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 or at home—leaving legacies of service, resilience, and unwavering dedication. This Veterans Day, we honor their stories, each a testament to bravery, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of those who serve.
Samuel Boyd Patton – War of 1812 Veteran and Frontier Judge
Samuel Boyd Patton, a veteran of the War of 1812, carried his spirit of service from the battlefield to the Texas frontier. As a young man, he fought for America in the nation’s second war for independence, standing among the generation that helped secure the country’s place in the world. After his service, Patton looked west, eventually moving to Texas in 1837, where opportunity and hardship awaited in equal measure.
By the time Kendall County was officially formed in 1862, Patton had already established his homestead along Curry’s Creek. Three years later, in 1865, he was appointed the county’s second chief justice, helping organize a functioning local government in a region that was still raw frontier. His leadership, grounded in military discipline and civic responsibility, helped lay the foundations of law and order in the Hill Country.
Patton died on his ranch in 1869 and was buried beneath a large oak tree on his property—a fitting resting place for a man who helped lay the foundations of Kendall County. Today, a Texas historical marker near Boerne honors his legacy as a War of 1812 veteran who became one of Kendall County’s earliest leaders.
Joshua D. Brown – San Jacinto Veteran and Founder of Kerrville
Joshua D. Brown, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, carried the spirit of Texas independence into the frontier. After the war, he received a 640-acre land grant and moved to Kendall County, where he mastered the craft of making shingles from cypress trees along the Guadalupe River. This skill and determination eventually led him to establish the settlement that became Kerrville.
In 1846, Brown and a team of men scouted cypress along the Guadalupe and set up camp. Driven out by Apache attacks, they returned in 1848 to stay, forming a community first called Brownsborough. As settlers arrived, they built sawmills and farms along the river. When postal authorities proposed naming it “Brownsburg,” Brown humbly suggested “Kerrsville,” in honor of his friend and fellow San Jacinto veteran, James Kerr.
Through both service and settlement, Brown helped shape the Texas Hill Country. His story reflects the courage of a soldier and the vision of a founder whose legacy still endures in the heart of Kerrville.
George Wilkins Kendall – War Correspondent and Texas Pioneer
George Wilkins Kendall wasn’t a soldier, but he faced the battlefield with the courage of one of America’s first modern war correspondents. During the Mexican–American War in 1846, Kendall embedded with the Texas Rangers under Captain Ben McCulloch, riding alongside U.S. forces and reporting from the front lines at battles such as Monterrey. Even after being wounded at Chapultepec, he continued filing dispatches 214 in total, which earned him national recognition as the best-known journalist of the war.
After the fighting, Kendall brought his adventurous spirit to the Texas Hill Country, introducing sheep to the Boerne area and founding what would become Texas’s sheep-ranching industry. His flocks later supplied wool for Confederate uniforms and blankets during the Civil War, intertwining his contributions with the state’s history.
Kendall also traveled to Europe, where he met his wife and completed his influential book, The War between the United States and Mexico (1851). He spent his final years in Kendall County, passing away in 1867. His legacy endures in journalism, military reporting, and Texas agriculture, a testament to a man who faced danger to bring the story of war home.
Helwig Karl Ludwig Adolph Zoeller – Civil War Veteran and Community Leader
Helwig Karl Ludwig Adolph Zoeller, born in Darmstadt, Germany, on December 1, 1839, brought courage and leadership to Texas as a Civil War veteran. When the war broke out, Zoeller joined a German “loyal league” resisting Confederate conscription. Facing repeated clashes with authorities, he daringly escaped to Mexico and later enlisted in the Federal First Texas Volunteer Cavalry in New Orleans, serving as a captain and company commander. He saw action in southeastern Texas during the war’s final months.
After the war, Zoeller returned to Boerne, Kendall County, dedicating himself to public service. He was elected to the Twelfth Texas Legislature in 1870, represented a vast district, and later served as a brigadier general in the Texas State Guard during Reconstruction. By 1876, he was justice of the peace and, in 1878 founded the Boerne Turn Verein, a German social club that helped shape the community’s culture.
Zoeller died in 1909 and rests in Zoeller Cemetery. His story reflects the resilience of a soldier who fought for his beliefs and then built a stronger community in peacetime.
John Simpson “Jack” Howard – Rough Rider and Border Service Veteran
John Sampson “Jack” Howard, a native of Boerne, Texas, served with distinction as a member of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during the Spanish–American War. Born into an English immigrant family in Kendall County, Howard answered the call to arms in 1898 alongside two friends, joining the volunteer cavalry that became famous for its charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba. His courage and commitment reflected the adventurous spirit of a young American willing to serve on the front lines in a pivotal moment of U.S. history.
After returning home, Howard continued his dedication to public service as a U.S. Customs officer, helping secure the nation’s border during a turbulent period. Tragically, in 1913, he was killed while on duty along the Mexican border, marking a somber end to a life defined by bravery and service.
Howard’s story stands as a testament to the adventurous, risk-taking spirit of early American volunteers and the continuing commitment of veterans to serve their country beyond the battlefield. From the plains of Cuba to the Texas border, his legacy endures in the history of Kendall County and the nation he served.
Willie E. Adam – World War I Doughboy and Hill Country Neighbor
Willie Adam grew up under big Texas skies where the Guadalupe runs clear and cold. When the telegrams and headlines turned grim in 1918, he didn’t stall. He packed his kit and reported in Boerne, a quiet young man with steady hands and a sense of duty that didn’t need fanfare.
He was inducted on August 8 and sent to the 32nd Company, 8th Battalion, 164th Depot Brigade. Training was fast. Boots rubbed raw. Letters home stayed brief. By fall, he sailed for France as the guns began to fade. His work was the unglamorous kind that keeps an army moving. Move the men. Move the crates. Close the books on a hard war. He came back on February 26, 1919, processed out at Camp Travis on March 24, and looked for the familiar lines of the Hill Country again.
He married the girl he’d met at a Kendalia dance. He served on the Balcones School board. He kept his word and his tools in order. In Boerne Cemetery, his stone reads simply: Private. World War I. A neighbor who went when called and came home to build.
Pvt. Pedro “Pete” Vera – D-Day Veteran and Lifesaving Hero
At just 19, Pvt. Pedro “Pete” Vera demonstrated extraordinary courage on June 6, 1944, storming the beaches of Normandy as a U.S. Army ambulance driver. Amidst heavy enemy fire, he ferried wounded soldiers from the front lines, often navigating with American forces on one side and German troops on the other. His calm under pressure and unwavering dedication saved countless lives, exemplifying the bravery of the young men who faced D-Day head-on.
After Normandy, Vera continued transporting injured soldiers to hospitals across France, including Paris after its liberation, before returning to combat in northern France during the Battle of the Bulge, the final major German offensive on the Western Front. Enlisting in 1942 at age 20, he dedicated himself fully to the Allied cause, facing the horrors of war with courage and compassion.
Even decades later, Vera’s heroism is recognized internationally. In June 2025, at 103 years old, he was awarded France’s highest honor, the Légion d’Honneur, in a ceremony in Boerne celebrating his role in liberating France. Reflecting on his service, Vera said, “I just want people to realize war is ugly. I hope there are no more wars and people can resolve their differences peacefully.”
Vera’s life stands as a living testament to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for freedom, inspiring Boerne, Texas, and the nation.
Thomas Ed Davis – WWII and Korean War Veteran, Builder, and Boerne Icon
At 101 years old, Thomas Ed Davis of Boerne remains a testament to service, energy, and adventure. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Davis served his country in both World War II and the Korean War. After returning home from military service, he pursued education at the University of Texas and built a remarkable career as a builder, engineer, and rancher, leaving an enduring mark on Boerne through homes, commercial buildings, and even a church.
Davis’s contributions extend beyond construction. He has been a writer for the Boerne Star, sharing insights with his community, and made headlines in January 2025 when he renewed his driver’s license “mostly to see if I could,” he joked, symbolizing his lifelong vitality and adventurous spirit. His preferred ride, a classic Chevy pickup, reflects both practicality and enduring Texas character.
A devoted father of five, Davis exemplifies the values of family, service, and dedication throughout a long and active life. Whether through his military service, construction work, or community contributions, Thomas Ed Davis has left a lasting legacy in Boerne, inspiring current and future generations to live with courage, energy, and purpose.
Harry “Bud” Holzman – Vietnam and Gulf War Veteran, Geologist, and Problem Solver
Harry “Bud” Holzman has lived a life defined by courage, skill, and resilience. A Vietnam helicopter and fighter pilot, Holzman survived multiple crashes, sustaining bullet wounds and injuries yet continuing to fly missions, earning the grimly humorous nickname “Magnet Ass 13” because, in his words, “It seems like every mission I went on, they made a point to shoot me down.” He even served as President Nixon’s combat pilot in 1969. His bravery in the skies earned him multiple decorations, including two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star.
After Vietnam, Holzman earned a geology degree from Trinity University, blending his love of science with service. Decades later, in 2004, he returned to active duty as a U.S. Army counterintelligence chief analyst in Iraq. Stationed in Saddam Hussein’s Al Faw Palace, Holzman helped restore Iraq’s oilfields and electricity to millions while recommending judicial actions against Hussein’s regime, combining courage, expertise, and moral judgment under pressure.
Holzman’s career spans aviation, military intelligence, and geosciences, all marked by his calm under pressure and relentless problem-solving, inspiring those around him through a lifetime of service and dedication.
Steven Simon – Lifesaver in the Skies and Community Pillar
For 20 years, Steven Simon soared through the skies with the United States Air Force, turning high-stakes missions into opportunities to save lives. Starting as an Emergency Room Technician and Supervisor, Simon soon specialized in Aeromedical Evacuation aboard C-9A, C-141B, and C-130 aircraft, ferrying wounded soldiers to safety. His steady hands and calm under pressure saved countless lives, and as a Flight Instructor, he trained Flight Nurses, foreign medical teams, and fellow technicians for more than seven years.
Simon’s expertise extended to a Tri-Service training facility, where he prepared Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel for the unpredictable realities of war. Every lesson, every drill, reinforced his dedication: the right care, at the right moment, can be the difference between life and death.
Today, Simon continues his mission of service as the leader of his local American Legion Post, embodying the courage, skill, and compassion that defined his military career. For him, saving lives and giving back is more than a job, it’s a calling.
Kyle Stanbro – Combat Controller, Elite Operator, and Veteran Advocate
Kyle Stanbro’s journey began in the Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist, testing his endurance, marksmanship, and grit in the grueling Peacekeepers Challenge. But in 1987, he craved something greater: the crucible of Combat Control, one of the military’s toughest and most elite paths.
Combat Controllers are warriors and air traffic masters, parachuting, diving, and infiltrating behind enemy lines to guide aircraft in hostile territory. After nearly two years of punishing training, Stanbro earned his scarlet beret and joined the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, the Air Force’s Tier One unit, where he deployed alongside the world’s elite, executing missions that demanded courage, precision, and unshakable teamwork.
After retiring, Stanbro turned his energy to entrepreneurship, building multiple companies and taking one public—but his heart remained with veterans. Today, he helps others transition to civilian life, guiding them to leadership, business, and purpose, while enjoying life in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, with his wife Tracey. Service, for Stanbro, never ends—it evolves.
Grant Snyder – Veteran, Peacekeeper, and Leader
Grant Snyder devoted his military career to keeping people safe in some of the world’s most dangerous regions. As Deputy J-3 for Contingency Operations with NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) 7, he was responsible for planning every operation, anticipating what could go wrong, and ensuring his team returned home safely.
Snyder often went into the field himself, reconnoitering potentially hazardous areas to protect his soldiers. On one mission near the Serbian border, he and a Norwegian teammate encountered a trail marked with warnings of mines and unexploded ordnance. Moving slowly and deliberately, they retraced their steps, a tense exercise that tested both courage and precision.
Known for his calm under pressure and keen strategic mind, Snyder combined leadership, vigilance, and humanity in every mission. He made difficult decisions in uncertain situations, always putting the safety of others first. His service reflects a lifetime of dedication, courage, and responsibility—qualities that define not just a soldier, but a person committed to protecting others and fostering peace.
Eric Rose – Marine, Trainer, and Protector
Eric Rose served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to the Middle East to enforce no-fly zones and protect vital missions. His time in active duty placed him on the front lines of operations designed to safeguard civilians and maintain stability in dangerous regions.
Following his deployment, Rose brought his combat experience and tactical expertise to Naval Special Warfare Group, training SEAL teams in preparation for missions supporting the Global War on Terror. His guidance ensured elite operators were prepared for the most demanding and high-stakes assignments, blending technical skill, leadership, and real-world experience.
Throughout his career, Rose exemplified commitment, courage, and mentorship—qualities that strengthened both his fellow service members and the larger mission. From patrolling hostile skies to preparing the nation’s most elite forces, Eric Rose’s service reflects a lifetime devoted to protecting freedom and empowering others to do the same.
Master Sgt. Matthew Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient and Boerne Native
Boerne native Master Sgt. Matthew Williams stands as a symbol of courage and commitment. A Green Beret with the U.S. Army Special Forces, Williams distinguished himself during a harrowing mission in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley on April 6, 2008. Under heavy fire, he rallied Afghan commandos, repeatedly crossed open ground to reach wounded teammates, and carried multiple injured soldiers down steep, icy terrain to safety. His extraordinary bravery earned him the nation’s highest military award.
In October 2019, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by the President, formally recognizing his heroism that day. Despite the honor, he remains humble and continues to serve on active duty. Williams often returns to Boerne, where his story inspires both young and old. His example reminds the community that true service is defined by sacrifice, leadership, and steadfast dedication in the most difficult of circumstances.
Captain Juan “J.J.” Guerrero (Ret.) – Wounded Warrior and Community Leader
Captain Juan “J.J.” Guerrero embodies resilience and strength. An Army officer wounded during his second tour in Iraq in 2007, Guerrero’s life changed forever when an explosively formed penetrator blast gravely injured him, costing him both legs. Despite this life-altering sacrifice, he refused to be defined by loss.
Following his recovery and retirement, Guerrero returned to Boerne, where his perseverance became an inspiration to many. In June 2021, the Gary Sinise Foundation built him a specially designed smart home, allowing him to live independently with his family and continue his life with dignity and purpose.
Today, Guerrero remains an active presence in the Boerne community, demonstrating that service extends far beyond the battlefield. His journey from sacrifice to strength reflects the values of courage, perseverance, and love of family – qualities that leave a lasting mark on all who know him.
The stories of these veterans remind us that service comes in many forms: from combat and lifesaving missions to training the next generation and giving back to our communities. Their courage extends beyond the battlefield, shaping lives, industries, and the very places we call home. As we reflect this Veterans Day, may we carry forward their lessons of dedication, leadership, and compassion – and honor not just their sacrifices, but the example they set for us all.
More from The Kendall Gentleman: for more on the individual men behind that service, read Still Carrying the Load: General Leroy Sisco. And for a story about what that service means to the generations that come after, The Legacy of Service: Collins Martin carries it forward.
