Heroes: staff of West Texas Rehabilitation Center

Submitted by: Fransuelle, Ron and Breanna Hodges



We would like to nominate the staff of The West Texas Rehabilitation Center as our Everyday Heroes. Our daughter Breanna was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 9 months and has been receiving physical and occupational therapy from the West Texas Rehabilitation Center for the past 4-1/2 years. The dedicated staff of this wonderful organization not only provide services to Breanna, but hundreds of children and adults of the Big Country every day of the year.

You can walk the halls of t he Rehab Center any day, meet any member of its staff and receive the professionalism of their services and the personal touch they add to your day with a simple smile or encouraging words. West Texas Rehabilitation Center is our Everyday HERO — Helping Everyday Rehabilitating Others.

• Hero: Chip Townsend

Submitted by: Donald Christopher MacPhail



A person I consider to be a hero (besides my parents) is Chip Townsend, with Team Chip Taekwondo. When I was 5 years old (2001) my parents signed me up with a Tae Kwon Do school here in Abilene. I had heard of the Tae Kwon Do Jr Olympics Tournaments, and had made it my goal to one day compete at one.

In July 2004, the Master Instructor at this school told us that he could take us to compete at the Jr. Olympics in June 2005, but we had to start training now. The Master Instructor later told us that in order for me to get to the Olympics, I needed to compete at the International Tae Kwon Do Tournament, which was held in Fort Worth in October 2004 and the State Tae Kwon Do Tournament held in Dallas April of 2005 and place 1st and/or 2nd in both Forms and Sparring at both tournaments. Which I did. I was 8 yrs. old now and at the High Green Belt level.

A few days after the State Tournament, the Master Instructor sent me a letter telling me he no longer wanted me or my brother (4 -year-old James) at his school. He gave no reasons and he gave no explanations in the letter for this. It was 2 months before the Tae Kwon Do Jr Olympics Tournament, which was being held at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

My parents had paid all of the entry fees, had turned in all of the entry forms, and had hotel rooms reserved in San Antonio for our week stay during the Jr Olympics. I had trained for 10 months and now had no school to sponsor me and no coach for the day of the events. My parents spoke to both me and my brother, told us that we had done nothing wrong, that in no way was it our fault.

For 2 weeks my parents tried to take me to look at other Taekwondo schools, but I did not want to. I could not see any school having me join and not starting me at a white belt. Even older men with a Black Belt and in the Army had to start at a white belt level if they wanted to join. For 2 weeks I waited and hoped the Master Instructor would call and tell me he wanted us back. But he didn't.

On April 21, 2005, my parents took me in to meet Chip Townsend at Team Chip Tae Kwon Do. Chip did a one-on-one class with me. My parents explained my discouraged attitude to Chip.

I could not believe it and will never forget it when Chip tells me that if I let him he would finish my training and take me to the Jr. Olympics. Chip also tells me that I could keep my High Green belt, that I had worked for it and had earned it.

For 2 months Chip gave me private lessons plus my regular classes trying to help me be ready for the tournament. Even though no one from Team Chip Tae Kwon Do was scheduled to compete at the Jr. Olympics, Chip assigned a coach to go with me to San Antonio. That I wanted to compete at the Jr. Olympics was a good enough reason for Chip to put in so much of his time into training me. That I wanted to compete at the Jr. Olympics was a good enough reason for Rick Johnson 2nd Degree Black Belt and instructor at Team Chip to give up two of his days off to coach me at the Jr. Olympics in San Antonio.

I have since then tried to show Chip my appreciation of his consideration for me by training hard and training long under him and his Instructors. Since June 2005, I have tested for every belt level up to Recommend Black Belt (Black Belt in training). I hope to continue my training under Chip and his instructors for a very long time. I hope to someday take what I have learned from Chip and use it to do for other kids what I have seen Chip do not only for me but for a whole lot of kids. If I can one day make one kid feel as good about himself or herself as Chip made me feel, I think I will have accomplished a lot.



For this reason I believe Chip Townsend to be a Hero, my Hero.

* * *

• Hero: Jamie "Gunz" Garcia

Submitted by: Shawn Dunn

I am here to (declare) that Jamie "Gunz" Garcia is my Everyday Hero. He is the type of guy that will be there through thick and thin. He makes me laugh when I am down. He motivates me to keep going through each day.

He is willing to help you when you need him, no questions asked. He’ll give you his last dollar to help you or even the shirt off his back.

He helps out the community. He even helps the homeless by donating money or food. He will help you if your car is broken down on the side of the road in 100-degree weather. He will help you get your groceries out of your car when it’s raining cats and dogs. He has helped me so much through these times that is why I am (declaring) that Jamie "Gunz" Garcia is my Everyday Hero.

* * *

• Hero: Lowell and Brenda Martin

Submitted by: Bill and Glenda Hilliard

Our nominations for Everyday Heroes are Lowell and Brenda Martin of Abilene. They generously do for others in a quiet but unselfish way. From donations of gifts to the less fortunate to donating food for "Cheer Baskets" for the elderly or preparing food and visiting a sick friend, they go about daily life making things better for others.

They expect no recognition but deserve a big pat on the back for all their good deeds.

* * *

• Hero: Paul Matta.

Submitted by: Unknown

I am a sitter for a resident at Mesa Springs Health Care on Buffalo Gap Road. I would like to nominate a young man that comes around often to visit those under Hospice care. He is a volunteer chaplain and he has sung or whistled and prayed with his patients and even to many of us that are not hospice.

As a sitter of one of the residents, I see him stopped in the hall way by many residents and guests alike and he will sing whatever we ask of him. We can’t wait for him to come around. In fact he is supposed to be entertaining for the resident’s party this coming Saturday Dec. 9th.

He used to work here a few years back but he has never forgotten us since he left. He sometimes comes every week or when we call on him. When we do call on him he has never failed to go out of his way to come pray or sing to a dying patient or just come to lift us up. I have seen him out here on New Years, Easter, Mothers Day, Fourth of July, Christmas and has even provided devotional/church for us all on a Sunday. His name is Paul Matta.

* * *

• Hero: Veteran Ron Sadler and Ms. Celia Patton

Submitted by: Unknown

Guess I’m kinda partial to the Woodson Cemetery which I have been closely associated with for many years and enjoyed it all. Cheers to Veteran Ron Sadler for being so faithful to keep our flag flying which is located at the gate. Also a spotlight that shines all night. We are also proud of the veterans’ memorial at the gate.

Ms. Celia Patton who has relatives buried there left us a huge sum for our new gate.

Thank you for this beautiful way to let someone know that they deserve a pat on the back.

* * *

• Hero: Carolyn Atkins

Submitted by: Unknown

I would like to nominate Carolyn Atkins as an Everyday Hero — she is a wife, mother, and grandmother, always there in her family. She is also a true friend — always willing to help when needed with food or anything else. She is active at Oldham Love Church of Christ — she is a business owner and active in the Jim Ned Valley Chamber of Commerce. She works with the jail ministry, and touches countless lives through this. She is a member of Honey Bees Extension Education Club, serving as president. She grew above and beyond in everything she does. Carolyn, you are a true everyday hero.

* * *

• Hero: Herb is the Shift Supervisor at Serenity House

Submitted by: unknown

Herb is the Shift Supervisor at Serenity House. He’s a certified faith-based counselor and he is a wonderful person to be a supervisor. He is always encouraging all of the people who are around him to be better than they think they can be. He is a person that’s always upbeat and his spiritual love for others is something that just overflows from him. Herb is probably the most respected employee by the clients and us Techs that is over at the Main House at 225 Mulberry St.

It’s amazing how he (Herb) is able to make the clients feel that they are going to make it through recovery from alcohol and drug addiction by his constantly giving them inspiring words and real encouragement backed up by loving and caring behavior on his part. Herb is in recovery himself with about 11 years clean.

The clients all love him (especially the male clients who are the ones that he deals with the most). The employees that work with Herb on his shift (including myself) all love to work with him. He has a way of making our job feel meaningful and enjoyable just by his presence. He makes it a point to tell each one of us Thanks for the work that we do every night before he let’s us go home after the shift. He was on vacation and didn’t work with us for two whole weeks. He came back from his vacation on this past Monday and you would not believe how happy the clients and we (the Techs) that work with him were.

* * *

• Hero: Sharlene Davile

Submitted by: Glenda Hilliard

One of Abilene’s Everyday Heroes is Sharlene Davis. She became an active volunteer while in high school and has never stopped. While living in Oklahoma City Sharlene volunteered at the Dale Evans Center for the mentally handicapped and taught ladies Bible classes in the slum area and at her church.

After moving to Abilene in 1967, she continued her life of giving to others. She has taught Bible classes for 57 years. She is an active member of Southern Hills Church of Christ and volunteers for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program wherever needed. She has tutored children in school for four years. She is eager to prepare and deliver food to the sick. This proud mother of three and grandmother of three is admired by many for her Christian example and life of service.

* * *

• Hero: Russell Bentley

Nominated by: Rhonda Simon (Mother)

My son Russell Bentley is my hero. He served in the Gulf War 1990-1994. He has had a pace maker after his service to our country, and was very ill after his return home. He never complains and is always helpful to others. I do love him for his service to my and your country. Please remember Russell L. Bentley as a hero for your country.

* * *

• Hero: Robert Simon

Nominated by: Rhonda Simon (Wife)

My husband Robert Simon is my hero. He has been there for me and my son Russell Bentley when he came home from the first gulf war. He has been the best husband anyone could ever have. He is always loving and caring to me and my son Russell. He has been the best father, never complaining and always giving. If you only knew how giving he has been, always there to help and always a hero to all he meets. If a person every deserved to be a hero it is him. Please remember him as a hero.

* * *

• Hero: Mike Haley

Nominated by: Sue Haley Snow (Mother)

Earlier this year Mike Haley visualized and implemented a home makeover for his mother and step-father as a surprise. He led a volunteer crew of 16+ family and friends and accomplished the feat in only 11 days.

Mike serves as a consultant to the Sweetwater Star Search talent completion and to the Sweetwater High School drama department. He recently completed certification for being a drama judge for completion in the state.

Mike goes above and beyond in taking care of others. We’re proud of him and want everybody to know it.

Yes, I’m proud to be his mother, and I know how much of himself he puts in to helping others.

* * *

Heroes: Gene and Doris Smith

Nominated by: Rick and ArLou Gonzalez

I nominate Gene and Doris Smith of Gene’s Campers and Repairs. On my travel from my home in Spearfish, S.D., to winter at Burnet, Texas, my motor home toilet water valve developed a leak. I was 30 miles north of Abilene on Hwy 83 (2:25 p.m.) when I contacted Gene to see if he could help. He said he had the part, but he closes at 3 p.m. He advised that he would stay open until I got there. At 3:01 p.m., we arrived at Gene’s. He couldn’t install the water valve due to his recent heart treatment, but gave me clear instructions as to how to install it. After paying with my Discover card, he gave directions to Abilene KOA where we were spending the night. Before going to the KOA, I decided to fill my motor home with gas.

I discovered at the gas station that I left my Discover Card at Gene’s. I called Gene at his home, and his wife, Doris informed me, that Gene was already heading to the KOA. I met Gene at the KOA, where he delivered by Discover Card. Gratefully, I thanked him. Therefore, I nominate Gene and Doris Smith as Abilene "Everyday Heroes" based on their helpfulness, honesty and the neighborly character exemplified as citizens of Abilene, Texas.

I am confident that if I ever need help and I am near Abilene, I don’t have to worry.

* * *

• Hero: Sylvia Kesler

Submitted by: Dorothy Allen

Sylvia Kesler is certainly an "Everyday Hero." She does so much to help people in Abilene, her church, neighborhood and friends. She does her good deeds quietly, and doesn’t want any attention. She takes items, and makes donations to Hope Haven, the Noah Shelter and Hencrick Hospital to name a few.

She takes food to the needy, and has helped some with energy bills. My daughter passed away April 20, 2006. She was sick for a long time. Sylvia spent many hours at her bed side, entertaining her and giving moral support not only to Mary but the rest of the family. She helped with cooking, cleaning and anything that needed to be done.

My mother came to live with me in June of 2006. She was way fragile, 93 years old and many health problems. She came right here to help with Mother. Mother passed away October 27, 2006. Sylvia had banded with my daughter and my mother. She did everything in her power to make their lives easier. Sylvia deserves a pat on the back, and a big Thank You from my family, and others here in Abilene. She really deserves much more.

* * *

• Hero: Laura Weber

Submitted by: Earlyne Reagan

I would like to nominate Laura Weber, owner of Laura’s Boutique 3214 So. 27th. I have never met such a kind, considerate, passionate person.

Laura always thinks of other people — never drawing attention to herself. No matter what the reason, question or — she is always ready to help.

Whenever she knows a person is ill, having a bad day, or just have a bad problem — she always takes the time for a phone call or a card to help cheer this person.

As an employee, I know first hand how generous and giving Laura is.

She always has a smile on her face and is always happy to everyone — no matter if she is having a bad day. Many of the things she does in this community are never known — but then this is just the way Laura is.

I wish for her and her family a merry Christmas season! Thank you Laura for all the wonderful things you do for me and this community.

* * *

• Hero: Norlene Gleaton

Submitted by: Ramona Thedford

My Everyday Hero is a hero of many who live in Early and Brown County. Her name is Norlene Gleaton! She works in the Food services department at Early I.S.D. When any of the school staff have a need or problem, they know who they can turn to for help or advice. The same goes for the student body. Her church family knows all too well of her good deeds. She has ministered to almost every member of her congregation many times over.

Her husband, Dennis, has one of the dreaded diseases, and is in terrible pain much of the time. She is totally devoted to him and his needs. Yet, she and Dennis both have such a wonderful and giving spirit about them! If you go over to visit and encourage them, you will be the one who leaves encouraged!

Norlene has found housing for those who have needed it, furniture and household items for those who needed it, taken food to the sick, elderly, or just home with a new baby. She helps with food drives, garage sales, Christmas giving trees, child care, and the list goes on and on. She calls every night to check on people, especially those at Church. So many of us consider her to be our dearest friend. And, it is our privilege to do so.

Norlene would not consider herself to be a hero of any kind. She is the dearest, kindest, most generous and loving person I have ever known. I, therefore, consider it a privilege and honor to submit her name as one of our "Everyday Heroes."

* * *

• Hero: Dr. Shane Davidson

Submitted by: Amy Davidson

I would like to nominate my husband, Dr. Shane Davidson. I teach at Fannin Elementary. I know how important it is to make kids feel special. When my students reach 50 AR points, Dr. Shane, as he is known in my class, brings the child a kid’s meal from a local fast food restaurant. He then eats with them. We have been doing this for the past three years. My first class, only two children reached the milestone. Last year, the entire class did it. Having two boys of our own, I can tell you that eating McDonald’s is not his favorite choice but he does it gladly because he knows the relationships he is forming with these kids means more than having his one millionth McDonald’s French fry!

* * *

• Hero: Bo Brown

Submitted by: Nell

I would like to nominate Bo Brown. He is an Abilene Police officer, and he will volunteer before you have time to ask. Bo can feel the need to give a helping hand. Bo is a young man, just starting out and has already been an Everyday Hero to several people.

Thank you for doing your good deed.

* * *

• Hero: Jean Butler

Submitted by: Jim Ridgway

I nominate Jean Butler, she is my Everyday Hero. Jean has been involved with Habitat for Humanity from the very beginning. She was my 4th Saturday team chief for many years and I watched her do all the hard and dirty work, at the same time keeping the rest of us doing what we needed to do. She didn’t just work on the houses, she became personally involved with all the people getting houses, and continues to help them long after they are in their new homes. Jean is on the Habitat Board now, and she is working at the Ice Rink.

Jean also runs the Food Pantry at First Methodist, & Epworth Methodist Church. She spends part of just about every day helping the needy. She is my "go to" person when I run into a problem trying to help someone. Every summer Jean goes on a week long medical mission trip to Guadamala, she spends weeks or months gathering up, and packing all the medical supplies, hauls them to the airport in Dallas, and she pays her own way to Guatemala. She is my hero, and inspiration, it is because of her example and guidance that I am involved with helping the needy.

* * *

• Hero: Kevin and Brenda Coleman

Submitted by: Frank Clevenger

When the local Habitat for Humanity was formed, and I think it was the result of a challenge, or maybe encouragement is a better word, given by Tony Campolo at what I think was his first time to speak here, it was totally a volunteer group.

I don’t know how long it operated on that basis until its board decided it was time to think of hiring a paid director. Brenda and Kevin Coleman were hired, Brenda as executive director and Kevin as supervisor of construction. Some few years later, Brenda left Habitat and took a job with another nonprofit. Some few years after that, she came back to Habitat as manager of the RE-store, a Habitat operation which receives gifts of new and used construction material and home appliances, and sells it at very low prices to anyone.

After Brenda left Habitat, Kevin became both executive director and superintendent of construction. When Kevin and Brenda moved to Abilene, they had no children. They bought an old house on the north side of town and rehabbed it. They now have two daughters and are in their second house, which they have also rehabbed.

I think it is accurate to say they are both dedicated to Habitat and its goal of providing affordable and decent housing to everyone who qualifies. They are just ordinary folks in every way and Kevin has a gift of being able to work volunteers of every skill level from total novices at construction on up to the pros, who give their Saturdays and vacation time to rehab old houses and build new houses.

To my knowledge, there has never been a serious accident on any of the Abilene Habitat projects. Hard hats aren’t mandatory, and Kevin’s standard opening speech to the group starting a new-build goes something like, "If we’re going to have an accident it will probably be in the first few hours, so be careful."

I have been holding my breath, more or less for the last several years, thinking that Abilene is just too lucky to have such a fine young couple here, and that they will move on to better-paying jobs, but thank God, I see no evidence of this happening. They seem to be very happy here.

* * *

• Hero: Gloria Mendez of Baird

Submitted by: Catherine Brock

Gloria Mendez is a remarkably selfless person. She is the oldest of six children whose mother died when she was only 12 years old.

Gloria helped her father to raise her other siblings, the youngest of whom was only 2 at the time. Gloria has never married but has devoted her life to her younger siblings and their children. Ms Mendez has been an enthusiastic supporter of her nieces and nephews who range in age from 25 to 5 years old.

She has been a volunteer for every school and community organization that they have ever participated in. A few of the organizations that Ms. Mendez has helped, and continues to assist, are the Baird PTO, Band Booster Club, Athletic Booster Club, Little League, Softball Association, Little Dribblers Basketball Association, and Kids Club, a weekly Christian organization for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Ms Mendez never seeks recognition. She serves others out of love for family, God and community.

* * *

• Hero: Dr. Bill Spencer

Submitted by: David and Suzanne Perkins

In this age of self-promotion and pursuit of personal gain, it is refreshing to see someone use their God-given talents to serve those who many ignore. Such is the case with Dr. Bill Spencer, the chaplain at the Abilene State School.

Day after day, Dr. Spencer works with residents, staff, and family members to provide comfort, acceptance, and strength for those who struggle with the difficulties and limitations of mental disabilities.

Week after week, Dr. Spencer (or "Bill" as he is known to the residents of the school) delivers a message of love, hope, and peace at Sunday morning chapel and, accompanied by his wife, Ida Ann, inspires others as he leads them in singing with his powerful bass voice.

Dr. Spencer, representative of the over 1,200 staff members who work at the Abilene State School to serve our most vulnerable citizens, is truly an Everyday Hero.

* * *

• Hero: Joan Stilwell

Submitted by: Donna Lynn Gilstrap, daughter; and Drexel D. Gilstrap Jr., grandson

A wife of 49 and a half years to Donald Stilwell a mother of one, grandmother of one, a great-grandmother of four, a friend to many.

Cooking every day, cleaning, shopping as well as errands. Also helps run a small engine shop in a family owned-business. She now has added to attending to her husband as she is in the hospital 32 days and has only been away for no more than three days in all staying day and night. She handles all business and domestic challenges and still has an open ear for her friends. She can work on your lawn mower cook and clean and also be there in a hearts notice for anyone at anytime

This my mother— a heart of gold.

* * *

• Hero: The Rev. Zeke Pecina and Carolyn Pecina

Submitted by: Richard and Anita Olguin

We would like to recognize our pastors, Zeke and Carolyn Pecina of New Life Temple in Abilene. They are truly God sent. They are people that do and go beyond what is expected of them. They are positive and energetic people. And are a blessing to our whole congregation. Thank you, pastors Zeke and Carolyn Pecina. May God bless you and keep you well.

* * *

• Hero: Mark Bennett

Submitted by: April Bennett, his wife

I would like to nominate my husband Mark Bennett as an Everyday Hero. He is a coach at Lincoln Middle School. He coached at AHS for six years before deciding to put his career on hold for the sake of his boys, ages 6 and 9.

He moved back down at the middle school level to be able to spend quality time with them. He is a great coach and mentor to young boys all over Abilene.

It never fails for us to go somewhere and a parent will come up to him and say, "My son absolutely adores you. Thank you for taking the time to teach him." He is very patient and kind in his instruction every day. He not only teaches "the sport" but he teaches "life" as well and how to succeed not only on the field, or court, but in the classroom also.

* * *

• Hero: Heather Jeffers

Submitted by: Cathy Potts

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2004 at the age of 48. Never did I dream that God would bless me through this with one of the most special people I have ever met. Her name is Heather Jeffers and she is a chemotherapy nurse for Dr. Victor Hirsch.

Her skill, kindness and true love for the people she serves was evident from my first day of treatment. I actually looked forward to my healing AND getting to see Heather. I spent many months before and after surgery having chemo and being loved and cared for by this beautiful young woman. She is young in years, but very wise in using the gifts that God has given her. I know that Heather has contributed in a large part to my healing.

* * *

• Hero: Joseph and Gayle Swinney

Submitted by: Beverly Butman

I suggest Joseph and Swinney, who live south of Merkel in Mulberry Canyon. When their grandson graduated from Merkel High School a year or two ago, he told them there was one senior who couldn’t afford a class ring.

So they contacted the school to offer to pay for the ring and were told they couldn’t do that and that they should call the ring company. They did, and the ring company said they had no information and wouldn’t let them do it.

The Swinneys say the student was from a broken home and lived with his grandmother, who survived on Social Security. Just the other day, I was in Handy food store in Merkel and the bagger mentioned he was a senior and it costs $500 for ring, cap and gown, etc. There must be lots of kids who can’t afford it.

* * *

• Hero: Dennis and Pam Osborn

Submitted by: Beverly Butman

Dennis Dennis Osborn a member and a past president of the Mulberry Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and also the Blair Water Supply repairman. He also is a past president of Pioneer Memorial Methodist Church in the canyon. Pam is a volunteer EMT with Merkel ambulance. Both put in many hours every week helping people.

* * *

• Hero: David White

Submitted by: Unknown

David White is the quiet Everyday Hero that walks, works and lives in the Abilene community. Dave served his country by having a long and successful career in the United States Air Force. Dave and Maureen adopted Abilene as their home after he retired from the Air Force. They chose the Wylie Schools to educate their children: Kristy, Sean and Jenny.

He is a faithful member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and a teacher to many who may not realize they are being taught; however, when the project is completed, they realize they have learned from Dave’s instructions and information.

His concern for those less fortunate is apparent, as he always is looking for ways to help or to assist them. As a standby for delivery Meals on Wheels, he is able to serve every day of the week. Any friend or family member will be cheered by Dave’s visits and his concern for them. After meeting and getting to know Dave White, you will agree that he is an Everyday Hero in the Abilene Community.

* * *

• Hero: Joel Loya

Submitted by: Debbie Hundley, daughter

Integrity can be defined as a reliable constant in times of change. My Everyday Hero has always been and continues to be just that. e is reliably consistent in times of change. He is a man of integrity. He is my father. Joel Loya consistently serves his family and his community.

When I was a child, my dad was the middle school math teacher who I knew would have done anything to help his students succeed. Many of them came to trust him as someone they could consistently count on. Later, he took a few years off to open a little convenience store on Ambler Avenue where he served his neighborhood as a positive role model.

That little convenience store on Ambler Avenue is now the site of the Abilene Child Centered Educational Support Services (ACCESS), founded by him and my late mother, Catalina A. Loya in 1999. In the past seven years, ACCESS has grown from its local roots to covering surrounding counties. Joel founded ACCESS because he was born and raised in Abilene and his heart’s desire is for children, families, and senior citizens in his community to have a chance to succeed. Joel continues to serve his community as the At-risk Coordinator for the Abilene Independent School District.

What my father’s reaction to anything would be was never a question. He was always that reliable constant in times of change. He was always that man of integrity. My brother and I, and our families have always known that our dad is always just a phone call away. It doesn’t matter where or when, he will be there if we call. He and my mother were married for 32 years.

In the last years of her life they were especially close as my father cared for her consistently, constantly and lovingly. This Thanksgiving was our family’s first holiday since my mothers passing. It was tough, but my Everyday Hero made it work. My dad is my Everyday Hero because he is my hero every day.

* * *

• Hero: Brenda G. Jones

Submitted by: Ricky Jones

I would like to nominate my wife Brenda G. Jones. She is currently employed at the Abilene State School. Prior to that, she has done home day care for over 12 years. It amazes me how she is kind and understanding of each and every person. She constantly goes out of her way to help anyone.

The kindness and caring personality she possesses is a gift. And she shares this gift with everyone. She has enlightened the lives of children for 12 years (won numerous awards such as Day care provider of the Quarter and Outstanding Day care provider by Air Force Inspection Team) and I am sure she will do the same at the State School.

* * *

• Hero: Maxine and Wayne Ward

Submitted by: Ginger Helm

I would like to nominate Maxine and Wayne Ward as Everyday Heroes. They are at the Love and Care Ministries with untold hours helping feed, clothe, and caring for those who need help. Their work and prayers help so many people including other volunteers.

They have been doing this for years even when they have had needs and prayer concerns themselves. Their first concern is always others.