Veterans Day Photo Submissions 2017

Nunzio Cernero, U.S. Navy, grandfather to Daniel Cernero

Eric Forward, U.S. Army captain, husband to Allison Forward, who says: "Eric is a hardworking man that supports our family and his country. I am so proud of all of his accomplishments."

Glen Barrow, U.S. Marine Corps, father to Gina Mitschke, who says: "Blessed every day to have this man as my Dad."

Lawrence Ciccarelli, U.S. Army major, father to Joe Ciccarelli, who says: "Drawing from a picture taken in England in November of 1945 while awaiting a ship home after having just returned from Germany."

Tom McDougall, U.S. Army, boyfriend to Julianne Way, who says: "So proud of all you have accomplished over the last few years! Thank you for all you have done for our country, and I love you!"

Faber Spires, U.S. Air Force master sergeant, grandfather to Morgan LaGrappe. Spires served in World War II.

Matthew Zavaglia, U.S. Army major, spouse to Jennifer Zavaglia. Matthew just returned from Afghanistan on Nov. 3. His son, Maddox Zavaglia, attends PreK at Bagdad Elementary.

Murray James, U.S. Air Force, father to Jenny Orthy, who says: "Thanks for being my hero, Dad!"

(Left) Charles Billiter, U.S. Navy, grandfather to Amy Bray; (Top Right) Ross Billiter, U.S. Navy, father to Amy Bray; and (Bottom Right) Kevin Bray, U.S. Air Force, spouse to Amy Bray

Darin Jensen, U.S. Air Force E8, brother to Melody Maples. Jensen retired from the Air Force in 2016 after serving his country for 25 years.

Louis Foehrkolb, U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, father to Katie Stewart, who says: "My father served in the Air Force for 26 years. As a teacher at Vandegrift HS, I am honored to be a part of a district that values the sacrifices made by our military personnel each and every day. Thanks for your service, Dad!"

Vincent Mcgrath, U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer IV, grandfather to Christine Mauer and great grandfather to Neil Mauers, a 5th-grader at Reagan Elementary.

Jerilynn Pruske, U.S. Navy E8, mother to Krista Pruske, who says: "She is an incredible, strong, and driven individual who sacrificed holidays, birthdays, and so much more to do her part in making everyone a little more comfortable back at home in the United States. She is everything I could ever imagine being; a mother, a friend and a true leader."

Verlon McGee Jr., U.S. Army E8, husband to Melissa McGee, who says: "Special thanks to my husband, who served 28 years in the U.S. military, serving in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and two tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan."

Fredric Eric Felkins, U.S. Air Force, husband to Renee Felkins. Fredric received an honorable discharge and is honored by his wife and children.

Joe Hoover, U.S. Army 1st lieutenant, father to JoLisa Hoover, who says: "I'm a fourth grade teacher at Reed Elementary, and this family photo of my parents and me was taken the day my dad returned from his tour in Vietnam. Dad experienced many of my first milestones through the cassettes and photos my mom mailed to him while he was in Vietnam, and I had changed quite a bit from the infant he left behind. "Both of my parents have volunteered in my classroom each year since I joined Leander ISD in 2005."

Norman Rex Retherford, U.S. Army, spouse to Kimbur Retherford, who says: "Thank you for putting your life on the line so the rest of us have the freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted every day."

George Schock, U.S. Army master sergeant, father to George Schock. Schock served as an Airborne Ranger during the Korean Conflict and retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service.

Doral Reinert, grandfather to Charity Hrabal Reinert

Leonard Charles Sechrist, master sergeant, father to Tina Bunn. Sechrist served in WWII and the Korean War and received a Bronze Star.

Joseph I. Dias, U.S. Army, great grandfather to Kristina L. Garcia, who says: "My great-grandfather, Joseph Dias proudly served in World War I with the 316L Infantry Platoon. He received a Purple Heart Medal and the St. Christopher Medal."

Christopher R. Gross, U.S. Air Force sergeant, son to Suzanne Gross, who says: "We are very proud of Chris. He has been in the Air Force for almost 7 years."

Carson Neal, U.S. Army Airborne Infantry specialist, son to Amy Neal. Carson is 2013 graduate of Rouse High School and is currently stationed at Ft. Polk, LA.

(Bottom right) Martin "Pete' Clark, U.S. Air Force 1st lieutenant, grandfather to Cliff Ellis. Clark was a 303rd Bomb Group B-17 co-pilot/pilot, Hell's Angels, with 25 combat missions in Europe during World War II.

Bill Schauer, U.S. Army Air Corps staff sergeant, grandfather to Chris Simpson. Schauer enlisted in the Army Air Corps at the age of 17, immediately after finishing high school. He was the head mechanic for his unit and was on Guam during most of his 3 years of service from 1946-1949.

Bill Schauer, U.S. Army Air Corps staff sergeant, grandfather to Chris Simpson. Schauer enlisted in the Army Air Corps at the age of 17, immediately after finishing high school. He was the head mechanic for his unit and was on Guam during most of his 3 years of service from 1946-1949.

Bryan Mitchell, U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal, husband to Ana Mitchell, who says: "Thanks for serving our country and extending your dedication to your family, friends and community. We love you!"

(Right) Danny Mason, U.S. Army CWO and pilot, father to Jannine Farnum, grandfather to Cameron Farnum.

Mike Krauel, U.S. Army, father to Daylan and Axton. "Thank you for your service! We love you so much! Love, The Sharrocks"

Reinhardt "Sonny" Dannhaus, U.S. Army, Vietnam 1967-68, father to Dana Nathanson, who says: "Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, HERO - Thank you, Dad, for your service!"

Matthew E. Matula, U.S. Marine Corps corporal, July 7, 1983- KIA April 9, 2004 He served honorably with 2 Battalion, 1st Marine Division during OIF 1 and OIF 2. He was born and raised in Texas and graduated from nearby Marble Falls High School. He is survived by his parents, Matt and Toni Matula, wife Julie Matula, and daughter Mackenzie Matula.

Stephen Bentley, U.S. Army colonel, spouse to Deanna Bentley

Vennie Evans, U.S. Army, father to Brittany Evans

Tara Dicken, U.S. Air Force, friend to Jenn Atkinson, who says: "Tara is a devoted friend, spouse, dog lover, and Texas Rangers fan! She was committed to serving her country as a member of the Air Force and is not committed to serving her community as a city of Austin police officer. Thank you for your service Tara! We love you!"

Nicholas Ford, U.S. Navy seaman E3, son to Tarica Ford, who says: "I am so proud of my son for choosing to follow in both of his Great Grandfathers career in both the Navy and Coast Guard."

Jason Mauldin, U.S. Army sergeant, son-in-law to Linda Paris. Mauldin, Leander High School Class of 1999, is also the father of Riley Mauldin, Leander MS, and Reece Mauldin, Jim Plain Elementary. Mauldin served in Iraq.

Joseph Travis, U.S. Army captain, son-in-law to Deborah Eubank. Joseph is a 2004 graduate of Leander High School.

Kevin Eubank, U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, son to Deborah Eubank. Kevin is a 2010 Vista Ridge High School graduate.

Jay Landon Sevier, U.S. Army Special Forces corporal. Sevier graduated from McNeil High School in 1999, then continued his education at Concordia University, with a Bachelor of Arts- Multidisciplinary Studies degree. Upon graduating, Sevier coached and taught at Cedar Park High School for a year until he joined the Army in 2007. Sevier completed Army Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group when he passed away on Sept. 19, 2009. On Oct. 1, 2009, Jay was awarded Posthumous Honorary Member of the Special Forces Regiment “Green Beret.” This honor was granted by the Secretary of the Army and is a very rare award.

Bryce Rendall, U.S. Navy E5 2nd class petty officer, father to Jami Allen and grandfather to Brycen (pictured) and Rhys.

Bryce Rendall, U.S. Navy E5 2nd class petty officer, father to Jami Allen and grandfather to Brycen and Rhys (pictured).

Caleb Sparks, U.S. Marine Corps corporal, husband to Hope Sparks.

Caitlin Smith, E-3/Air Force, during a deployment at Undisclosed location. Caitlin quotes Capt. Nathan Hale, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country."

Kaitlyn Koski, U.S. Air Force captain, daughter of Amy Koski. Kaitlyn is an Air Battle Manager on the AWACS and has had two deployments to the Persian Gulf. She is a 2009 CPHS graduate.

Bart Hopkins, retired U.S. Air Force major, spouse of Perla Hopkins., who says: "Thank you for leading our family! - With Love"

Captain George Cook III, US Air Force, Cousin of Dana Paulson.

Phil Kraus, father to Shannon Darby, Submarine Sonar Tech 2nd Class, U.S. Navy.

Charles "Kip" DeGilio. Friend of Ann Kathryn Scott, who says: "Kip, we are so grateful for your service to our country, and not to mention, you made a darn good band booster president and Pit Viper dad to the VHS Viper Band over the last 7 year!"