Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II speaks during the 34th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon presented by the Temple Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post No. 133 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center in Temple.
Annual Temple event honors service members, others BY CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT, TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER • Photos by Michael Miller/Telegram The Temple Chamber of Commerce continues the tradition started by the late Frank W. Mayborn, former owner and publisher of the Telegram, in 1985 to honor military members during an appreciation luncheon every fall. Rod Henry, CEO and president of the chamber, said the event is done because it is the right thing to do, among other reasons. “Fort Hood happened in Central Texas due to the leadership of the Temple Chamber’s Economic Development Committee led by Mayborn,” Henry said. “The initial Camp Hood was established 34 | 2022 COMMUNITY GUIDE
in Temple while the site in west Bell County was being prepared. Our economy is linked to Fort Hood in many ways. Most of the greater Temple community has some connection to Fort Hood, to the armed forces.” What began as a salute to Fort Hood soldiers and the 36th Sustainment Brigade of the Texas Army National Guard grew to include World War II and Vietnam War veterans as special guests. Since 2016, the Temple Chamber has recognized more than 440 veterans who served during
the Vietnam War era. The typical banquet luncheon at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center includes the presentation of the colors, a patriotic salute, a message from a military and military-related leader, presentation of the Vietnam Era Commemoration Pins, and music from local high schools and local JROTC. From 2016 through 2019, a police and fire department escort for veterans from the William R. Courtney Texas State Veteran’s Home to the banquet was organized.
