Every hometown has its heroes. Some are remembered in history books, while others are the neighbors, parents, grandparents, friends, and loved ones whose stories deserve to be told.

On Saturday, November 14 at 9 a.m., the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Katy, will host the second annual Hometown Heroes banner unveiling ceremony, recognizing twelve additional men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The commemoration will be held at the VFW Hall, located at 6202 George Bush Drive in Katy. VFW Post 9182 and American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Katy Post 164 will assist, including Honor Guard participation,

The dedication is free and open to the public. Guests will begin the morning inside the VFW Hall, enjoying coffee and light breakfast refreshments sponsored by Cowboy Coast Coffee. Following a brief presentation recognizing the significance of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program and this year’s honorees, attendees will walk together along historic George Bush Drive to view the twelve newly installed banners and pay tribute to the individuals they represent. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes for the banner walk.

With the addition of this year’s honorees, the program will have recognized 24 Hometown Heroes over its first two years, establishing a growing tradition of gratitude, remembrance, and community pride. New honorees include:

· Private First Class Richard Barker, U.S. Air Corp, World War II

· Airman FC Adam Moreno, U.S. Air Force, global war on terror

· Sr. Airman Vincent Moreno, U.S. Air Force, World War II

· Seaman Apprentice William Hastings, Vietnam conflict

· Specialist Dionne Horton, U.S. Army, global war on terror

· Private First Class Josiah Barnhardt, U.S. Army, global war on terror

· Sergeant Alan Richards, U.S. Army, global war on terror

· St. Sergeant Daniel Morrissey, U.S. Army, global war on terror

· Spec t Newell Cheatham, U.S. Army, Vietnam conflict

· A2C Mack Travers, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam conflict

· Master Sergeant Christopher Clee, cold war

· Master Sergeant E-7 Davis McClain, U.S. Air Force, global war on terror

Displayed along historic George Bush Drive in the heart of Old Katy, the banners feature the photographs, names, and branches of military service of local heroes. Each banner represents more than

a name or photograph. It tells the story of someone who answered the call to serve and reminds the community of the sacrifices that have helped preserve our nation’s freedoms.

The program was brought to the area by Adrienne Davitz, Vice President of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, with a vision of creating a lasting tribute to military service while connecting Katy’s rich history with the generations who continue to shape its future.

“I am incredibly honored to have brought the Hometown Heroes Banner Program to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, and seeing it return for a second year is especially meaningful,” said Davitz. “Katy has such a rich history and a deep sense of patriotism. I wanted to create something that would allow us to recognize the men and women whose service has shaped not only our country, but our own community. These aren’t just names on banners. They are someone’s father, mother, grandparent, spouse, neighbor, or friend. Every one of them has a story worth remembering.”

For Davitz, the partnership with the City of Katy is central to the program’s success.

“What makes this program so special is the collaboration between the Chamber and the City of Katy,” she said. “To see these heroes honored along George Bush Drive, in the heart of a community so deeply rooted in history and tradition, is something I am truly proud of. My hope is that families will walk this street, see these faces, share their stories, and remember that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost. These heroes deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.”

The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is not a one-time tribute. It is an ongoing initiative designed to recognize additional military heroes each year, ensuring that more stories of service and sacrifice are shared with the community. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce continues to welcome nominations of deserving veterans and military service members and is seeking individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring banners.

Of particular importance is the opportunity to sponsor banners for heroes whose families may not have the financial resources to cover the associated costs.

“We never want the cost of a banner to be the reason a deserving hero goes unrecognized,” Davitz said. “Every veteran has a story worth telling, regardless of their family’s ability to financially support a banner. My hope is that our business community, civic organizations, and residents will embrace this program by sponsoring heroes they may have never even met. What a beautiful way to say thank you to someone who gave so much for all of us.”

Sponsorships help cover the design, printing, and installation of banners, making it possible for the program to continue honoring additional heroes in the years ahead. NBD Graphics serves as the program’s printing partner, helping transform the photographs and names of local heroes into the commemorative banners displayed along George Bush Drive. ER Katy previously provided financial support for the program, contributing to its development and growth.

Whether nominating a loved one, sponsoring a banner in memory of a veteran, or contributing toward the recognition of someone whose family cannot afford the expense, community members have an opportunity to become part of this lasting tribute.

As part of the program’s annual rotation, the twelve banners displayed during the inaugural year have been removed and replaced with twelve new Hometown Heroes for 2026.

Importantly, the original banners will not be discarded. They will be carefully preserved for future displays, commemorative ceremonies, and other community opportunities, allowing the stories of previously recognized heroes to remain part of Katy’s ongoing tribute to military service.

“One of the most important things to me is that these banners are not simply taken down and forgotten,” said Davitz. “When a banner’s time along George Bush Drive comes to an end, that hero’s story doesn’t end with it. We want these banners to remain part of Katy’s story and to continue honoring these individuals for generations to come.”

The annual rotation creates opportunities for additional veterans and service members to be recognized while preserving the legacy of those honored in previous years. As nominations and sponsorships continue, the Hometown Heroes Banner Program will build a growing collection of tributes representing the generations of military service woven into Katy’s history.

The Chamber also encourages residents to nominate additional military heroes, support the program through banner sponsorships, and help ensure that financial circumstances never prevent a deserving individual from being honored.

To nominate a Hometown Hero, sponsor a banner for a deserving veteran, or learn more about supporting the program, visit www.katychamber.com or contact the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.