Texas Veterans Commission Chairperson Laura Koerner served as the guest speaker at the annual Fair Oaks Ranch Rotary Club Veterans’ Day Salute on November 11th. at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club.
Koerner, a Naval Academy graduate, discussed the many services the Commission provides to the 1.6 million veterans residing in Texas. Attendees were also entertained by the musical talents of retired U.S. Army Bandmaster Commander and trumpeter James P. Manzo, who led the audience in renditions of the National Anthem, the Armed Forces Medley, Taps, and God Bless America.
In addition to the Club’s veterans, Rotarians also recognized two local veterans of World War II, Marine Corporal D.G. (Mac) McWilliams, who served from 1943-46, and Navy Commander R.W. Pratt, who served extended tours of duty both in WW II and in the Korean War. Fair Oaks Ranch Mayor and Rotarian Garry Manitzas read a formal city proclamation honoring all the community’s many veterans.