The Central Texas Veterans Memorial Association held its annual Memorial Day ceremony today at Veterans Memorial Park. Memorial Day is a national holiday set aside to honor all military men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today’s ceremony did that, and specifically honored Brigadier General Stephen D. Korenek, and all military families.
The Keynote Address was given by Navy Commander Chaplain Jim Looby. “We need to stand for that which is right and good. And we honor our local heroes with that regard. Some were wounded. Some died. Some achieved great recognition. But they all served in one capacity or another when our nation called. When our nation called, they answered that call. They raised their hands in oath. They raised their hands in testimony, and they marched forward to their destiny. We honor them today, on this Memorial Day 2023. And we give thanks.”
A plaque was dedicated to Brigadier General Stephen D. Korenek. Korenek served in the U.S. Army for 35 years, including service in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger. His remarks were brief and humble. Rather than talk about himself, Korenek talked about the men and women he served with. “Those of you who have served, know that an officer has to love servicemen. If he doesn’t, then he doesn’t deserve the uniform. I think I do, and have, and I dearly loved soldiers. I didn’t love the job always, but I loved the people that I served with. So your presence today humbles me, and I really appreciate your being here. And thank you for being here.”
Another plaque was dedicated today in honor of military families and spouses. Cal Gray, Chaplain of American Legion Post 196, gave the remarks. “It’s true that we honor our military service people, as it should be, because they have served, and are serving. But we very seldom ever talk about the families… We need to honor our military families for what they did while we were gone. They held down the fort, and they kept our families going. So I think we need to honor them today.”
Harold Stieber, President of the Central Texas Veterans Memorial, presented four Patriotic Awards to four businesses and organizations that fly the U.S. Flag every day. This year’s recipients were: Chick-Fil-A, Kohler Company, 3M Manufacturing, and the Brownwood Senior Citizens Center.
Below is the text of each plaque dedicated today.
BRIGADIER GENERAL STEPHEN D. KORENEK
Brigadier General (BG) Stephen D. Korenek was born on 7 September 1946. He began his 35 year Army career as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Texas A & M University on 25 May 1968. He was commissioned an Infantry Second Lieutenant and completed Infantry Officer’s Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed the course on the Commandant’s List and was chosen for Army Ranger School, a nine week intensive tactics and leadership course. His first assignment was 5th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood. He completed Airborne School on his way to Vietnam. As an Airborne Ranger, he was assigned as the Operations Officer for Company P, 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, I Corps, near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Vietnam. As the only officer besides the Company Commander, he ran the Critical Tactical Operations Center. As Command and Control Officer, he coordinated the Unit’s Six Man Team, Five Day Reconnaissance/Combat Patrols, Helicopter Insertions and Extractions, Artillery Fire, Helicopter Gunships’ Suppressive Fire, and Air Force Close Air Support against North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regulars from across the DMZ on patrol. He was an Equal Team Member. Captain Korenek was released from Active Duty in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1975. He joined the Alaska Army National Guard serving in Command and Staff Billets from Company through Brigade. He was promoted to Brigadier General to command the 207th Infantry Brigade, Scout. Following successful command, Brigadier General Korenek was then appointed by the Alaska Governor to be the Commanding General of the Alaska Army National Guard. Brigadier General Korenek’s awards and decorations include Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal, Airborne Badge, Ranger Tab, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit, Army Achievement Medal (7), Army Commendation Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), and numerous Reserve Component and Alaska National Guard Awards. He retired on 10 January 2003. He and his wife Becky live in Brownwood. Their four daughters include an Army Combat Veteran and an Army Reserve Veteran.
MILITARY FAMILIES AND SPOUSES
We honor military families and spouses of all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. All military families and spouses have the recurring nightmare of the dreaded Military Vehicle driving to their door with the Chaplain to inform them of their loved one’s death. The support and love of families and spouses are crucial to give the deployed the strength, courage, morale, and fortitude to complete their mission and deployment. The sacrifices of all Military members, along with their families and spouses, to answer the call of duty, is what makes this country great! Families and spouses make very significant personal sacrifices during their loved one’s military service in support of their country. Families stand by their side throughout all of the challenges of Military life and continue to support them as they navigate challenges of Veteran life. The service that we thank our Veterans for is made possible by their family member’s stability, resilience, and sacrifice. Families continue to serve when their loved ones leave Military service, providing Veterans daily emotional, social, and personal support. Military spouses “hold down the fort,” become single parents, and maintain family stability frequently on meager salaries. Before we had needed gender equality in the military, this poem was written during World War II to honor Military families and Wives:
You wear no uniforms, no blues or Army greens.
But you are in the Military in the ranks that are rarely seen.
You have no rank upon your shoulders.
Salutes you do not give.
But the Military world is the place in which you live.
You are not in the chain of command.
Orders you do not get,
But your husband does this, you cannot forget.
You are not the one who fires the weapon,
Who puts your life on the line,
But your job is just as tough… You are the one that is left behind.
Your husband is a Patriot, a brave and pride filled man,
And the calls to serve our country, not all will understand.
Behind the lines you see the things that are needed to keep this country free.
Your husband makes the sacrifice, but so do you and your family.
You love the man you married, soldiering is his life.
You stand among the silent ranks known as Military Wives!