Telling the stories of Kendall County men has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Each assignment reminds me of the strength, humility, and faith that define this community. Whether I am photographing a veteran, a public servant, or a neighbor who simply loves well, I see the character that holds this place … Read more
Across decades and battlefields, veterans have shaped the character of our nation and our communities. From the young men storming Normandy’s beaches to those navigating modern conflicts across the globe, their courage, sacrifice, and leadership inspire us all. In Kendall County and beyond, these men and women have answered the call, whether on foreign soil … Read more
Growing up in Brownfield, Texas, we didn’t exactly live in the middle of the fine dining capital of the world, but on special occasions, there was one place in nearby Lubbock that felt like we’d stepped right into something special—the 50 Yard Line. In West Texas terms, the 50 Yard Line was the perfect blend … Read more
TTB The acronym that sends shivers through distilleries everywhere is the dreaded Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau under the U.S. Department of the Treasury. No one likes mentioning TTB, but they oversee our industry. However, this TTB actually refers to the Taxes, Troops, and Barrel fight, which is better known as the Whiskey … Read more
Every November, we set aside a day to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. But for most of us, gratitude should not be something we circle on a calendar. It should be part of how we live. Both of my grandfathers were veterans, and three of my four grandparents worked … Read more
As a kid, you may have dreamed a lot about the great outdoors; things like snow-covered Rocky Mountain peaks, raging rivers, and giant wild animals. Your dreams and imagination could take you to places you have never seen before, but in your mind, it feels so familiar, having those thoughts of hiking to the summit … Read more
Published in 2011, the late John Eddie Vogt’s book, Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, brings to life the quirky, unforgettable, and entertaining tales of growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. Thanks to the gracious permission of his family, The Kendall Gentleman is honored to share excerpts … Read more
For Dr. David Wampler, the road to emergency medicine was never a straight one, but it is one he is grateful for every day. Raised in San Antonio, Wampler grew up loving the outdoors and serving others. As a Boy Scout, he developed an early fascination with first aid, lifesaving, and lifeguarding, skills that would … Read more
In the quiet corners of Boerne, Texas, where limestone buildings line Main Street and the Hill Country breeze carries echoes of history, one name endures as a symbol of sacrifice and patriotism: Private Bruno Phillip. Though his life was cut short on the battlefields of France during World War I, his legacy lives on in … Read more
We are all familiar with the phrase “A man’s word is his bond”. It means that a person’s word, their spoken promise, represents a sacred obligation. We trust them to keep it, and we see it as a binding commitment. The phrase embodies the timeless principles of integrity, trustworthiness, and reliability. By living into “Our Word” with … Read more