Honoring Service and Sacrifice, the Temple Chamber Celebrates 40 Years of Salute to Service
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
NOVEMBER 2024
BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
7:30 - 8:30 am
Sponsored by: Hilton Garden Inn - Temple
Registration Required
HOLIDAY AROUND TOWN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, November 7, 2024
5:00 - 7:30 pm
Sponsored by: Cadence Bank Center
The Temple Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the 40th annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, presented by H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation and the American Legion Post 133 at the Mayborn Convention Center. Through this event, the Chamber united Central Texas in a heartfelt tribute to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and first responders.
Since the 1930s, the Temple Chamber has championed military support, with its Defense Projects Committee, led by Frank W. Mayborn, playing a crucial role in establishing Camp Hood (now Fort Cavazos) and the Olin E. Teague Veterans Center in Temple. This legacy of support remains at the heart of the Chamber’s mission today, honoring active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
TempleChamber.com
During the pandemic, the Salute to Service luncheon adapted into a virtual format with drive-thru pickups, ensuring that Central Texas military, veterans, and first responders still felt our gratitude. By 2022, the Chamber returned to an in-person luncheon, allowing the community to gather in unity once more.
The 2024 luncheon welcomed active-duty soldiers from
Fort Cavazos, the Texas Army National Guard, local veterans, and first responders. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to protect and serve, and the Chamber highlighted their invaluable contributions and dedication to the community and country.
A particularly moving keynote was delivered by Colonel (Ret.) Thomas "Jerry" Curtis, the second-longest-held Prisoner of War (POW) of the Vietnam War. Curtis’s story of resilience, faith, and endurance captivated the audience. He recounted the 2,702 days he spent as a prisoner, his harrowing experiences, and the powerful resolve that sustained him. Curtis's words served as a reminder of the strength and sacrifices embodied by all who serve.
This year’s event also included touching stories of service amid natural disasters. In response to the May tornadoes, 1st Sergeant Robert Weicht of III Armored Corps, his wife Britnia, and fellow soldiers mobilized to aid nearly 200 impacted families, clearing debris and distributing essential supplies. Britnia Weicht was later awarded the Commission of the Yellow Rose of Texas, by the Governor’s Office, recognizing her selfless contributions.
Colonel (Ret.) Thomas "Jerry" Curtis at Temple Chamber 40th Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service
In another testament to servant leadership, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Daniel Elder was honored for his lifelong dedication to the Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps and soldiers' welfare. In October, the Association of the United States Army awarded Elder the Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal at their national convention, recognizing his unparalleled mentorship and community service.
The event included a significant announcement - the establishment of the American Legion Post 133 Leadership Excellence Scholarship, set to support JROTC cadets who exemplify leadership and commitment to service. Beginning in 2025, the scholarship will recognize the top cadets from each of the local JROTC programs - Belton High School and Temple High School.
Temple Chamber Board Chair Kayla Landeros expressed gratitude to the veterans, military, and first responders in attendance, reflecting on the lasting impact of their roles. “It's a simple way to say thank you,” she said, “but a profound reminder of the selflessness that drives our community forward.”
The luncheon included the presentation of the colors by the Texas A&M University-Central Texas Color Guard Team and a beautiful performance of patriotic songs by the Temple High School Polyfoniks.
The Salute to Service luncheon celebrated those who serve and underscored the values of resilience, unity, and gratitude. Through heartfelt tributes and impactful stories, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to honor those who protect and inspire us all.
October New Chamber Members
Atwoods of Temple
Josh Gaspard | (254) 410-0799
5501 N. General Bruce Dr. Temple, TX 76501
www.atwoods.com
Farm & Farm Equipment
Chicken Salad Chick
Austin Young 1724 Scott Blvd. Temple, TX 76504 www.chickensaladchick.com
Restaurants
Holy Trinity Catholic High School
(254) 771-0787
6608 W. Adams Ave Temple, TX 76502 www.holytrinitychs.org
Schools-Private
Home2 Suites by Hilton Temple
(254) 295-0051
2106 S. 31st Street Temple, TX 76502
Hotels
The Chamber extends its gratitude to the sponsors who made this tribute possible, including presenting sponsors H-E-B, Operation Appreciation, and the American Legion Post 133; 3 Star General Sponsors Baylor Scott & White Health, the City of Temple, Garlyn Shelton Auto Group, McLane Company, McLane Group, Meta, and Mr. & Mrs. Gary Young; and Colonel Sponsors Bell County Judge David Blackburn, Emerson Construction, First United Bank & Trust, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, Materials Transportation Company (MTC), Pine Gate Renewables, Polar Texas Bottling, and Wilsonart.
For over 60 years, the family-owned Atwoods has upheld the values of its founders, Fern and Wilbur Atwood, delivering friendly service and genuine care. Guided by integrity, the team greets customers with warm smiles, fresh popcorn, and a commitment to quality brands they trust. Whether it’s for tackling a to-do list or just browsing, Atwoods welcomes everyone to build “the good life” together.
Josh Gaspard 5501 N. General Bruce Dr. Temple, TX 76501 (254) 410-0799 www.atwoods.com
Big Britches - W. Adam
Temple Strong Grand Re-Opening
Big Britches Dry Cleaning and Laundry, formerly Comet Cleaners in Temple & Belton, offers highquality, efficient services including dry cleaning, wash and fold, alterations, embroidery, and specialized gown cleaning. With over 20 years of experience, this family-owned business in Temple and Belton, Texas, takes pride in providing professional, detailed care for every item. Committed to customer satisfaction, Big Britches ensures each garment returns in pristine condition.
Ryan Michaelis
7348 W. Adams Ave. #400
Temple, TX 76502
(254) 899-2255
www.big-britches.com
Welcome to Oak Ridge, a new home community in the expanding city of Temple. Oak Ridge offers homes with a sought-after modern farmhouse exterior and open-concept layout. This community includes 7 carefully selected floorplans offering 3 or 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom options. Our homes range in size from 1,263 to 1,873 sq. ft. and are sure to equally provide affordability and quality.
Heaven and Hair is not your average salon. We offer a wide range of hair services, including haircuts, color, highlights, lowlights, and balayage. We also offer lash services, body waxing, spray tans and so much more! Cassie Edwards
4224-A S. Fifth St. Temple, TX 76502
(254) 541-5162
heavenandhairsalon.com
RIBBON CUTTING
Monster Cafe the Musical World Premiere Temple Civic Theatre
The Temple Civic Theatre hosted the world premiere of Monster Café – The Musical, a production addressing issues like depression, anger, and bullying that teens face worldwide. The story follows descendants of famous monsters—Dracula's, Frankenstein's, and a werewolf’s grandsons—who open a café, only to see friendships strained by personal struggles. Created by Dr. William Rae, with contributions from Marjie and Ed Rynearson, this musical shows that friendship and support can overcome any challenge.
Natasha Tolleson 2413 S. 13th St. Temple, TX 76504 (254) 778-4751
www.templecivictheatre.org
November Business After Hours | Holiday Around Town
Holiday Around Town is a combined Temple Chamber and Belton Area Chamber Business After Hours. This year’s event is on November 7, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Over 50 booths of local businesses and vendors will be present, offering door prizes and more information on how to shop small and local this Holiday season!
The public is invited to attend, and the Cadence Bank Center provides complimentary food and beverages for attendees.
Chamber Ambassador Spotlight: Ashton Koontz
Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce
The Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight Ashton Koontz, one of our dedicated and cherished Ambassadors. Ashton is a joy to be around, with her ever-present smile, bubbly personality, and a warmth that instantly lights up any room.
She’s known for her curly hair and infectious laugh, and whether it’s a weekday event or an early Saturday morning, Ashton is always there, capturing moments and contributing to the community she holds dear.
From her very first Chamber event, she fit right in, instantly connecting with others and making everyone feel at ease with her sense of humor. She is never one to shy away from getting involved and often finds herself in the middle of the action, helping ensure things run smoothly. Her positive energy and natural friendliness bring a unique spark to every event she attends.
Ashton’s background in banking has been a significant asset to her Ambassador role. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, she’s worked for both large and small banks, currently bringing her expertise to Horizon Bank.
Her professional journey is grounded in her degree in Communication Studies from Texas Tech University, which she earned in 2010. This background shines through as she engages effortlessly with community members, clients, and Chamber members alike.
When she’s not at Chamber events or working, Ashton enjoys life on her two-acre property with her husband and three stepchildren. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in gardening, hiking, and kayaking.
Right now, Ashton and her family are embarking on an incredible adventure: building their dream home themselves, with no contractors or builders. This ambitious project is a testament to her hardworking and can-do spirit. In the meantime, she’s living with her family in a cozy 450 sq. ft. tiny house, making every day an exciting chapter in their story.
Ashton’s dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of our Ambassador team. She embodies the spirit of community and service, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, and welcome new faces.
We’re grateful for Ashton and everything she brings to the Temple Chamber of Commerce. She’s not just an Ambassador—she’s family.
Commissioners, Custody, & the Clerk | How Bell County Collaborates to Serve the Community
A key element of the Leadership Temple program is offering participants a comprehensive view of Temple’s past, present, and future. In the latest session for the 2024-2025 class, Bell County Day provided participants an opportunity to learn about the county’s history, engage with local leaders, and explore ongoing challenges within the community. This session began at the historic Bell County Courthouse.
Commissioners
While Bell County Judge David Blackburn can magistrate when necessary, his day job as de facto county CEO entails many things, chief among them to collaborate with the four county commissioners to ensure a myriad of important issues are decided upon. On any given Monday when court convenes, Judge Blackburn and Russell Schneider (Precinct 1), Bobby Whitson (Precinct 2), Bill Schumann (Precinct 3), and Louie Minor (Precinct 4) will deliberate on tax abatements, burn bans, relevant interlocal agreements, feral hog issues, and recognize local 4H accomplishments… and often on the SAME Monday. While the scope of issues covered in a Commissioners’ Court meeting is vast, the commissioners are united in their goal to best serve their constituents, ensure that the use of the county’s $234 million is done responsibly, and to manage nearly 1,200 employees. Among their greatest accomplishments? “Absolutely our county services specific to Indigent Healthcare. Bell County has a model program,” Judge Blackburn stated emphatically. Bell County’s Indigent Health Program has provided excellent care to those in need for a fraction of the cost while also helping relieve local healthcare facilities and keeping citizens out of emergency rooms with preventative health measures. In the opposite vein, the commissioners sang in unison in describing their greatest challenges. As Bell County grows, infrastructure, and specifically transportation infrastructure, will continue to keep the commissioners’ court busy. In a look to the future of Bell County, Judge Blackburn quickly identified the two places his efforts will be placed: addressing Bell County’s water needs and the mental health needs of the Bell County Jail.
Custody
For lunch, the class dined at an exclusive, reservation-only eatery: the Bell County Jail. Over Salisbury steaks, Sheriff Eddy Lange described the operations of housing the over 1,200 inmates, as well as the facility expansion that will bring the total capacity to 1,800 beds. He also detailed the Crossroads program, an intensive educational course with a wide range of subjects from abuse awareness to job interviews, which they estimated to drop the recidivism rate from 75% to 20%. Lunch was followed by a guided tour of the facility, literally walking the group through the different steps of an inmate’s time in custody as they await bail or trial. The class was even treated to a sneak-peak of the new medical wing nearing completion as contractors prepared it for a quality control “punch walk.” The entire facility expansion has an estimated completion date
in February 2025, and it will be the single largest capital improvement project that the County has ever undertaken. In addition to the jail expansion, the addition of the Diversion Center will be a major asset to the County. A sentiment expressed by both Judge Blackburn and Sheriff Lange was, “The largest mental health care facility in the county is the jail.” The Diversion Center will provide law enforcement an alternative form of custody for those who are suffering from mental health crises, freeing up some of the jail and hospitals’ limited resources (and ultimately saving taxpayer dollars). The Center will provide mental health triage and assessment, as well as a 16-bed residential service offered to individuals who are not a danger to themselves or others.
The Clerk
At the last stop of the day, one thing that stood out when visiting with Shelley Coston, the County Clerk, is her passion for what she does. The County Clerk’s office is often an unsung hero in the landscape of local governance. In Bell County, Clerk Shelley Coston embodies this essential role, ensuring that critical documents, historical records, and vital services are accessible to the public. The history of the Bell County Clerk's Office is vast and the first marriage in Bell County was recorded on December 26, 1850. The office has traditionally played a crucial role in documenting the county's history by preserving significant records, including marriage licenses, land records, birth and death records, livestock brands, and assumed name certificates. The county clerk records every action of the commissioner’s court. In 2006, the Bell County Clerk's Office ended the physical production of record books, marking a significant transition into the digital age. By 2007, the office had adopted an electronic system for managing documents. This move has dramatically improved efficiency, allowing an estimated 24-hour turnaround time for all paperwork submitted. This modernization has allowed Bell County Clerk's Office to handle around 50,000 to 55,000 documents filed annually, contributing to a total exceeding 6 million documents. Clerk Shelley Coston has a deep-seated passion for her role, driven by a commitment to serving the Bell County community. One notable aspect of her leadership is the maintenance of low fees for services provided by the Clerk's office. Although the state has authorized a $10 archive fee, Coston has opted not to include this, ensuring that county services remain affordable for all residents. The County Clerk's role extends beyond the simple recording of documents; it includes a rich history and a commitment to public service. The Bell County Clerk's Office, under the leadership of Shelley Coston, serves as a model of efficiency and community focus.
Throughout the day, the class also heard from leaders in the Tax Appraisal District, Emergency Communications Center, and the Justice Center, each offering a deeper understanding of the interconnected systems that make Bell County thrive. The day’s events showcased a community built on collaboration, which has a rich past, exciting present, and a promising future.
Jessica Diem, State Representative Brad Buckley; Travis Sawin, Cloud Construction Co., Inc.; Taylor Stumberg, Pillar Architecture Studio - Leadership Temple Class of 2025
