6 minute read
Hero Stories
Honoring Our HEROES
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My heroes are cowboys. These three cowboys have made it their mission to assure that the youth of Denton County will carry on the legacy of western heritage, livestock shows, and agriculture for years to come. Glenn Carlton, (top left) executive director of North Texas Fair and Rodeo, spends long days and nights, not only in August at the fairgrounds, but any time there is an event on the grounds that includes kids and agriculture. Mark Foster (top right) has never turned down a request to donate buckets, brushes, boots, or whatever was needed to help the kids in FFA, FHA or DCLA. Mark has been on the North Texas Fair and Rodeo Board for many years and every August you will see him out there volunteering wherever needed to make sure the kids have great livestock shows and rodeos. Weldon Burgoon (bottom) was always one to share his stories about the horses, western artifacts, and all things Denton, while sitting behind the leather workbench at Weldon’s Western Store. He could be found at the youth barns during the livestock shows giving advice and encouragement to all. These three cowboys are making sure that Denton County’s western heritage will be remembered for generations to come.
Honored by Laura Brewer
Jason Webb 1989-2020
Jason Webb, the beloved nephew of Kim and Charlie Collins and treasured cousin to Ashley and Miles Collins, served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 2010-2014. He was a Senior Airman at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. His job duties included Security Response Leader and Tactical Response Force. Upon leaving the Air Force, he went on to service on the civilian side as Wing Safety. Jason was tragically killed by a drunk driver on October 28, 2020. He leaves behind his wife, four children, parents, sister, and an extended family who loved him dearly.
Honored by Kim and Charlie Collins
Doug Benson (left) Active and Reserve Duty 1971-76 and 19862013 • Recruit training at Millington Navy Base in Memphis, TN. • Navy reserve hospital corpsman for eight years with a U.S. Marine Corps unit. • Air National Guard flight medic and flight nurse for 23 years. • Deployments include Somalia, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, and Qatar. • Stateside deployments include Andrews AFB and Hurricane Katrina. • Achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant as enlisted and Major as an officer. • Received numerous awards and completed his final years in the reserves as a chaplain assistant. John Mark Benson (top right) U.S. Army, Active Duty from 2005-11 • Basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. • Served as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and flight instructor. • Assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment Stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. • Deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007-08 and 2009-10. • Achieved the rank of Sergeant/E-5. Shum Benson (bottom right) U.S. Army • One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in 2015. • Stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, from 2015-20. • Deployments include Germany and South Korea. • Currently stationed at Fort Polk, LA, as sergeant in the 204th Military Police Company, part of the 519th Military Police Battalion.
Honored by Jo Ann Ballantine and Lisa Patterson
Joe Benson (left) U.S. Army, Active Duty from 1944-46 • Drafted into military service in 1944 to serve during WWII. • Basic training was at Camp Blanding in Northeast Florida. • Served six months as an infantryman in Luzon, Philippines. • Spent twelve months in Kyoto during the occupation of Japan.
Roy Busby (right) U.S. Army, Active and Reserve, 1959-63 • Drafted after college graduation. • Basic training 1st Infantry Division, Big Red One, Ft. Riley, KS. • Assigned to Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL during early stages of the U.S. Space program. • Served two-year reserve duty as corporal specialist. • Used GI Bill for Ph.D. in Business Administration, The University of Oklahoma.
Honored by Jo Ann Ballantine and Lisa Patterson
Captain Phil Shamel
My hero lays in a bed beside me. He is still and motionless. Tears are forming as I remember the love I have for him and all he has done for me. To know him is to love him, and to strive to be as wonderful as he is. He never met a stranger and always aimed to save a soul. He put Jesus first in all things. His many friends call him Captain, he is someone you will never forget. He soared with the eagles. He was contagiously happy and courteous at all times. Unconditional love is how he lived his life. He taught me everything I know and was a perfect example of how to live and love. My heart is broken but I wouldn’t trade a moment of the anguish to not have known him. He is a top gun in the Navy, a Purple Heart recipient, and an American hero. He is my friend, my teacher, my protector, my mentor, my heart, and best of all my Dad! He finally has his own wings and Heaven is blessed with his beautiful soul. God speed Dad, I love you! This world will never be the same.
Honored by Tanya and Joel Blixt
Jackie Shamel
What do you do when you are stuck at home in a pandemic? You work to help your community! Jackie Shamel began making masks early in the spring of 2020. She made and donated over 400 masks to healthcare workers, RSVP Volunteers, Women To Women clients, office workers, and the members of the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club. She even made headbands with buttons for the mask straps to wear a mask comfortably without hurting your ears. Jackie Shamel is a Denton hero because she kept many safe from the virus (for free)! Thank you for your talent and compassion!
Honored by Tanya and Joel Blixt
Heathor (Shamel) Flynn
Heathor (Shamel) Flynn doesn’t run! Shortly after 911 she volunteered to massage the rescuers at the site of the Twin Towers. She had recently graduated from college and attained her massage therapist certification before the tragedy. Instead of sitting back safe at home, she volunteered to give much needed massages to the rescuers. Heathor gave over 50 massages in only nine days before the air at the site caused health issues. She is an American hero who stood up and helped during a travesty that rocked our nation. Thank you Heathor for your courage and strength; we admire you!
Honored by Tanya and Joel Blixt
A SMALL HELLO
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