Highlands High School Alumni
San Antonio, Texas (TX)
Recent Members
| Blake Nelsen Blake Nelsen | 2020 |
| Darren James D Martin | 1987 |
| Devon Marie | 2001 |
| Fred Smith Fred Smith | 2010 |
| Herman Miller | 1964 |
| Isabel Giuoco | 2018 |
| Martin Reyna | 2020 |
| Shaune Milton | 2015 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Highlands High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Owls lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Allison Norfleet Joubert
Class of 1984
Army, 5 Years
Enlisted while still in high school in delayed entry program. Left San Antonio for Basic Training in September 1984 to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, then returned to San Antonio for Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sam Houston to become a Combat Medic. First duty station was Ft. Rucker, Alabama, the home of Army Aviation. While there, I went to flight school to become and became a flight medic (helicopters). After leaving Ft. Rucker, I changed duty stations to Bamburg, West Germany (at that time. Where I served out the remainder of my military service. It was an honor to serve the United States in this capacity.
Class of 1984
Army, 5 Years
Enlisted while still in high school in delayed entry program. Left San Antonio for Basic Training in September 1984 to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, then returned to San Antonio for Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sam Houston to become a Combat Medic. First duty station was Ft. Rucker, Alabama, the home of Army Aviation. While there, I went to flight school to become and became a flight medic (helicopters). After leaving Ft. Rucker, I changed duty stations to Bamburg, West Germany (at that time. Where I served out the remainder of my military service. It was an honor to serve the United States in this capacity.
Amber Camille Gutierrez
Class of 1999
Navy, 1 Years
Logistic Specialist stationed in Japan
Class of 1999
Navy, 1 Years
Logistic Specialist stationed in Japan
Armond Wietzel
Class of 1964
Army, 2 Years
Army Medical Field Service Unit Commander 1970-71. Field Medical Assistant Commander trained at Ft Sam Houston, and Served at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Class of 1964
Army, 2 Years
Army Medical Field Service Unit Commander 1970-71. Field Medical Assistant Commander trained at Ft Sam Houston, and Served at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Blythe LeMaster (Jones)
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Avionics Electrician worked on F/A-18's Hornet with VMFA (AW)-121 The Green Knights in San Diego, CA at MCAS Miramar. Deployed to Iraq in 2007.
Class of 2004
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Avionics Electrician worked on F/A-18's Hornet with VMFA (AW)-121 The Green Knights in San Diego, CA at MCAS Miramar. Deployed to Iraq in 2007.
Charles Daryl Eckert
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
United Stated Army from 1968-1971. Boot Camp in El Pso, TX. AIT in Ft. Lee, Virginia. Viet Nam 1969-1970 with 14th Combat Engineer Battalion. Operated in I Corp along fire bases on DMZ, Khe Sahn, Fire Base Barbara and FSB Nancy. Honorably Discharged in October 1971
Class of 1966
Army, 3 Years
United Stated Army from 1968-1971. Boot Camp in El Pso, TX. AIT in Ft. Lee, Virginia. Viet Nam 1969-1970 with 14th Combat Engineer Battalion. Operated in I Corp along fire bases on DMZ, Khe Sahn, Fire Base Barbara and FSB Nancy. Honorably Discharged in October 1971
Charles E Bobbish
Class of 1966
Air Force, 5 Years
Graduated from the USAF Academy in 1970, with a BS in Computer Science. Assigned to Hanscom Field, Bedford, MA then to Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, CO. Served as a software engineer on the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex replacement program.
Class of 1966
Air Force, 5 Years
Graduated from the USAF Academy in 1970, with a BS in Computer Science. Assigned to Hanscom Field, Bedford, MA then to Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, CO. Served as a software engineer on the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex replacement program.
Cipriano Balles
Class of 1981
Air Force, 20+ Years
Security Forces for 21 years. Last assignment Lackland AFB as a Security Forces Instructor.
Class of 1981
Air Force, 20+ Years
Security Forces for 21 years. Last assignment Lackland AFB as a Security Forces Instructor.
Daniel Tijerina
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
B52 Crew Chief, Military Training Instructor, and Training Manager. Served from 1981 to 2007
Class of 1977
Air Force, 20+ Years
B52 Crew Chief, Military Training Instructor, and Training Manager. Served from 1981 to 2007
David Overstreet
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was in the Army from 1967-1969. I went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic training. I went to Fort Meade, Maryland for my generator/operator training but did not receive my training. I went to Chulai, Vietnam and was with 523rd Signal Battalion from Sept. 1968-Sept. 1969. Now I am retired from being a Electrician for over 40 years.
Class of 1966
Army, 2 Years
I was in the Army from 1967-1969. I went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic training. I went to Fort Meade, Maryland for my generator/operator training but did not receive my training. I went to Chulai, Vietnam and was with 523rd Signal Battalion from Sept. 1968-Sept. 1969. Now I am retired from being a Electrician for over 40 years.
Dennis Jamrozy
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
I proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.
Class of 1985
Air Force, 20+ Years
I proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.
Donald R Mackey
Class of 1973
Army, 20+ Years
Army Medical Corp; Stationed at Ft Carson, Co;Kitzagen, Germany; Ft Anderson, Ala; Ft Gordon, Georgia; Ft Hood, Tx; Kirshgoens, Germany; Camp Walker, Korea; Desert Storm 1 & 2
Class of 1973
Army, 20+ Years
Army Medical Corp; Stationed at Ft Carson, Co;Kitzagen, Germany; Ft Anderson, Ala; Ft Gordon, Georgia; Ft Hood, Tx; Kirshgoens, Germany; Camp Walker, Korea; Desert Storm 1 & 2
Edwsrd John Siordia
Class of 1986
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired as Senior Chief in U.S Navy after 27 yrs as a Flag Writer.
Stationed in Alameda California on the USS Enterprise , Lackland AFB, Yokosuka Japan on Blue Ridge, Okinawa Japan, Stuttgart Germany at EUCOM, Navsl Airstation Corpus Christi, Guantanamo Cuba, Stuttgart Germany AFRICOM, Lackland AFB.
Class of 1986
Navy, 20+ Years
Retired as Senior Chief in U.S Navy after 27 yrs as a Flag Writer.
Stationed in Alameda California on the USS Enterprise , Lackland AFB, Yokosuka Japan on Blue Ridge, Okinawa Japan, Stuttgart Germany at EUCOM, Navsl Airstation Corpus Christi, Guantanamo Cuba, Stuttgart Germany AFRICOM, Lackland AFB.
Gabriel Morin
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
68 W Combat Medic Fort Drum NY 10th Mountain division,
Class of 1993
Army, 4 Years
68 W Combat Medic Fort Drum NY 10th Mountain division,
Gerald Parker
Class of 1972
Army, 20+ Years
Served in US Army for 26 years retired as a Colonel in the Veterinary Corp. Servered as Commander of United Statre Army Research Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick Maryland. DVM degree from Texas A&M University 1977, PhD Balylor College of Medicine. Currently serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense at the Pentagon.
Class of 1972
Army, 20+ Years
Served in US Army for 26 years retired as a Colonel in the Veterinary Corp. Servered as Commander of United Statre Army Research Infectious Disease, Fort Detrick Maryland. DVM degree from Texas A&M University 1977, PhD Balylor College of Medicine. Currently serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense at the Pentagon.
GLEN WATSON
Class of 1972
Air Force, 6 Years
BASE SECURITY, HEAVY WEAPONS EXPERT, K-9 NCOIC. SERVED IN TURKEY,
ARKANSAS, KOREA, OKINAWA, KELLY AFB SECURITY SERVICE
Class of 1972
Air Force, 6 Years
BASE SECURITY, HEAVY WEAPONS EXPERT, K-9 NCOIC. SERVED IN TURKEY,
ARKANSAS, KOREA, OKINAWA, KELLY AFB SECURITY SERVICE
James Eckert
Class of 1966
Air Force, 26 Years
Spent 26 years in the Air Force and retired a CMSGT and retired to kentucky after service.
Class of 1966
Air Force, 26 Years
Spent 26 years in the Air Force and retired a CMSGT and retired to kentucky after service.
James Ory
Class of 1968
National Guard, 20+ Years
Served 4 years in the navy and 23 years in the Texas Air National Guard full time.
Class of 1968
National Guard, 20+ Years
Served 4 years in the navy and 23 years in the Texas Air National Guard full time.
Jason Sanchez
Class of 2001
Air Force, 3 Years
Combat Comm Officer and still proudly serving.
Class of 2001
Air Force, 3 Years
Combat Comm Officer and still proudly serving.
Jeannine (Janecek) Gatto
Class of 1975
Navy, 11 Years
Electronics Technician
2nd Class
100% Disability
Class of 1975
Navy, 11 Years
Electronics Technician
2nd Class
100% Disability
Jeffery White
Class of 1991
Army, 16 Years
Airborne, Air Assualt, CAB,CMB,EFMB,Cavalryman. Combat medical specialist. Iraqi War Veteran 4 tours, minor tours to africa, egypt, honduras, korea and still serving the country that I love today.
Class of 1991
Army, 16 Years
Airborne, Air Assualt, CAB,CMB,EFMB,Cavalryman. Combat medical specialist. Iraqi War Veteran 4 tours, minor tours to africa, egypt, honduras, korea and still serving the country that I love today.
Jerry Van Pelt
Class of 1966
Army, 20+ Years
Attended lab school, cytotech school and PA school - all at Ft. Sam. As a PA served with 2nd Armored Div, Ft. Hood, 2nd Inf Div, Korea and retired from 1st Cav Div, Ft. Hood, TX
Class of 1966
Army, 20+ Years
Attended lab school, cytotech school and PA school - all at Ft. Sam. As a PA served with 2nd Armored Div, Ft. Hood, 2nd Inf Div, Korea and retired from 1st Cav Div, Ft. Hood, TX
John Tijerina
Class of 1986
Army, 20+ Years
Retired after 27 years. Ranger, Airborne (Jumpmaster), Pathfinder, Air Assault, Expert Infantryman, Member of the Glen E. Morrell Order of Recruiting Excellence.
Class of 1986
Army, 20+ Years
Retired after 27 years. Ranger, Airborne (Jumpmaster), Pathfinder, Air Assault, Expert Infantryman, Member of the Glen E. Morrell Order of Recruiting Excellence.
keith giles
Class of 1984
Air Force, 12 Years
cable splicing and installation maintainance specailist responsible for the install of copper and fiber optic cable and its connectivity. testing and trouble shooting using test equiptment for copper and fiber optics
Class of 1984
Air Force, 12 Years
cable splicing and installation maintainance specailist responsible for the install of copper and fiber optic cable and its connectivity. testing and trouble shooting using test equiptment for copper and fiber optics
Kenneth Robert Hendrix
Class of 1961
Army, 20 Years
Germany, 1967-68; Vietnam, 1968-69; 25th DIVARTY, Cu Chi; Assistant Operations Officer/Artillery Aerial Observer/Civic Action Officer; 321st Ciivil Affairs Group, Ft. Sam Houston, 1969-86; Vietnamese Refugee Resettlement, 1975. Retired Lt Col
Class of 1961
Army, 20 Years
Germany, 1967-68; Vietnam, 1968-69; 25th DIVARTY, Cu Chi; Assistant Operations Officer/Artillery Aerial Observer/Civic Action Officer; 321st Ciivil Affairs Group, Ft. Sam Houston, 1969-86; Vietnamese Refugee Resettlement, 1975. Retired Lt Col
KEVIN WINTERS
Class of 1979
Air Force, 20+ Years
Satellite Communications Manager that traveled overseas to England, Spain, Germany, Korea. Also minor assignements in Turkey, Bosnia, and the Phillipines. Stateside assignements included Hill AFB, Utah, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma and Kelly AFB Texas.
Class of 1979
Air Force, 20+ Years
Satellite Communications Manager that traveled overseas to England, Spain, Germany, Korea. Also minor assignements in Turkey, Bosnia, and the Phillipines. Stateside assignements included Hill AFB, Utah, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma and Kelly AFB Texas.
Larry Maurice Denton
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Larry Denton is a native of San Antonio and while serving in the Corps of Cadet at Texas A & M University, received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He entered the Navy through the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program in October 1969. He was commissioned an Ensign in March 1970, and designated a Naval Aviator in March 1972.
Having completed Fleet Replacement Pilot Training for transition to the H 3 Seaking, During the Viet Nam War, Captain Denton reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC 1), Detachment One. Aboard aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga, in April 1973 he was a primary recovery pilot for the crew of the nation's first orbital space station, SKYLAB. http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/SL2/10076170.jpg
After cruising aboard USS Kitty Hawk and USS Oriskany, he was selected in 1975 for the Training and Administration of Reserves Program, and reported as a plank holder to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Nine (HC 9). In September 1976 he was ordered to Fort Smith, Arkansas as Commanding Office of the Naval Reserve Center, and concurrent Officer in Charge of the Naval Reserve Facility in Fayetteville. In 1978 he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
In September 1979 he reported aboard Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts as Program Manager of Helicopter Anti submarine Squadron Augment Unit 1197. After two years, he was reassigned to Helicopter Anti submarine Squadron Seventy Four (HS 74). In October 1984 Captain Denton was assigned as Stand up Officer in Charge of HS 75 to facilitate its move of the Reserve Forces Squadron from NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. In September 1985 he was made Officer in Charge of the Helicopter Anti Submarine Squadron One (HS 1) Fleet Replacement Squadron Augment Unit.
He then received orders and reported in January 1988 to the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Reserve Force as Director of Readiness Analysis and in April 1990 he was assigned as the systems analyst for Commander Naval Reserve Force for matters concerning the status of resources and training. During Desert Storm, he served as one of four Watch Captains in the mobilization and recall cell of the echelon II headquarters command. He is currently in receipt of orders to the Automated Data Processing Department for Commander, Naval Reserve Force, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
On 26 January 1991, Captain Denton assumed duties as Commanding Officer of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Readiness Center, Phoenix, having satellite centers in Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada which had over 2750 maritime personnel attached.
On 01 February 1994, he assumed the position of Strategic Director for Information Technology on the staff of the Commander, Naval Reserve Force. He helped establish the Naval Reserve Information Systems Command in 1995 which served 650,000 personnel and with a budget of $105,000,000. On 1 October 1996, Captain Denton returned to civilian life after serving over 26 years of active duty.
On 29 April 1997 he began his transition to private industry when he was hired by Electronic Data Systems to continue his Information Technology Career to oversee a major IT Infrastructure Upgrade Project. He transferred from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Houston, Texas in 1999 as a Regional Technical Delivery Manager. He was promoted numerous times. He has administered metrics reporting, business plan execution, and strived to further improve cohesiveness within his organization. He is continuing his technology career, and frequently serves as a consultant to other companies. He has also been directing CRM for global petrochemical community. He has also served in roles as Supply Chain Consultant, Enterprise Operations Excellence Executive, Integration Project and Program Manager at electronic portals, international technology service delivery companies, and done consulting to national defense agencies.
During his career, Larry has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medals and numerous unit and foreign awards earned as a result of service in Southeast and Southwest Asia. He has received special recognition from the President of the United States, the Chief of Naval Operations, the national headquarters of the United States Sea Cadets, the Governor of Arizona, Texas State Representatives, Mayor of Phoenix, Mayor of New Orleans, City Councilmen, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Navy League both national and local groups, and Explorer Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America. Larry Denton is married to the former Susan Gallimore. He has two adult children, Shannon Eric, and Jules Marie. His middle child, Brandon Lesley, predeceased him in 1995 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He and Susan also have four grandchildren.
Class of 1966
Navy, 20+ Years
Larry Denton is a native of San Antonio and while serving in the Corps of Cadet at Texas A & M University, received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He entered the Navy through the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program in October 1969. He was commissioned an Ensign in March 1970, and designated a Naval Aviator in March 1972.
Having completed Fleet Replacement Pilot Training for transition to the H 3 Seaking, During the Viet Nam War, Captain Denton reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC 1), Detachment One. Aboard aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga, in April 1973 he was a primary recovery pilot for the crew of the nation's first orbital space station, SKYLAB. http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/SL2/10076170.jpg
After cruising aboard USS Kitty Hawk and USS Oriskany, he was selected in 1975 for the Training and Administration of Reserves Program, and reported as a plank holder to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Nine (HC 9). In September 1976 he was ordered to Fort Smith, Arkansas as Commanding Office of the Naval Reserve Center, and concurrent Officer in Charge of the Naval Reserve Facility in Fayetteville. In 1978 he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
In September 1979 he reported aboard Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts as Program Manager of Helicopter Anti submarine Squadron Augment Unit 1197. After two years, he was reassigned to Helicopter Anti submarine Squadron Seventy Four (HS 74). In October 1984 Captain Denton was assigned as Stand up Officer in Charge of HS 75 to facilitate its move of the Reserve Forces Squadron from NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. In September 1985 he was made Officer in Charge of the Helicopter Anti Submarine Squadron One (HS 1) Fleet Replacement Squadron Augment Unit.
He then received orders and reported in January 1988 to the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Reserve Force as Director of Readiness Analysis and in April 1990 he was assigned as the systems analyst for Commander Naval Reserve Force for matters concerning the status of resources and training. During Desert Storm, he served as one of four Watch Captains in the mobilization and recall cell of the echelon II headquarters command. He is currently in receipt of orders to the Automated Data Processing Department for Commander, Naval Reserve Force, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
On 26 January 1991, Captain Denton assumed duties as Commanding Officer of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Readiness Center, Phoenix, having satellite centers in Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada which had over 2750 maritime personnel attached.
On 01 February 1994, he assumed the position of Strategic Director for Information Technology on the staff of the Commander, Naval Reserve Force. He helped establish the Naval Reserve Information Systems Command in 1995 which served 650,000 personnel and with a budget of $105,000,000. On 1 October 1996, Captain Denton returned to civilian life after serving over 26 years of active duty.
On 29 April 1997 he began his transition to private industry when he was hired by Electronic Data Systems to continue his Information Technology Career to oversee a major IT Infrastructure Upgrade Project. He transferred from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Houston, Texas in 1999 as a Regional Technical Delivery Manager. He was promoted numerous times. He has administered metrics reporting, business plan execution, and strived to further improve cohesiveness within his organization. He is continuing his technology career, and frequently serves as a consultant to other companies. He has also been directing CRM for global petrochemical community. He has also served in roles as Supply Chain Consultant, Enterprise Operations Excellence Executive, Integration Project and Program Manager at electronic portals, international technology service delivery companies, and done consulting to national defense agencies.
During his career, Larry has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medals and numerous unit and foreign awards earned as a result of service in Southeast and Southwest Asia. He has received special recognition from the President of the United States, the Chief of Naval Operations, the national headquarters of the United States Sea Cadets, the Governor of Arizona, Texas State Representatives, Mayor of Phoenix, Mayor of New Orleans, City Councilmen, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Navy League both national and local groups, and Explorer Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America. Larry Denton is married to the former Susan Gallimore. He has two adult children, Shannon Eric, and Jules Marie. His middle child, Brandon Lesley, predeceased him in 1995 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He and Susan also have four grandchildren.
Larry W. Johnson
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Was involved in the Jimmy Leland mission in Ethiopia.
Dessert Shield Veteran
Class of 1973
Air Force, 20+ Years
Was involved in the Jimmy Leland mission in Ethiopia.
Dessert Shield Veteran
Margaret Szalwinski Schmidt
Class of 1966
Army, 6 Years
Entered US Army Reserves in Nov 1973. Served
In personnel management for one year, at the same be admin asst as a civilian in the 90th USArmy Command. Then served as secretary assistant to 90th USAR Commander for a period before going on active duty with Fifth US Army in 1976 as Asst to the USAR Information Office for 1 yr, then after being promoted to E6 became SSG for personnel at SWRC AT FSH Ft Sam Houston, and handled the assimilation of USAR personnel for five state area to regular army rolls, with coordination of USArmy Recruiting Command in Illinois. After this project was completed I received a promotion to SFC/E7.After. I completed my term I left the USAR in may 1980 for a successful run as a realtor. I was so honored to be a part of the US army in reserves and active military, while being assigned basically to San Antonio for 6 1/2 yrs.
Class of 1966
Army, 6 Years
Entered US Army Reserves in Nov 1973. Served
In personnel management for one year, at the same be admin asst as a civilian in the 90th USArmy Command. Then served as secretary assistant to 90th USAR Commander for a period before going on active duty with Fifth US Army in 1976 as Asst to the USAR Information Office for 1 yr, then after being promoted to E6 became SSG for personnel at SWRC AT FSH Ft Sam Houston, and handled the assimilation of USAR personnel for five state area to regular army rolls, with coordination of USArmy Recruiting Command in Illinois. After this project was completed I received a promotion to SFC/E7.After. I completed my term I left the USAR in may 1980 for a successful run as a realtor. I was so honored to be a part of the US army in reserves and active military, while being assigned basically to San Antonio for 6 1/2 yrs.
Marie Greenstone (Hernandez)
Class of 1993
Air Force, 6 Years
Medical Service Specialist- 1993-1999 Kirtland AFB, NM
Class of 1993
Air Force, 6 Years
Medical Service Specialist- 1993-1999 Kirtland AFB, NM
Mark Almeida
Class of 1978
Air Force, 20+ Years
Active duty 1978-1994, Texas Air National Guard 2004-2009
Class of 1978
Air Force, 20+ Years
Active duty 1978-1994, Texas Air National Guard 2004-2009
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Highlands High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Owls.
School News
Class of 78 Alumnis 40th Class Reunion Meeting
We will be meeting Friday April 13 @ 8pm at the VFW Post 837, 4436 Valleyfield Dr., to discuss our 40th class reunion Oc...
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Our Highlands High School military alumni are some of the most outstanding people we know and this page recognizes them and everything they have done! Not everyone gets to come home for the holidays and we want our Highlands High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in San Antonio are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!