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Dallas council members, veterans mark U.S. Army’s 250th; Patriot Award presented to city employee
Summary
Dallas city council members and veterans gathered to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. Speakers recalled service and education benefits; Ret. Col. JP Hogan presented a Department of Defense Patriot Award to Kimberly Franklin, a U.S. Army Reserve soldier employed by the city.
Dallas city council members and local veterans gathered to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with speeches, recognition and a ceremonial cake.
Council Member Chad West opened his remarks by recounting how a recruiter persuaded him to enlist in the National Guard at 17 and described basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. "The army has been really good to me," West said, thanking veterans for their service and noting he and Jaime Resendiz will continue representing veterans on the council.
Jaime Resendiz, who represents District 5 and identified himself as a U.S. Army combat veteran, described serving a year-long tour of duty in Baghdad after the 9/11 attacks and the toll of convoy duty. He credited the GI Bill and Texas’ Hazelwood Exemption with helping him complete college and law school, saying the Army was "an opportunity equalizer" that opened doors for his education and public service.
Retired Col. JP Hogan provided historical context for the anniversary and presented a Department of Defense Patriot Award to Kimberly Franklin, identified at the ceremony as a U.S. Army Reserve soldier who also works for the city of Dallas. Hogan said the Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who support reserve-component service, and he praised employers whose flexibility allows reservists to fulfill military duties. "I've got a Department of Defense award called the Patriot Award that honors supervisors who support what our reserve component soldiers do on the job," Hogan said.
An attendee identified as Monte offered brief remarks about the Army's long history and urged appreciation for the city’s veterans. Organizers also asked members of the city's Veterans Affairs Commission to stand and be recognized.
The event closed with a ceremonial cake cutting. An audience member asked a brief question referencing the Texas Guard as the gathering continued.
What’s next: the event was a ceremonial commemoration and did not include formal votes or policy actions.
