Salute to Veterans

Of all the events our Chamber hosts, the Salute to Veterans luncheon event is the most heartfelt among our Members and gives us an opportunity to recognize men and women who serve or have served in our military. Our "Heart of Service" Award is given each year to one or more of the most honorable individuals. Many distinguished guests will be in attendance including Texas State Senator Dan Patrick, emcee of the event; State Representatives, Council Members and Representatives from the Texas Department of Veterans Affairs to name but a few. Please SAVE THE DATE - Friday, November 5th (fifth), 11-1:15pm, Omni Houston Westside.

Our keynote speaker will be Army Staff Sgt. Eric Maddox telling his compelling story of how he masterminded the search and capture of Saddam Hussein. Author of Mission Black List #1.

2010 Heart of Service Award recipients will include:

Bill Balleza, (Ret) United States Marine - Vietnam (KRPC Channel 2 News Anchor)
Major General (Ret) Bob Dees, United States Army – Korea (Military Ministry)
Gene Kranz- United States Air Force – Korea (retired NASA Flight Director)
Sgt. Eric Maddox- United States Army – Iraq

Highlights of the 2010 event will be:

Commemorative Air Force flyover
Nash 3 singing their hit song, "In God We Still Trust"
Book signing for those purchasing books from Sgt. Maddox
Presentation of colors by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
Playing each branch of service's song by the Lone Star Dixie Land Band
Possible satellite linkup to our troops in Iraq

An event of this magnitude which invites all Veterans to attend for free cannot be hosted without the support of our members and sponsors. Please consider attending, purchasing a seat for a Veteran, and/or sponsoring the event itself. Please see the sponsorship form below. All sponsors will be recognized for their contributions.

There may be other opportunities that you wish to propose that are not contained here and we are happy to discuss. To participate of make sponsorship suggestions, feel free to call Jeannie Bollinger personally at 713-785-4922 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also contributing to the event include Barbara Hayley, Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Salute to Veterans Event, as well as Dr. Butch Herod, Vice Chancellor of Houston Community College and Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee.