The Katy community came together in the cool autumn air on November 1 to pay tribute to the local servicemen and women who have served the nation in the military.

The first twelve “Hometown Heroes” banners along George Bush Drive between Avenue D and the VFW Park were unveiled in the presence of friends, families and community leaders, and some of the veterans themselves. A joint project of the City of Katy and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, “Hometown Heroes” is a collaborative program designed to recognize and honor local veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Each banner, which is installed on the decorative light poles lining George Bush Drive, proudly displays the name, photograph, and branch of service of a local hero, serving as a lasting reminder of their dedication and sacrifice.

The first twelve honorees are:

· Col. Heidi Arriaga, U.S. Army, global war on terror

· Lt. Floyd Breedlove, U.S. Army, World War II

· Cpl. Jeffrey Buis, U.S. Marine Corps, cold war

· E-4 Payton Copeland, U.S. Air Force, global war on terror

· MSgt. Earl Hauser, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam conflict

· Sgt. Duke Keller, U.S. Army, cold war

· Sgt. Tal Martin, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam conflict

· Lt. Garland McMeans, U.S. Army, Korean War

· Maj. George A. Rheman Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, Korean War

· 1st Lt. Van Scroggins, U.S. Air Force, World War II

· Sgt. Warren S. Thompson, U. S. Marine Corps, Korean War

· 2d Lt. James D. “Des” Woods, U.S. Army, Vietnam conflict

Following an honor guard ceremony and a brief welcome at the VFW Hall, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy, attendees walked together along George Bush Drive to view each of the installed banners. At each stop, each veteran – several of whom were present – was recognized and posed for photos with friends and family.

City of Katy Councilmember Rory Robertson, who was not able to be present for the ceremony, told the Katy Times how much it meant to have his family member, Lt. Floyd Breedlove, honored in this way. “Seeing this banner here and having the VFW post named in his honor means so much to his family. As the first military casualty in Katy history, we owe our respect to him and

must ensure that his service and sacrifice are not forgotten.” Robertson’s brother Rowdy represented the family at the ceremony.

Banners will be rotated every four to six months as new nominees are added, said Adrienne Davitz, Vice President of Membership & Community Relations at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Additional banner locations are not planned at this time, she said.

For more information about the Hometown Heroes Banner Program or to learn how to nominate a future honoree, please visit www.katychamber.com or contact the Katy Area Chamber directly. Nominees must be veterans and active-duty military who are or were residents of the City of Katy.