U.S. Congressman John Carter recognizes Rear Admiral Martin E. Janczak, U.S. Navy (Ret.), during ... U.S. Congressman John Carter recognizes Rear Admiral Martin E. Janczak, U.S. Navy (Ret.), during the congressman's eighth annual Congressional Veterans Commendation program Saturday at Temple College. (Photos by Steve Lemmons, Temple College)

On Saturday morning, U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) honored 13 U.S. veterans from his district for their active-duty military service and their “after service” commitment to their communities, during a ceremony at Temple College.

More than 200 people gathered in the Temple College Pavilion to recognize the veterans during the eighth annual Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremony.

(View a photo gallery from the event.)

Following a welcome by Dr. Susan Guzmán-Treviño, Temple College’s provost and vice president for academic affairs and student services, and remarks by keynote speaker Brigadier General William Ryan III, Carter welcomed the gathered guests and spoke about the honorees.

“We’re honoring the ‘after service’ of service, where service never stops,” the Congressman said. “These are true American men and women who’ve chosen a life of service. … That should be honored and cherished.”

Dr. Susan Guzmán-Treviño Dr. Susan Guzmán-Treviño

Those honored were:

  • Rear Admiral Martin E. Janczak USN (Ret)
  • Nurse Corps Jacqueline Cole USAF (Ret)
  • Lieutenant Colonel Robert S. Crouch USA (Ret)
  • Staff Sergeant Willie Curtis USA (Ret)
  • Master Sergeant Bobby Ehrig USA (Ret)
  • Colonel Robert R. Gosney USA (Ret)
  • SGT Jason R. Howard USA (Ret)
  • Captain Howard McKinney USA (Ret)
  • Specialist Yesenia Violete Mercado USA (Ret)
  • SFC Steven Moore SR USA (Ret)
  • DENTAC Command Debbie Nash-King USA (Ret)
  • Major General William R. Streeter USA (Ret)
  • SFC Matthew A. Key USA (Ret)

The veterans represented more than 235 years of military service. Their community service activities following their time in uniform ranged from social to health care to religious to political and many areas in between.

“Temple College is very proud to work with Congressman Carter and his staff to host this special event to honor the service of our veterans,” Guzmán-Treviño said. “It was a privilege and an honor to help pay tribute to the incredible work they’ve done on behalf of the Central Texas community.”

U.S. Congressman John Carter recognizes Debbie Nash-King, DENTAC Command U.S. Army (Ret.). Nash-K... U.S. Congressman John Carter recognizes Debbie Nash-King, DENTAC Command U.S. Army (Ret.). Nash-King serves as Mayor of Killeen. (Steve Lemmons, Temple College)

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto and Taylor, offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.