Kerr County dedicates veterans services building to Col. Ali Bowman Burton Jr.

KERRVILLE, Texas — Kerr County on Veterans Day dedicated a new veterans services building in honor of Col. Ali Bowman Burton Jr., a longtime local veteran whose military career and civic work were highlighted by county and city officials.

Jenna Sanchez, Kerr County’s veteran service officer, opened the program and framed the dedication as a lasting legacy for veterans in the county. Jeff Holt, introduced at the ceremony as a retired Marine and county commissioner for Precinct 3, welcomed guests, thanked donors and noted contributions from Schreiner University, Comfort High School JROTC and Comfort ISD Ag Mechanics, whose students built a dedication bench for Burton.

The program included an invocation by Mayor Herring and a moment of silence to recognize Burton’s service, including the 10 months he spent as a prisoner of war during the Korean conflict. Holt summarized Burton’s military career and local civic involvement, saying the dedication was meant to preserve his story "in brick, in steel, and in the legacy carried forward by all those who walk through our doors."

Col. Ali Bowman Burton Jr., who was invited to speak, told the audience he was “no hero” and expressed humility about the honor. He reflected on patriotism and the need to teach young people about civic responsibility, at one point urging attention to education and values as central to the country’s future.

After remarks, officials invited representatives from the Chamber of Commerce to perform a ceremonial ribbon cutting; attendees were then invited to view displays inside the building, sign the ribbon and join refreshments.

The dedication ceremony closed with an invitation for the public to learn about the building’s exhibits and the veteran services it will house.