Story and Photos by Spc. Miguel Ruiz, 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, TXARNG
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Military Department inducted three retired veterans into the Hall of Honor, Oct. 27, 2019 at Camp Mabry.
Retired Maj. Gen. Joyce Stevens, retired Col. Timmy Hines and retired Chief Master Sgt. Kevin O’Gorman were recognized for their outstanding and exemplary service to the Texas Military Department during a formal ceremony.
Mrs. Timmy L. Hines receives an award from Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris on behalf of retired Col. Timmy L. Hines at the Texas Military Department's Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Camp Mabry October 27, 2019. Hines, a Vietnam War veteran, served more than 33 years in the military. Hines also championed equality throughout his career, recruiting the Texas National Guard’s first female aviator and promoted the growth of female aviators at the 149th Aviation Brigade’s flight school. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Miguel Ruiz)
Several senior members of the Texas Military Department, including Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, the Adjutant General of Texas, were in attendance.
“These individuals have records that are lengthy and remarkable,” said Norris during the ceremony. “They have spent their careers supporting their fellow service members and pushing the Texas Military Department forward into the future.”
Framed plaques, displaying a photo of each inductee along with a summary of his or her contributions to the Texas Military Department, were unveiled during the ceremony.
“I remember looking at the photos of the Hall of Honor inductees as a junior officer and, though I did not know them, I was inspired by the written accomplishments under each person’s photo,” said Stevens, former Texas Military Department assistant adjutant general. “I like to think that someday a junior leader will see my photo and be inspired to serve and lead our Soldiers well and faithfully.”
Stevens, who was the first female to reach the rank of brigadier general in the Texas Army National Guard in 2006, said that she recognized a responsibility for setting a competent and capable example of leadership to her Soldiers.
“With that promotion, came a knowledge that female Soldiers were looking up to me for inspiration,” said Stevens. “I would advise both female and male Soldiers who aspire to become senior leaders to learn the job you are in as well as the next job. Volunteer for hard work and boldly volunteer for leadership positions.”
The inductees' framed plaques and biographies are set to be permanently enshrined at the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry for future generations to admire.
Three National Guard veterans are presented awards during a Texas Military Department Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Camp Mabry October 27, 2019. The TMD's Hall of Honor is an exclusive membership made up of former Texas military service members who positively influenced and brought great credit upon TMD during their tenure of service. Since the HOH was established in 1980, over 100 former service members have had their stories and contributions to TMD displayed permanently in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Miguel Ruiz)
“To be remembered and recognized by leadership and my peers as someone that they feel made an impact in our force is a great honor,” said O’Gorman, the former state command chief master sergeant of the Texas Military Department.
The inductees will join over 100 Soldiers and Airmen who have been inducted into the Hall of Honor in the last 38 years.
“Each of these individuals has left a lasting impact on the Texas Military Department. Thank you for the job well done,” said Norris. “We all look forward to their continued service as a motivation for us to strive to be the best we can be, not only for ourselves, but for those that are following in our footsteps.”