been working and supporting myself.”
After taking some time to recuperate from losing his sight and his leg, Woodruff realized he had to get himself together – especially for his son.
“After I went through my slight depression, I realized I can't be depressed anymore; I have a son to take care of,” he said. “Even if I may not be able to find a job, I can still find out how to do things around the house, keep the house clean, to cook, to do my own laundry. I don't need to be totally dependent on somebody.”
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PRODUCTION LINE WORKER Kody Woodruff, who is blind, uses his sense of hearing and touch to package product in shipping boxes.
WORKERS PACKAGE product at Horizon Industries in Tyler.
PRODUCTION
LINE WORKER Kody Woodruff at Horizon Industries in Tyler.
| CONT. FROM PG. 12
Much of Woodruff's adjustment came from selfadapting for almost two years. With help from his family, he regained his independence. Still, Woodruff wishes he had taken better care of himself.
“But my one regret is the loss of my sight because my son was 4 years old when I lost my sight, and now I don't actually get to see him grow up. I still get him, I still take care of him but… I won’t see him grow up,” he said.
Around 2020, he learned about the Lighthouse from a friend who worked in the production plant and inquired about their services.
According to Woodruff, his real challenge was getting around – something the Lighthouse helped him with.
“I didn’t have a cane at that time, so they showed me how to be able to go places by myself, to do things by myself, to go shopping,” he said. “They actually showed me everything I know how to do today. They actually showed me how to cook because, unfortunately, my mom was afraid to let me start to try to cook.”
From homemade shepherd’s pie and stew, cooking is
CHANCE AGORASTOS, who was born with retinoblastoma – a cancer that damaged his optic nerves, works at his computer at East Texas Lighthouse in Tyler.
something Woodruff enjoys being able to do.
“There’s just so many things that I learned growing up from my grandparents that I love to cook,” he said. “So I’m glad I’m still able to cook.”
Woodruff now works at Horizon.
“It’s so exciting to know that I'm not the only one here in Tyler that is blind and that we are proving to people that just because we're blind or visually impaired,” he said. “We can still work. We can still do things. It’s just been a miracle.”
Chance Agorastos, born with retinoblastoma – a cancer that damaged his optic nerves – also found a new sense of independence through the Lighthouse.
“I get light in my eye and it’s just that most of the information doesn’t get to the brain, so I can see a little bit,” he said. “My left eye is basically totally blind but I can see a little bit with my right eye.”
Agorastos, 23, grew up in League City, graduated high school in 2020, and initially struggled to find his direction. He became reclusive and worked from home, | CONT. ON PG. 17
CHANCE AGORASTOS works with his guide dog, Kayden, under his desk at East Texas Lighthouse in Tyler.
learning to program and even writing music.
“I was very stubborn, and throughout elementary, middle, and high school, my teachers, including my braille teacher and my OM (orientation and mobility) instructor, kept telling me to use the cane,” Agorastos said. “They were teaching me important skills, but I said, ‘No, it’s dumb and I don’t need it.’”
Wanting to avoid the world, he found a way to work from home and ordered groceries online.
“But I still felt directionless, unsure of where to go next, until my braille teacher stepped in… and said, ‘Hey, there’s a thing up in Tyler, Texas… called the Lighthouse and they're doing a summer program for college. You should try it out,’” Agorastos said. “I thought, ‘Oh, this will be stupid, but I tried it and it was sort of a very, very transformative thing for me.”
At the Lighthouse, Agorastos learned how to navigate independently, improve his mobility skills, and adapt to daily tasks. Eventually, he received his guide dog, Kayden – a 3-year-old Labrador-Golden Retriever mix.
With the support of Kayden, Agorastos has embraced his independence and is a testament to the transformative impact of the Lighthouse. He hopes people will have a better understanding of how to interact with blind people.
“A lot of times there’s a misnomer that blind people are helpless… that we just have a cane, read braille… maybe not that intelligent or competent as someone who can see,” Agorastos said. “But we’re just like everyone else… we just can’t see.”
When it comes to interacting with blind individuals, it’s important to approach them with respect and understanding.
“It’s definitely not a good idea to touch someone who is blind,” Lansford said. “Ask them if they need any help. Sometimes they might, but sometimes they might not. But let them know you are there.”
From summer camps to White Cane Day to on-the-job training, the Lighthouse serves as a beacon for blind and visually impaired individuals, breaking stigmas along the way. For more information, visit www. easttexaslighthouse.org.
‘WHERE THE GOSPEL HASN’T GONE YET’
GREEN ACRES MISSIONS PROGRAM HELPS LOCALS SPREAD GOD’S WORD IN AREAS OF WORLD THAT NEED IT MOST
STORY BY KATECEY HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY GREEN ACRES BAPTIST CHURCH
The Bible’s message is clear: God is on a mission to redeem people, and He has tasked the church with carrying out that mission. For Green Acres Baptist Church, and for the global church as a whole, missions are at the heart of what it means to live out God’s purpose.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians, written to a local church in Ephesus, challenges leaders to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry" – a mission Green Acres Missions Pastor John Roach says still resonates today.
“That's our job. We want to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, both in our city or in our country and around the world,” Roach said. “We want to send them out to these places so that they can do that work.”
Green Acres Missions provides countless opportunities for families, couples
CONT. FROM PG. 18
and individuals to get involved, from mission trips to follow-up efforts, here, locally, nationally and abroad internationally, all focused on spreading the Gospel. Through partnerships with local churches worldwide, the mission reaches regions where churches are scarce and communities face significant challenges. By improving access to clean water, addressing food insecurity and supporting struggling societies, the goal is to serve those in need and bring hope to difficult circumstances.
The mission begins with these partnerships. With around 12 supported churches across the U.S. and North America, and missionaries stationed in countries like Scotland, Malawi, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Australia, the focus is on
investing in local leaders and their communities. These partners are empowered to identify needs in their areas, and the church works alongside them to address those needs effectively.
Mission trips are built around these partnerships, addressing specific challenges faced by the communities. For example, in rural Kenya, where there’s no electricity, running water or access to medical care, teams bring doctors and nurses to hold medical clinics in villages.
While offering care, they also share the hope found in Jesus.
Similar work happens in Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia, where trips provide supplies, care for underserved communities and deliver a message of faith. Each trip is
tailored to the needs of the partner, with the shared goal of service and ministry.
In the Tyler area, the focus is on partnering with local nonprofits and organizations to address critical needs in the community. These partnerships include working with groups like The Fostering Collective, The Heart Gallery and the East Texas Food Bank, among others.
Efforts prioritize supporting orphans and children in foster care, as well as struggling single mothers, individuals battling addiction and those experiencing homelessness to serve the most vulnerable in the community and provide support where it’s needed most.
Roach didn’t grow up in church or know much about Jesus, the Bible, or even God. Growing up in Louisiana, it wasn’t until his college years that his life changed. A pastor visited his school and shared the story of Jesus with him.
He always felt the world was broken and sensed he was missing something. When the pastor talked about sin, Jesus and the possibility of restoring his relationship with God, it resonated deeply. He realized he was a sinner and that Jesus, the God-man, came to save him. Trusting in Jesus, he said, answered many of the questions he had about life and gave him hope.
“That hope transformed my life,” Roach said. “It caused me to fall in love with Jesus and want to serve Him with everything I had. It also gave me the desire to help others see the hope they could have.”
He believes many people wrestle with the same questions he once did, but Jesus offers answers and hope to all who seek Him.
His ministry journey began with teenagers, serving from the late 1990s until 2015. During that time, he was involved in mission trips, mostly within the U.S., where they would serve local churches in different states. However, in 2012, Roach embarked on his first international mission trip to Guatemala, followed by a trip to Rwanda just four months later.
The experience left a profound impact on him, as he saw levels of | CONT. FROM PG. 20 | CONT. ON PG. 24
CONT. FROM PG. 23
poverty and suffering that were beyond anything he had encountered in the United States.
In Guatemala, Roach visited a place called the City of Children, where hundreds of orphans lived in a system where adoption was unlikely. He witnessed deep pain, abuse and hopelessness some of the children faced. His trip to Rwanda was equally eye-opening. Roach observed incredible poverty — people with little food, water or possessions — but what stood out most to him was the joy and contentment of the churchgoers.
Despite their lack of material wealth, the Rwandans worshiped with overwhelming joy, demonstrating a deep sense of fulfillment in Jesus. Roach was struck by the contrast between their contentment and his own dissatisfaction, despite having so much more.
"I realized that their contentment wasn't about what
they lacked, but about being fulfilled in Christ," Roach said. "They were overwhelmed by the love and hope they found in Jesus."
This realization deepened his love for the local church, and he began to see it not only as a place for worship but as a vibrant, life-changing community that could grow and thrive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Inspired by his experiences in Africa, Roach returned home with a renewed vision for the church. A few years later, he began planting a church east of Dallas while working in Longview alongside Michael Gossett, now senior pastor of Green Acres.
Their shared passion for church planting led to Roach joining Green Acres as missions pastor in 2021. Together, Roach and Gossett focused on strengthening local churches and expanding Green Acres' reach locally and | CONT. ON PG. 26
|
transformed in front of their eyes.
globally, driven by a deep commitment to bringing hope and transformation to communities in need.
There are a few key objectives Green Acres hopes to accomplish with every mission trip.
First, they want participants to understand the necessity and power of God's Word through the local church. The church, as God's plan to redeem the world, plays a pivotal role in spreading the message of Jesus. The church is sent out to reach people who have never heard of Jesus, and it is through the establishment of churches that God's strategy unfolds.
Secondly, Green Acres emphasizes the transformative power of God’s Word. While traveling from village to village, neighborhood to neighborhood and door to door, the team shares the message of the Bible. It is not their words that change people, but God's Word itself.
When God's Word is shared, lives are changed and
Lastly, Green Acres aims to equip participants with the confidence and tools to practice evangelism. Many individuals in East Texas, particularly within the local church, struggle with knowing how to share the gospel. By structuring the mission trips to include opportunities for sharing the message of Jesus, the church hopes that participants will return home confident in their faith, clear on why they believe it and capable of confidently sharing it with others.
The mission trips are ongoing throughout the year, with different teams traveling to various locations based on specific needs and schedules. Trips are typically organized at least once a quarter, but the number of trips can vary depending on the season and the needs of the communities being served.
For example, some trips are scheduled during times of immediate need, such as school breaks or the summer
| CONT. FROM PG. 24
months, while others are planned to provide consistent support year-round to partners in certain areas.
Whether it's construction, medical missions or community outreach, teams are regularly prepared to travel to areas where their presence can make a tangible impact.
Green Acres primarily reserves mission trips for its members, as they have contributed to the church's mission. However, exceptions are made for those interested in connecting with partners or exploring certain areas. While the focus is on mobilizing members, the church is open to helping other churches engage in missions and serve partners locally and globally.
Success for Green Acres Missions is measured when individuals feel called to take action — whether it’s starting a new church in an underserved area, or pursuing training to become missionaries in other countries.
In Acts 1-12, the disciples spread the Gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. Then, in Acts 13, the early church takes a pivotal step by sending Paul and Barnabas to new places, marking the start of their mission to reach the ends of the earth.
Sending people to unreached areas is why churches exist in places like Tyler today.
“We're doing what our forefathers did 2,000 years ago. We're sending people around the world where the gospel hasn't gone yet,” Roach said. “That is the biggest win for our mission trips.”
To sign up for a mission trip or get more information, interested individuals can visit Green Acres’ website at gabc.org/missions. From there, they can click on "upcoming trips" to learn more about the trips and the partners the church works with. Alternatively, they can email the missions team directly at missions@gabc.org for further details.
Coffee Shop Chopper
STORY BY JORDAN GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY HUEY’S COFFEE
If strong coffee doesn’t wake you up in the morning, perhaps the sight of a helicopter sitting on top of a coffee shop will.
A homegrown, home-brewed Northeast Texas company has opened a store in Mount Pleasant that pays tribute to the company’s name: Huey’s Coffee.
A vintage Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, better known as the “Huey,” is mounted on the roof of the building. It’s the third location for the company, a small startup that is taking off across the region.
Huey’s Coffee’s first store opened in 2022 in Gilmer, and its second opened in Pittsburg in 2023. Another location is under construction in Greenville, and stores are planned for Paris and Marshall in the future, said Will Burrows, the company’s president and a Mount Pleasant native.
Scott Glover, the coffee shop’s owner and founder, also is the founder of Mount Pleasant-based U.S. Roast, which provides coffee for restaurants and cafes across the nation.
He’s also the founder of the famed Mid-America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant, a nonprofit living history exposition featuring numerous airworthy military aircraft — including a Huey, a U.S. military helicopter that played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War.
The museum’s Huey is where the idea for the coffee shop’s name came from, Burrows said. He and his brother got to know Glover — and started hanging around the museum — when they got involved with U.S. Roast in 2017. The museum acquired an operational Huey around the same time they were coming up with a coffee shop concept. The helicopter’s arrival generated a bit of a buzz.
“We were all just kind of spitballing ideas, and it was like, ‘Hey, Huey’s kind of has a good ring to it,’” he said. “And that’s what we ended up rolling with, and our entire concept is military aviationthemed.”
The Mount Pleasant coffee
| CONT. FROM PG. 32
shop is the company’s flagship location. The roughly 5,000-square-foot structure at 301 W. 16th St. was home to a Studebaker automobile dealership in the 1930s, Burrows said. Most recently, it was an automotive paint shop.
The coffee shop has 2,300 square feet of seating space, a drive-thru that can handle between 15 and 18 cars and a commercial kitchen that prepares food for all
of the company’s locations, Burrows said.
“It’s … (a lot) different than any other Huey’s that we put out there,” Burrows said.
Aside from the sheer size of the store, the biggest difference is the helicopter.
The idea of mounting a chopper on the building came from a coffee company in Kansas City, The Roasterie, which has a Douglas DC-3 airplane angled toward the | CONT. ON PG. 26
| CONT. FROM PG. 34
sky atop its shop, Burrows said. That company wanted to pay homage to the role DC-3s have had in hauling coffee beans, according to a story in Simple Flying, an aviation news website.
The Huey on top of the Mount Pleasant building isn’t the same one that’s at the museum. The one that patrons see up on the roof came from a seller in the Midwest, Burrows said.
The static shell of a helicopter doesn’t have an engine, transmission or other components. Its propellers are locked to prevent them from spinning, and the craft has been painted military green. Burrows said he’s not familiar with the history of the bird. It might have seen military action, but it could have been used for training purposes as well, he said.
Huey’s Coffee supports the flight museum, which has a mission of honoring veterans and preserving military aircraft history. To that end, the coffee shop gives veterans a 10% discount on their purchases.
Overall, the company’s goal is to provide East Texans with good coffee and give back to the communities in which it operates.
“There’s all kinds of big corporate chains popping up throughout the state and country,” Burrows said. “Those guys will always have their place, but they cannot compete with a hometown coffee shop.”
We salute these Texas Bank and Trust officers and employees for their years of dedicated service to our bank and the communities they serve. Together, they represent 455 years of combined service. Through their excellence, commitment, and loyalty, they continue to demonstrate the power of...
Left to Right: Brenda Brown 25 years, Dorrie DeLand 25 years, Wendy Adams 25 years, Ruthie Washington 30 years, Todd Meadows 40 years, Rogers Pope 55 years, Rogers Pope, Jr. 30 years, Shane Best 35 years, Marsha Byrd 25 years, Karen Partee 20 years, Mary Waits 25 years, Craig Chaikin 25 years, Diane Kenton 25 years
Not pictured: Tina Lemoine 30 years, Debbie Fox 20 years, Tommy Timmons 20 years
The Summit Club Longview
Women
Who Serve
Trio passionate about philanthropy shares heart for giving back
STORY BY SANTANA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL
It was a sunny day in February when three Tyler women passionate about philanthropy joined the ETX View team for a downtown photo shoot.
With the Rose City’s developing cityscape as a backdrop, Siretha Ajayi, Kim Ormsby and Kaitlyn Shultz modeled dresses provided by The Potpourri House in Tyler with jewelry from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview. While this trio looked gorgeous, their giving hearts are what truly shine.
All three are members of the Junior League of Tyler, an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, since its inception in 1950 the Junior League of Tyler has given back more than $7.5 million and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours to better the community. This year, Ajayi, Ormsby, Shultz and the other members of the league will contribute over 20,000 volunteer hours and help distribute over $290,000 to worthy community projects and endeavors.
The women are also involved in other various volunteer efforts throughout the community. For Shultz, working for Smith County Habitat for Humanity as its Chief Marketing and Development Officer is a chance to put her giving spirit into practice on a daily basis.
“In my role, I get the privilege of putting God’s love into action each day by connecting the community to the mission of Smith County Habitat and sharing about the amazing work our team does for our neighbors in need,” Shultz said. “I get to help each of our departments fine-tune the way they
KAITLYN SHULTZ models a sky blue dress from The Potpourri House in Tyler with jewelry provided by Jim Bartlett
in
Her earrings are Lauren Ferrell Designs, sold at The Potpourri House. Kim Ormsby models a black midi dress with flower appliques from The Potpourri House with a pearl set provided by Jim Bartlett. Siertha Ajayi models a classic blue and white printed ARIA dress from The Potpourri House with white gold jewelry provided by Jim Bartlett. She is also wearing yellow fashion hoops from The Potpourri House.
FASHION
Fine Jewelry
Longview.
| CONT. FROM PG. 40
promote what they do in order to appeal to potential donors, as well as finding potential clients, homeowners, and shoppers.”
Shultz, 32, has always had a passion for nonprofit work, even before it became her career. While she’s had many service opportunities over the years, currently she serves on the Leadership Tyler Board, acting as VP of Outreach/Marketing, Selections Chair and Class Rep; the Junior League of Tyler Board, serving as Communications VP; and recently wrapped up a full board term with Heart of Tyler, including time as a Committee Leader, Secretary, and President. She is also a member of the Chi Omega Alumnae of Tyler, the Women’s Fund of Smith County, and a continued volunteer and advocate for the revitalization of downtown Tyler. She was honored by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021 with its W.C. Windsor Award, which recognizes a citizen with outstanding community service before the age of 40.
“The significance of volunteerism was instilled in me at a young age by my wonderful high school cheer coach
and mentor, Mrs. Tullos,” Shultz said. “We all have gifts to offer as volunteers — whether it be time, talent, or treasure — and when we have more than we need, I believe we are called to share them.”
While philanthropy looks different for everybody, for Shultz it means “offering your unique and God-given talents and time to support missions that make a positive impact in your community.” She points to Hebrews 13:16 which says, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Shultz’ husband, Carson, is a small business owner, so working to create and support a thriving business community is another passion of hers.
Faith and philanthropy go hand in hand for Ajayi. Aside from her volunteer work, she works as a program director for Christus Health in its Mission Integration department.
“As a mission leader, it's my job to make sure that our mission (to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ) and values (compassion, dignity, integrity, excellence, stewardship) are fully integrated throughout our health
system,” Ajayi said.
“As a believer, philanthropy is what I was purposed to do,” she explained. “In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us "truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." God gave me many gifts, and for me to be able to use those gifts to serve others in need is what He called me to do.”
Ajayi’s serving heart is genetic.
“My mom and grandmother were always serving others growing up. They were never too busy to help their neighbor or someone in need even with their struggles,” said Ajayi, 44. “It's a part of my DNA that I gladly embrace.”
Ajayi started working at Christus eight years ago. She chose the health system because of its faithbased philosophy and was called to work on its mission team just two years in.
“At this organization, I get to live my faith out loud and be part of the sacred work that happens in health care,” Ajayi said. “I also get to share my heart of service with our employees and give them the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus outside of the four walls of our health system.”
Ajayi’s giving heart extends beyond her day-to-day job, as she is involved in several local causes. She is currently vice president of fund development for the Junior League of Tyler – the organization that propelled her volunteer work in the Tyler area.
“Eight years ago when I moved to Tyler, I quickly began to connect with community leaders, to find service opportunities and organizations to serve with, and I was introduced to the Junior League,” she said. “Through Junior League I have been able to serve with a variety of our community partners throughout East Texas.”
Ajayi is also involved with American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she serves on the Education Committee; is a member of Leadership Tyler Class 33; Catalyst 100; is Co-Founder of Dignity Circle Prison Ministry; and also serves as Worship Leader at
Crosspointe Church.
“To live in a community that is known for its philanthropic efforts is pretty awesome,” Ajayi said. “We are able to do so much and serve so many people because of the heart of this community and that's a blessing.”
Ajayi is married to Mose Ajayi and together they have two sons, along with her mother the couple is blessed to care for.
Ormsby, a fourth-grade math teacher at Tyler ISD, currently serves as President of the Junior League of Tyler, an organization she has been active in for 12 years serving in multiple board positions and leadership capacities.
Through her work in education, Ormsby is able to make an impact daily on each of her young pupils.
“I did not enjoy math when I was in school,” she says, “but I had one teacher who recognized that I was good at it and spoke that truth into my life. I ended up having the same teacher again in high school and loving math. If I can be that person for even just a few kids, I will consider my teaching career a success!”
Ormsby, 37, is passionate about philanthropy, which she believes is the “deep desire to improve the lives of others around you, even if you would never come into contact with them on a normal day-to-day basis.”
“Improving the life of one person tends to have a ripple effect. So, while I may not be doing something to directly change my own life, the chances of me experiencing impacts of that change down the road are great,” she said.
Growing up, Ormsby watched her mother serve on various committees in their church and around town. Seeing how her mother could use her talents and skills to make change in the community, she knew she could grow up and do the same. Most of all, Ormsby was looking forward to impacting the place where she would build and raise a family. This region is particularly giving, and it is a place Ormsby takes pride in living, working and volunteering.
“East Texas, and Smith County in particular, are unique in the fact that there are countless nonprofit agencies standing in the gap for people in need,” she said. “I have never experienced a community quite like this before where people are open handed with their time, talents, and money whenever a need arises.”
She is married to her husband, Drew, and the couple has two elementary-aged children, William and Caroline.
All three women invite readers to get involved in volunteering locally, which can be as simple as joining a board or spending a Saturday afternoon helping any local nonprofit. “Don't overthink it, start with opportunities in your local church or at work,” Ajayi said. “You would be amazed at the opportunities right under your nose.” Ormsby adds asking a friend or co-worker is the easiest way to find an opportunity.
Shultz concludes, “Simply reach out! Nonprofits spend copious amounts of time and money trying to recruit volunteers, so they are waiting for you and grateful.”
THANK YOU!
In each issue of ETX View, we are thankful for a number of supporters who help bring these pages to life. Kicking off the spring season, we spent the afternoon outside in downtown Tyler for our March/April 2025 fashion shoot.
Our team took to the streets with three local women passionate about service. Thank you to Siretha Ajayi, Kim Ormsby and Kaitlyn Shultz for tagging along and being such good sports about all of our ideas. (Walking around downtown in high-heels posing all over the place is no easy feat, readers)!
These women are doing great things in our community, both through their careers and volunteer service work, and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their giving hearts.
The ladies were dressed in fashion provided by the generous team at The Potpourri House in Tyler. We greatly appreciate this local business for helping us by providing such a fashionable collection! The models also wore jewelry provided by Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview. If you are a longtime reader of ETX View, you know Jim Bartlett and his team are huge supporters of us and we greatly appreciate their continued contributions. Thank you to these community partners who helped our models look and feel their best.
We express immense gratitude to each of these individuals and businesses who partnered with us to make this photo shoot happen. Of course, we have to thank our incredible team members at ETX View who help coordinate the fashion shoot for each issue. From our savvy advertising team to our amazing photographer and talented designer, their diligent efforts and creative minds make these sections look fantastic every single time. If you would like to support ETX View’s fashion or other sections, please contact sales director Bret Jacomet at bjacomet@mrobertsmedia.com or 903-596-6355.
‘SACRED
SPACE’
St. Mary Magdalene of Flint adds timeless beauty to newest parish church
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER SCOTT
Inside St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church newest parish in Flint, pencils sketched away in a quiet echo throughout the Roman-inspired nave. The sun illuminated the newly installed stained glass windows, showcasing the various icons and saints mentioned in the Holy Bible.
On the ceiling, above the sanctuary, is a dome with a masterful art done by world-renowned muralist Ruslana Makarenko of Ecclesiastical Art & Design.
“Her work has been marvelous,” said Father James Rowland, pastor for St. Mary Magdalene. “I always wanted a mural up there; there was always going to be a mural up there and everything I’ve seen from her thus far has been nothing short of amazing.”
Two artists focused on the house of God masked as their canvas. In careful precision, Ruslana brought her ecclesiastical sketches to life with an | CONT. ON PG. 52
acrylic paint brush dipped in gold paint.
“This is a sacred space… God’s space and it’s God’s work,” Ruslana said. “This is a place for people to pray.”
She and her team spent many hours perfecting the art on the ceiling. For Ruslana, the grueling part of the project was spent lying on her back on top of the adjustable scaffolding painting the intricate details of the gold stars and crosses among the sky blue dome.
St. Mary’s former priest, Father Tim Kelly, came up with the idea of building the church from the ground up, and eventually Father Rowland took over the church and oversaw the progression of the build.
According to Father Rowland, the old parish church had simply outgrown a growing flock, seating a little over 200 people; however, the new building can hold more than twice that.
“A parish church is a church that is exclusively for the celebration of parish liturgy for religious events, so
“Through donations from parishioners, and | CONT. FROM PG. 51
it’s not a multipurpose building,” Father Rowland said.
The newly built parish church has an architectural style based on churches in ancient Rome from over 200 years ago.
“When we do something in dedication to God, it should look like we put all of our heart into it,” Father Rowland said. “The purpose of the parish church is to give glory and praise to God. It needs to look like the most important thing.”
According to parishioner Teresa Farish, Father Tim Kelly was the one who started the plans to build the church several years ago but between East Texas weather and the pandemic shutdown, the progress came slowly.
“But we aren’t in a hurry… it’s really in God’s hands,” Farish said. “Just know this has been a work in progress.”
Farish has been the unofficial go-to person for the new church since its conception.
fundraisers, the church has really come a long way,” she said.
In addition to original and historic beauty, the new building not only offers space to hold more members, but has better central air and heating, classroom spaces and a bigger congregation area.
In addition to Ruslana’s designs, there is also a handmade marble altar and ambo with the newly restored crucifix, as well as late 1800s baptismal font mosaiced by local artist Cassie Edmonds.
It was Father Rowland who sought out Ecclesiastical Art & Design by reaching out through their website.
“He was the one who took the final steps, the final design with all of this… especially since there was no construction going on because of COVID,” Farish said.
Between the research and the sketches, ultimately, Father Rowland and Ruslana and her team were able to create designs befitting the church.
Such design included the hand of God, the descending dove and creating the Holy Trinity for the
dome ceiling.
“The way Father Rowland came up with the theology of the theme came with the idea of installing the crucifix… which goes with our design of the hand of God and the Holy Spirit,” Ruslana said.
After the completion of the mural, Ruslana and her team worked on the next design work, which was traditional Latin liturgical rites: “Ecce Agnus Dei Qui Tollit Peccata.” Derived from John 1:29, it is translated into English as “Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world” from John 1:29.
With more than 150 churches in their repertoire — from all over the United States, Canada and Australia — Ecclesiastical Art & Design has been bringing beauty and heritage to churches and sacred spaces for over 50 years.
Originally known as Makarenko Studios Inc., the multi-generational family business got its start in Philadelphia in the late 1950s, envisioned by Ruslana’s | CONT. ON PG. 54
grandfather, Boris Makarenko. By 1976, it was officially co-founded by Boris and his son, Sviatoslav, who taught and trained his four children — Rostyslav, Vsevolod, Boyan and Ruslana — in ecclesiastical art. She recalls her mother bringing her and her siblings to the studio and observing her father and grandfather.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize how much you actually absorb in just watching someone… and facilitates in developing that skillset,” Ruslana said. “Just sitting in the studio just watching how my father and grandfather would hold a paintbrush, how they would carry their art on the shoulder and it all leads to learning how to do it.”
By the time she was 8 years old, Ruslana was learning the art of gold leafing, a process that is made by beating real gold into thin sheets for gilding ornaments.
Currently, Ruslana runs Ecclesiastical Art & Design with her father and grandfather, where their services range from interior design and restoration to stained glass, mosaic, iconography, murals and much more.
“To me, the point of iconography is that it’s not meant to be viewed as a museum piece or a gallery piece, it’s to facilitate people in prayer,” Ruslana said. “You’re supposed to absorb it into your retrospective thought in prayer and become one with the church.”
As many places as Ruslana has traveled, she has grown a fondness for the Lone Star State, particularly East Texas, largely due to good ol’ southern hospitality she’s experienced during her time here.
“Everyone here has been so nice and friendly,” she said. “And it has been really easy working with the construction. Usually, things are a little chaotic if we’re having to work while churches are still building but here, they’ve just let us do what we need to… everyone has been very accommodating.”
Ruslana and her team personalized their work in every church and sacred space to make whatever is suitable but they never | CONT. ON PG. 56
repeat their work.
“There are going to be some similarities because there are so many icons and figures that are significant and sacred but we look for ways to change something so that it fits,” Ruslana said.
Still a work in progress, Ruslana and her team took a much-needed break by going back home while St. Mary Magdalene had an open house and dedication. Their next goal is to finish the mural of New Eden behind the altar.
“We’re incorporating Texas wildflowers in our (New Eden) design because all of our design work is original… and you’ll never see this design in another church exactly like they are here,” Ruslana said.
12 apostles of Christ and vines with flowers and fruit, including grapes in a eucharist.
“This is truly a home for all of God’s people,” Farish said. “The work Ruslana and her team has done has been truly amazing. The tradition of what they do, the tradition of being a family company… their appreciation of the sacred, of the church and the Bible, they really made it a place to pray and to feel God’s love.”
The church is also undergoing work on its columbarium which began in December. It is a garden behind the church which will have 240 niches for placement of urns instead of burial in the ground. Instead of a mausoleum, it is an outdoor garden for reflection and visitation of loved ones.
To embody the story of New Eden, there will be a trunk from the Tree of Life, 12 doves to symbolize the
The church’s address is 18221 FM 2493 in Flint. To support its building fund and capital campaign for ongoing projects, visit catholicflint.org/building-fund. | CONT. FROM PG. 54
NEVER QUIT
Tyler Campbell’s journey of faith, perseverance shines through work as
motivational speaker, author
STORY BY ETX VIEW STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL TO ETX VIEW
“ACampbell never quits” — words Houston native Tyler Campbell heard as a young boy and continues to apply to his life today.
Tyler is the youngest son of Rose City native Earl Campbell, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Heisman Trophy winner and Texas legend. Today, Tyler has gone on to be an entrepreneur, bestselling author and motivational speaker.
But Tyler is no stranger to challenges in life. It was that message of never giving up from his father that provided him strength and encouragement to deal with life’s obstacles.
After his high school junior year at football powerhouse Austin Westlake High School, Tyler was ranked the No. 2 running back prospect in Texas. Unfortunately, a host of bad decisions placed him in the alternative education system. After losing all scholarships, Tyler had to decide if he could be selfmotivated enough to keep a Division I college football dream alive.
Tyler was determined and worked harder than ever to produce a recordbreaking senior season as Austin Westlake advanced to the state semifinals.
| CONT. ON PG. 60
Still, all of the offers that were on the table during his junior season were non-existent the following year, including his top choice of San Diego State.
"I remember calling coaches throughout my senior year who had granted me that scholarship and saying, ‘I am ready to commit,' and coaches saying ‘We already have a running back committed to that position and we are not taking any more,'" Tyler said during a previous keynote speech. "I called Texas A&M and same thing. Notre Dame, TCU — forget about it. At the end of my football season, I had nowhere to go to school."
Tyler said Baylor gave him "an in-house visit and a scholarship right on the spot” — a lucky break. But two days later, Tyler called to commit and Baylor told him the opening had been filled.
"Signing Day I had nowhere to go to school, but my coach had a business card of this city college in Pasadena (California)," Tyler recalled. He became interested in the junior college in Pasadena due to its proximity to San Diego State and the chance they would be able to recruit him more easily because he would be in the same state.
"I signed on the dotted line to go to Pasadena Junior College and I can remember everybody was laughing," Tyler said. "’Look at Earl's son, who threw it away. He is going to fail at junior college where the odds of making it out are even more tough.’ Little did they know, they were just adding more fuel to my fire."
Tyler was determined to make sure SDSU saw him. But the setbacks only continued to pile on when he suffered a season-ending injury in Pasadena's second game.
"I reached my breaking point and I was at a place I had never been before," Tyler said. "My brother Christian and father Earl would always call me and (remind) me the rule of thumb, which is ‘a Campbell never quits.’"
Tyler recommitted himself to his original goal and worked harder and harder.
"One day during summer 7-on-7 workouts, I look over and notice my
TYLER AND CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL speak during the Fifth Annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet at the Willow Brook Country Club.
head coach is over there and next to him was a man in a black shirt with red letters that say S-D-S-U," Tyler said.
Some extra receiving work Tyler had been doing paid off with a memorable performance in front of the SDSU recruiter.
"I had been preparing for this moment. In those 7-on-7 drills I scored multiple touchdowns and caught every pass that was thrown my way. Four days later I had a scholarship offer from San Diego State and four weeks after that I enrolled at San Diego State University for fall camp."
While attending SDSU, he was a consistent scholar athlete and contributed mightily on the gridiron for the Aztecs. But during his junior year at SDSU, another life-altering challenge presented itself when Tyler was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
“It’s an autoimmune disease where lesions and plaques form on your brain and they inhibit your brain from sending messages to the rest of your body,” Tyler said. “Most people (diagnosed with MS) are confined to wheelchairs. I played college football with that disease because my teammates were depending on me and I wasn’t about to let them down.
“I was one of the first people to play Division I college football with multiple sclerosis. ‘A Campbell never quits,’” Tyler said, again echoing his dad’s sentiment that has kept him going all these years.
Tyler kept his diagnosis a secret from his coaches and teammates. His medication forced him to take his final exams left-handed, but he persevered.
“My perspective on MS is different than most. For me it wasn’t a curse; it was a gift,” Tyler states on his website. “It gave me a platform to serve others. This disease reminds me that I am to give life everything that I have today. For I know that tomorrow I could lose the functioning of my limbs. It’s that simple.”
After graduating from SDSU in 2008, Tyler moved to Austin.
Tyler is married to his wife Shana, whom he met at college, | CONT. ON PG. 62
TYLER CAMPBELL speaks during the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award banquet at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.
| CONT. FROM PG. 61
and they have four children. He now travels the country as a professional speaker delivering empowering and inspiring messages of self-worth.
“I help people figure out what fuels them. Once you do that, a person’s mindset quickly shifts to a state of being that adversity cannot penetrate,” Tyler said.
Coining the phrase “TC Speaks,” Tyler hosts his own on-air radio show, “Real Lyfe Reel Talk,” every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. on 102.7 ESPN Austin.
Tyler is also a best-selling author of his book, “The Ball Came Out: Life From The Other Side Of The Field.” The book’s synopsis says one of the biggest battles of life is to determine an individual’s true purpose in life. “People who have won this battle and discover where their purpose lies most often go ahead to achieve these purposes and become somebody in life, whereas those who lost the battle end up being
where they should not be, living their lives in perpetual regrets.”
In his book, Tyler takes readers back to where he started it all and how he was able to navigate through the twists and turns of life to eventually find his true calling. His story is the journey of a man who is in constant search of finding the best version of himself.
At an early age, Tyler discovered his path in life would be a constant emotional roller-coaster full of faithtested trials and heartbreaking setbacks.
This tale of perseverance is a story Tyler will share with East Texans in April as keynote speaker for the Best Preps Tyler and ETVarsity Best Preps Longview banquets, which annually honor the best and brightest student-athletes in the region. The Longview banquet is set for April 22 at Maude Cobb Convention Center while the Tyler banquet is set for April 29 at Green Acres Crosswalk Center. Learn more at etvarsitybestpreps.com and tylerbestpreps.com .
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
KRYSTAL
AND
for
ANN
MATT TRONBOLL pose
a portrait among the kennels of the Ddamien Project at their property near Omaha.
salvaging soldiers
Military working dogs find hope, life after service
He was unaffectionately known as the “Devil Dog of San Diego” at present-day Naval Base San Diego. A military working dog, Ddamien was half Belgian Malinois, half German Shepherd and all warrior at heart. With titanium canine teeth ready to cut deep, he foamed at the mouth and lunged at the chance to bite people around him – especially his U.S. Navy handlers.
Nevertheless, Ddamien was a top war dog. He was bred at Lackland Air Force Base, and the repeated ‘D’ at the beginning of his name denotes that. Like other dogs trained to detect bombs, drugs and other threats, Ddamien served the United States in the Middle East during several deployments. But when he came home, who would serve him?
That task fell to U.S. Navy dog handler Krystal Ann Tronboll after she lost a game of rock, paper, scissors. She thought she would be his next chew toy – and die playing the part.
Luckily for her, his bark was worse than his bite. The more she worked with him, she noticed something: His behavior was changing. She and Ddamien got along “fantastically,” she said. When Ddamien was retired, military leaders let Tronboll take Ddamien home. Otherwise, he’d have been euthanized.
Tronboll had become a dog handler in the military working dog program about three years prior in 2007. Since then, her life has orbited around caring for the nation’s hairiest heroes, some of whom will never again have the chance to enjoy a day at the park, live in a home with children or
freely roam open pastures. While a good number of military working dogs can be adopted by the public or their handlers upon retirement, some are forever altered by military training and scarred by wartime wounds, too aggressive to live a normal life.
Under normal circumstances, that is. Abnormal circumstances are what Tronboll provides.
The Ddamien Project, headquartered at her East Texas home near Omaha in Morris County, is a nonprofit sanctuary for retired military, law enforcement and personal protection dogs. Here, out in the countryside, they can do what they’ve never really gotten to: “My goal with all of this is just to let them be a dog. That's it,” Tronboll said.
For those fidos fortunate enough to find a furever home there, “all of this” includes a kennel in a heated and cooled barn, an outdoor yard to play around in, a healthy diet, proper medical care and, if the pups are willing to accept it, the love and care of Tronboll and her husband, Matt. Krystal Ann served in the Navy from 2006 to 2011, and Matt served from 1998 to 2021.
Tronboll started the project in 2017 in San Diego, and she and her husband moved to Omaha a few years ago. Theirs is one of only a few operations of its kind in the United States, taking care of dogs with significant behavioral issues – but that still have hope to enjoy somewhat of a normal life post-service.
The dogs’ nature is what complicates or precludes their life after retirement. They’re bred for war, not peace. Dogs that aren’t safe enough to be adopted by the public or their handler have
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN GREEN
two options: If they have serious behavior issues but officials believe they can be corrected, they can wind up at a rescue like Tronboll’s. But some are too aggressive, too dangerous for themselves and others. They have to be euthanized. (Members of the public who want to adopt eligible military working dogs can do so through the Mission K9 Rescue.)
Those are tough calls to make. But when a dog is “salvageable,” Tronboll can help them.
Dogs barked loudly in the barn filled with their kennels on a cold January day, and the strong aroma of dogs couldn’t be ignored. In a blue-painted office filled with collars and mementos from those who’ve passed on, Tronboll described one by one the personalities of several dogs she’s cared for.
"I know every bark. I know every personality quirk. I can walk in the kennel and look at a dog and see if they're not normal. The behavior is different. They have favorite toys and likes and dislikes,” she said. “They're just like kids to me. I just know them.”
As she walked past the kennels that day, Tronboll tossed treats to each pup, calling them by name. They were excited to see her. One would think Tronboll has no fear in her heart toward the animals. And for most of her life, she didn’t –until they put her in the hospital.
“I'm afraid of dogs. They scare me,” she said. “So, it makes this job really hard. If I don't do it, they die. I hold that as personal responsibility, so I suck it up.”
But that didn’t deter her. Progress and change in the animals is real.
"We have dogs that hate each other, and then years down the road, as they get old, they learn to like each other, and so we try to allow them that opportunity," Tronboll said. "If they're willing to change and grow, then we try to give them those opportunities to be as much of a normal dog as we can."
As a success story, Tronboll points to Eearl, a Lackland-bred Belgian Malinois she recently took
KRYSTAL ANN
TRONBOLL holds a photo of herself and fellow U.S. Navy military working dog handlers.
KRYSTAL ANN TRONBOLL pets retired military working dog Eearl.
in. Though he “can be a jerk at the vet,” he behaves well for her.
"We're hanging out in our waiting room, and he's all flopping over in my lap and rolled over for belly rubs, and I just love him. He's just awesome," Tronboll said. "It's really awesome to take a dog with extensive bite history and to be able to play with them on the ground and take them to the park. They're just -- they're dogs for me. They turn into normal, happy dogs. Sometimes, it just takes a couple of weeks. Sometimes, it takes a couple months. But we've never not had a dog come around.”
Some even come around by leaps and bounds – literally – by going on to participate in dog diving and obedience competitions.
Until President Bill Clinton signed Robby’s Law in 2000, adoption of military working dogs wasn’t permitted. The faith that the dogs could return to civilian lives, especially more violent ones, was not widespread among military leaders.
Ddamien and Tronboll helped change that perception. In 2010, Ddamien became one of the first dogs with an extensive history of biting people to be adopted out of the program. He lived with Tronboll until he died in 2012.
“And then it just kind of grew,” Tronboll said. She soon found herself caring for the dog she’d handled in the Middle East, Kira, and then other dogs found their
KRYSTAL ANN TRONBOLL brushes retired military working dog Ria outside for some sunshine.
way to her. In 2017, a friend formed the nonprofit organization for her. That’s when the number of dogs she had rose from five to 30.
About 27 dogs call the Ddamien Project home. And they will until they go to the great dog park in the sky. They can’t be adopted out, so Tronboll and her husband, Matt, likely will spend years caring for them.
That work is taxing on both of them, and Tronboll, 46, knows she won’t be able to do it forever. The work is ‘round-the-clock. Tronboll and her husband haven’t taken a vacation in years; someone has to be there to take care of the dogs, and not just anyone can. They’re aggressive, protective and usually not welcoming to strangers.
RETIRED military working dog Hatvan.
Tronboll is hopeful that, one day, another military dog handler will step up and take over the program.
"We were filling a need I didn't realize would become as massive as it did,” she said.
Caring for military working dogs is nothing like the movies show. Tronboll criticized Hollywood depictions of post-working life for the animals; most families couldn’t handle one hence the need for organizations such as hers.
The Ddamien Project is funded by donation, and people can donate online by visiting its website, https://www. ddamienproject.org/. People can help out in other ways, too, by supporting the United States War Dogs Association, which has
A PAINTING of Ddamien, the namesake of the Ddamien Project.
provided grants to the project and helped pay dogs’ medical expenses.
Running the program still takes a steep financial toll on the Tronbolls. There’s little left for their leisure.
"It's probably not the life that everybody imagines that you're going to do when you retire," she said. "But we do what we have to do to provide for the dogs and all the animals here the best we can.”
After all: If not them, who?
"It's an honor that the military is willing to work with us, and it's an honor that the handlers asked us to take their dogs,” Tronboll said. “Hopefully, we can keep doing what we do and give them the best care and the best days yet.”
MARCH/APRIL CALENDAR events
CANTON
THE LUCK OF THE IRISH 5D
BARREL RACE
6 P.M. MARCH 17
Van Zandt County Fair 24742 State Hwy 64 https://tinyurl.com/8nubh7tu
EAST TEXAS FIBER FESTIVAL
MARCH 28 - MARCH 29
Canton Civic Center 800 Flea Market Rd https://tinyurl.com/37m625pp
VAN ZANDT COUNTY FAIR
MARCH 31 - APRIL 5
Van Zandt County Fair 24742 State Hwy 64 https://www.vzfair.org/
FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS
APRIL 3 - APRIL 6
First Monday Trade Days 800 First Monday Lane https://www.visitcantontx.com/
COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA
6 P.M. - 9 P.M. APRIL 25
Canton Civic Center 800 Flea Market Rd http://www.cantontexaschamber. com/
CARTHAGE
THE UNKNOWN TOUR
7:30 P.M. - 9 P.M. MARCH 28
Carthage Civic Center 1702 S Adams St https://tinyurl.com/2ztayhw5
PINEY WOODS QUILT FESTIVAL
9 A.M. - 5 P.M. APRIL 11 AND 9
A.M. - 4 P.M. APRIL 12
Carthage Civic Center 1702 S Adams St https://tinyurl.com/3ybxeksj
WOMEN IN LONGVIEW DAY
DAINGERFIELD
CHESS CLUB
1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. MARCH 13, MARCH 27, APRIL 10 AND APRIL 24
Daingerfield Public Library 207 Jefferson St https://tinyurl.com/4k8u4cp4
DAINGERFIELD CHURCH ON THE ROCK
11 A.M. - 5 P.M. MARCH 15
Church on the Rock 909 Linda Dr
https://tinyurl.com/4vue9b39
WHAT’CHA READING BOOK CLUB
MARCH 12 AND APRIL 9
Daingerfield Public Library 207 Jefferson St https://tinyurl.com/2fkkj96c
FLINT
MAC POWELL: I LOVE JESUS TOUR
7 P.M. MARCH 7
Flint Baptist Church 11131 FM 2868
https://www.macpowell.com/tour/
10TH ANNIVERSARY AND SPRING KICK-OFF
9 A.M. - 6 P.M. MARCH 15
Plants of Texas 17470 FM 2493
https://tinyurl.com/fstatntr
GILMER
2ND ANNUAL FRIENDS OF UPSHUR COUNTY LIBRARY GALA
5:30 P.M. MARCH 8
Gilmer Civic Center
159 Bob Glaze Dr
https://tinyurl.com/5t542hmh
90S COUNTRY/ ROCK EXPERIENCE
6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. APRIL 6
Rowdy Creek Ranch
4048 State Hwy 300
https://tinyurl.com/yxkd7rub
MOUNTAIN SHOWDOWN
APRIL 25 - APRIL 27
Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area
6284 State Hwy 155
https://tinyurl.com/8c6zutfx
GLADEWATER
12 COUNTY ANTIQUE MARKET
10 A.M. - 7 P.M. MARCH 29
Gladewater Round Up Rodeo 626 N Rodeo Dr
https://www.larayevents.com/
24TH ANNUAL TOTOP COOKOFF
11 A.M. APRIL 26
Gladewater Round Up Rodeo 626 N Rodeo Dr
https://tinyurl.com/47u6ed86
HALLSVILLE
PCF CUSTOM FAB’S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
2 P.M. MARCH 22
PCF Custom Fab
1198 FM 450 S
https://tinyurl.com/yxdyj3z7
HAWKINS
HLDS BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
8 A.M. MARCH 18
Holly Lake Golf Club 210 Golf Dr
https://tinyurl.com/5cshn8ta
PATRICK JAMES
7:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. MARCH 29
Red Rooster Icehouse 1470 N Beaulah St
https://tinyurl.com/3asew6jw
DOWN-HOME
APRIL 5
The Hangout at Lake Hawkins 855 Co Rd 3440
https://tinyurl.com/cfwp6srm
HENDERSON
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
MARCH 7 - MARCH 9
Henderson Civic Theatre
122 E Main St
https://hendersoncivictheatre.org/
MONSTER TRUCK WARS
12 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. MARCH 8
Rusk County Expo Center
3303 FM 13
https://tinyurl.com/3p4vf3su
SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE
APRIL 25 - APRIL 27
Henderson Civic Theatre 122 E Main St
https://hendersoncivictheatre.org/
HIDEAWAY
CROWN OPEN CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
8 A.M. APRIL 21
Hideaway Lake Clubhouse 1101 Hideaway Lane Central https://tinyurl.com/5n8jmb8y
JACKSONVILLE
BOUNTY COUR$E #12
APRIL 10 - APRIL 13
River Run ATV Park 2001 County Rd 3315
https://tinyurl.com/bdzexurr
JEFFERSON
HISTORIC HAUNTS AND LEGENDS PARANORMAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 5
Jefferson Convention & Visitor Center
305 East Austin Street
https://visitjeffersontexas.com/
PILLOW FIGHT EXHIBITION
1 P.M. - 3 P.M. APRIL 5
Marion County Community CenterFroggtown
501 N Haywood St
https://visitjeffersontexas.com/
OUTLAW ANTIQUE ROD SHOW
APRIL 18 - APRIL 19
Downtown Jefferson https://visitjeffersontexas.com/
BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT
6 A.M. APRIL 19
Island View 1100 Lindsey Rd https://tinyurl.com/2kxsdwty
KARNACK
CADDO ADVENTURE DAY
10 A.M. - 3 P.M. MARCH 15
Caddo Late State Park 245 Park Road 2 https://tinyurl.com/3dt5792h
KILGORE
5TH ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S BLOCK PARTY
1 P.M. - 6 P.M. MARCH 15
Euphoria Botanicals 222 E Main St https://tinyurl.com/3jn35d8w
KILGORE CRUISE NIGHT
5 P.M. - 8 P.M. MARCH 29
Downtown Kilgore https://kilgoremercantile.com/
HEARTS ANONYMOUS DINNER AND BINGO
6 P.M. - 8 P.M. APRIL 17
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 314 N Henderson Blvd https://kilgoremercantile.com/
AVALON FAIRE
APRIL 12 - APRIL 27
Avalon Faire 1076 FM 1252 W https://www.avalonfaire.com/
LINDALE
RICK DUDLEY
8 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. MARCH 7
Texas Music City Grill and Smokehouse - Lindale
66 Miranda Lambert Way https://tinyurl.com/y8z7nypk
LINDALE REFRESH LADIES RENEW
6 P.M. - 8 P.M. APRIL 7
Rose Heights Church - Lindale 12465 FM Rd 16 https://tinyurl.com/329yyw9j
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM
8 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. APRIL 25
Texas Music City Grill and Smokehouse - Lindale
66 Miranda Lambert Way https://tinyurl.com/yxsy6jbj
| CONT. ON PG. 70
AZALEA AND SPRING FLOWER TRAIL IN TYLER
LONGVIEW
LONGVIEW JAYCEE TRADE DAYS
MARCH 8 - MARCH 9 AND APRIL 12 - APRIL 13
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Drive https://longviewtexas.gov/
AADRI TEXAS SPORT DOG ALLIANCE
MARCH 8 - MARCH 9
The Green Park 207 S Spur 63 https://tinyurl.com/5h8h26nt
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
MARCH 7 - MARCH 9
ArtsView Children’s Theatre 313 W Tyler St http://www. artsviewchildrenstheatre.com/
SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCKS MARKET
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. MARCH 15
The Platform Longview 813 E Methvin St https://tinyurl.com/26danucv
REED FOEHL
6:30 P.M. - 10 P.M. MARCH 15
Longview Museum of Fine Arts 213 N Fredonia St https://www.lmfa.org/
10 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. MARCH 22
Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center 2062 Kermit St https://tinyurl.com/wpbbezs5
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
6 P.M. - 9 P.M. MARCH 22
LadyVee’s Event Gallery 1604 E Marshall Ave https://tinyurl.com/2s3627hs
KILGORE COLLEGE FOUNDATION GALA
6 P.M. - 10 P.M. MARCH 22
Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd https://longviewtexas.gov/
MIDGET WRESTLING ALL STARS: LITTLE MANIA BIG SHOW
8 P.M. - 10 P.M. MARCH 26
The OilWell Club 1401 W Cotton St https://tinyurl.com/3cjaytna WOMEN IN LONGVIEW DAY 2025
9 A.M. - 2 P.M. MARCH 27
Holiday Inn Infinity Event Center 300 Tuttle Circle https://womeninlongview.org/
ETX GAMER CON
8 A.M. - 5 P.M. MARCH 28MARCH 29
Maude Cob b Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd https://longviewtexas.gov/
COSMIC CONQUEST MAP CHALLENGE EVENT MARCH 29
Longview Arboretum 706 W Cotton St https://longviewsymphony.org/
MAZQUERADE: A FINER MYSTERY BALL
6 P.M. - 11 P.M. MARCH 29
The Summit Club 3700 Judson Rd https://tinyurl.com/2j5ch7fy
CLASSIC ARMS PRODUCTION GUN AND KNIFE SHOW MARCH 29 - MARCH 30
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Drive https://longviewtexas.gov/
