Air Force Airman Lawrence L. Glew II

Air Force Airman Lawrence L. Glew II

Air Force Airman Lawrence L. Glew II graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Lawrence Glew of E. Bowie St., Beeville, Texas, and Lorelei Villarde of Skidmore, Texas. Glew graduated in 2010 from Skidmore Tynan High School, Skidmore.

Courtesy of Lorelei Villarde

Christmas Gifts for Troops

Left to Right Back Row: Monica Bures,
Hilda Rodriguez, Teresa Holland, Regena
Coley, Robbyn Tyra, Fran Thompson,
Glenda Tyra, Dora Lopez, and Ginny Turner

With many of our men and women still over seas and the holidays fast approaching, the VFW Auxiliary #9170 and the American Legion Unit #274 offered to collect donations and send them to our military troops in order to spread a little holiday cheer.  The packages are sent in the middle of November to ensure delivery before the Christmas holiday.  These packages are going to service men and women that are in areas where items cannot be obtained.

This will be an ongoing project by both organizations until our troops return home.  If you would like more information, please call Hilda Rodriguez at 361-362-1231 or Teresa Holland at 361-358-1550.

Care Packages for Troops ~ Deadline This Week!

Help spread a little holiday cheer to the servicemen and women that are over seas.  The deadline to get packages off to our troops in time for the Christmas holiday is Friday, November 12th.  These care packages are extremely important for our troops, especially this time of year.

Some examples of the items that are needed are soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, wipes, tissues, socks, powders, toothpaste, toothbrushes, candy, packages cookies, gum, small packages of snacks, books, writing materials, and any other small items you can think of.  Please keep in mind that these items need to fit in backpacks and no glass items will be excepted.

Drop off your donations at 1801 S. Washington Street or 300 W. Hutchinson Street.

For more information or to send something to a particular person, call Teresa Holland (358-1550) or Hilda Rodriguez (362-1231).

Special thanks to The American Legion Unity #274, the VFW Auxiliary #9170, along with local schools and churches for taking the time to show our servicemen and women that we are thinking of them and we are grateful for the sacrifice they have made.

S-T ISD to Honor Veterans in Annual Ceremony

Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be hosting a program to honor veterans and active duty service men and women from the Skidmore area on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

If you have a relative who is a Veteran or serviceman or woman that you would like to honor and who can attend the ceremony on Wednesday morning, please come by the elementary office to complete a form by 3:30 p.m., on Friday, November 6. Completing this form by the deadline will help with preparations for the ceremony and special seating arrangements for those veterans/servicemen and servicewomen who will be attending.

Light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria immediately following the ceremony for those veterans attending. Please help us honor those who have served in the armed services to protect our rights and freedom.

Warner Completes Basic Training

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Corey B. Warner has graduated from Airforce basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Corey is the son of Kevin and Tracy Warner of Beeville and is a 2008 graduate of S-TISD.

Local Grad Proud to Be a Marine

2007 Skidmore-Tynan ISD graduate Amanda Doubrava is featured in the Department of Massachusetts Marine Corp League news story, Still Fighting the Fight.

S-T ISD Honors "Those Who Serve"

D'Anne Wilder addresses the assembled students, faculty, and administrators. Click here for S-T ISD Veterans Ceremony photos at Shutterfly.com

On the Eleventh day of the eleventh month on the eleventh hour, we stand back and say thank you to those who have fought for and defended our country. As Skidmore tradition, S-T ISD hosted its annual Veterans’ Day celebration at 9:00 a.m., Friday, November 9th. The students were asked to honor any and all family members that have served in one of our military branches. There were 45 Skidmore-Tynan community Veterans honored. The Ceremony began with each branch of the service represented by their individual flag and song.

As the Veterans entered the gymnasium, they received a standing ovation from all S-T students, faculty and staff. They were given a pin and recognized by their family member who honored them. The ceremony ended with the playing of Taps by the Skidmore-Tynan Bobcat band.

After the ceremony, the Veterans and their S-T student were invited to have refreshments and catch up with other veterans in the cafeteria.

Each campus participated and all should be commended on a job well done. We appreciate our Veterans and their commitment that was made to help keep America free. -- Submitted by Jennifer Chambers

War Veterans Recognized in Local Ceremonies

From left to right, veterans Agapito Gonzales, Guadalupe Almendarez (sitting), John Snyder, Alfino Garcia, Charles Calvert (sitting), Allen Bohac, John Petrus, and postmaster Domingo Rodriguez. Click here for Veterans Ceremony photos at Shutterfly.com

The Signal is proud to report that appreciation for the sacrifices of local American war veterans runs high in our community.

Friday's recognition ceremonies began at 7:30 a.m. at the Skidmore post office. Postmaster Domingo Rodriguez organized the event which featured a flag-raising, recitation of the pledge of allegiance, prayer by reverend Jason Calvert, and the presentation of appreciation pins by VFW Post 9170 chaplain John Snyder.

At 9:00 a.m., veterans converged on the S-T ISD Events Center gymnasium for the annual ceremony honoring "Those Who Serve." Superintendent, Dr. Brett Belmarez, hosted the event which began with the presentation of colors by FFA students, a special salute to each branch of the armed forces, and the presentation of appreciation pins by students descended from the assembled veterans. The ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of taps by student trumpeters Beth Gonzales and Trevor Dragon and reception in the S-T ISD cafeteria.

S-T ISD to Recognize Veterans in Annual Ceremony

Skidmore-Tynan ISD will be hosting a program to honor veterans and active duty service men and women from the Skidmore area on Friday, November 9th at 9:00 a.m.

If you have a relative who is a Veteran or serviceman or woman that you would like to honor and who can attend the ceremony on Friday morning, please come by the elementary office to complete a form by Friday, Nov. 2nd at 3:30 p.m. Completing this form by the deadline will help with preparations for the ceremony and a special seating arrangement for those veterans/servicemen and servicewomen who will be attending.

Light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria immediately following the ceremony for those veterans attending. Please help us honor those who have served in the armed services to protect our rights and freedom.

Sears Goes Above and Beyond in Support of Military Families

"How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up. Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years." -- Link to story submitted to the Signal by Mr. Reeys Falcon. Verified by Snopes.com - Click here to read the full story.

Born on the 4th of July

Proud great-grandfather, Edwin Wallek Jr. announces the birth of Colton Clyde Wallek (7 lbs., 12 oz., 20") to grandson, Marine Corporal Lucas Clyde Wallek and wife Cassandra. Mr. Wallek says "They named him Colton Clyde but he will be our little firecracker." The grandparents are Douglas and Beth Wallek of Alice. The great-grand parents are Edwin and Jessie May Wallek of Skidmore and Jeannie Goynes of George West.

Lucas Wallek is slated to deploy to Iraq in mid September after a month of desert training in California. For those of you who missed it in the Saturday, July 14, Bee-Picayune, be sure to read Mr. Wallek's column retelling Lucas' hair-raising "War Stories."

Herzog Completes Air Force Training

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports 2005 S-T ISD graduate Henry C. Herzog successfully completed basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Henry is the son of Henry and Rebekah Herzog of Skidmore. Read the full story in the Caller-Times Military Notes.

Wallek Aids in Insurgent Capture, Awarded Purple Heart

Marine PFC Luke Wallek, grandson of Edwin & Jessie May Wallek recently was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat in Iraq. Edwin & Jessie May learned the news during a Christmas visit from their grandson and, on a happier note, report he was married in September.

The commendation is as follows:

For professional achievement as a machine gunner, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force (forward) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. In the Al Anbar province, Iraq. From January to August 2006.

Private First Class Wallek demonstrated proficiency, attention to detail, and initiative while serving in multiple gunner billets in “Alpha” section. His billets include gunner on the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher and gunner for the lead vehicle’s .50 Caliber machine gun, positions usually reserved for the most experienced machine gunners.

On 26 March 2006, Private First Class Wallek engaged a small enemy force attempting to emplace a roadside bomb, which resulted in their capture and detainment. He consistently performed his duties with outstanding proficiency and dedication to his unit. Private First Class Wallek’s outstanding initiative, perseverance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Signed by P.G. Looney, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Commanding, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines.

Herzog Completes USAF Basic Training

Airman Henry C. Herzog graduated USAF basic training December 1, 2006. He is the son of Henry and Rebekah Herzog of Skidmore. Henry is a brother to Dual Herzog, Tech Seargent Daniel C. Baker, and Stacey Baker, and is a 2005 graduate of S-T ISD. Henry is currently stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Witchita Falls, Texas.

Steffens Returns From Duty in Iraq

Bonnie Steffens reports her son, Sheldon “Craig” Steffens, returned “safe and sound” from Iraq in late October. He is currently stationed at Fort McDill, Tampa, Florida. “Praise God,” said Mrs. Steffens. “As I understand it he will be returning in about a year for another 90 to 100 days but we never know what will happen between now and tomorrow.” Craig will return home (Tynan) for a few day’s in December for Christmas and looks forward to being reunited with wife Kathy and little Kenneth Paul! Craig is a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army, enlisted Feb. 1994, and a 1991 graduate of S-T ISD.

Record Attendance at S-T ISD Veteran's Day Program

Dr. Belmarez addresses the assembled veterans.

Military veterans from across South Texas converged on the S-T ISD Events Center Gymnasium Thursday morning for breakfast and a special program in their honor.

"I was very impressed," said World War II veteran Jesse Laing. "For such a small school to put on such an impressive program to honor veterans says a lot about the school system. You can bet I'll be telling everyone I know what a great district you have here." Mr. Laing is the grandfather of S-T ISD teacher Gwynetta Hoelscher and a Purple Heart recipient who served from "Africa to Germany" during World War II.

Superintendent Dr. Brett Belmarez welcomed veterans to the event and thanked them for their service to our country. The "Presentation of Colors" ceremony was performed by members of VFW Post 9170 of Beeville. All present joined elementary students in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star Spangled Banner performed by the "Mighty Bobcat Band." Junior High students Sal Soto and Sara Rix recited a brief history of Veterans Day. A select group of students took part in a dramatic candle lighting ceremony with each candle representing a past war. Finally, S-T Junior soloist Victoria O'Brien was joined by 4th and 5th grade students in a beautiful rendition of "American Tears."

Following the special presentations, students were called forward to accept honorary certificates on behalf of family members who served or are currently serving in the armed forces.

The program closed with special recognition of current S-T ISD students Mark Ponce and Travis Campbell, who recently enlisted in the armed forces, and the performance of "Taps" by Bobcat trumpeters Stephanie Schirmer and Trevor Dragon.

Click here for more "Veteran's Day Program" photos at Shutterfly.com.


Junior High students Sal Soto and Sara Rix present a "History of Veteran's Day."

Colmenero Completes Basic Training

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Reserve Pvt. Dionel M. Colmenero of Skidmore has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.: Military Notes: 11.04.06 Colmenero is a 2006 Graduate of Skidmore-Tynan High School.

The Secret Letter from Iraq

A Marine's letter home from Iraq tells it like it is: The Secret Letter From Iraq courtesy of TIME/CNN.

Ulloa Graduates from Army Fire Control Systems Training Course

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Private First Class Urbina J. Ulloa has graduated from the Fire Control Systems Repairer Advanced Individual Training course. Ulloa is the daughter of Bobby and Urbana Garrett of Skidmore. Read more in the Caller-Times Military Notes: 08.12.06

"The Hardest Goodbye"

Driving through Mathis on the way back from Tuesday's Varsity baseball game in Banquete, we noticed red, white, and blue ribbons on virtually every signpost and tree along the roadside. Nancy Crouch of Skidmore's Variety Shop informs the Signal that the ribbons were placed in honor of 21-year old Cpl. Andres "A.J." Aguilar Jr. who died in Iraq on April 2, 2006. "A.J." had lived in Mathis as a child and has many family members in the area. Read more about his service and ultimate sacrifice to his country in The hardest goodbye, courtesy of the Victoria Advocate.