BetterMENt: The Art of Saying HOWDY

Frank Addington, Jr Texas is known as a friendly state.  In our early days when folks lived out on ranches, town was where people came to get supplies,  do a little dancing and visit neighbors at a dance hall on Saturday night and attend Church on Sunday.   Technology and screens have changed our lives … Read more

Never, Ever Give Up: The Man Who Dug Deep and Saved Texas Water

Donny May leans against a barn wall at sunset on his Bergheim ranch, reflecting strength, humility, and faith.

If you drive east of Boerne, where the land begins to rise and the trees crowd closer to the road, you’ll see a stretch of fence that tells you exactly who lives there. Simple white signs with bold red letters, speaking the kind of truths that make people honk, grin, and nod their heads. They … Read more

Spirit Review: The Whiskey Rebellion

Painting of President George Washington on horseback leading troops during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, symbolizing America’s early struggle for order and liberty.

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

Find the Butavan

A warm muffin on a plate beside a cup of coffee, representing Coach Stan Leech’s story “Find the Butavan” about faith, humor, and life’s small blessings.

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

Outdoors: Behold, Yellowstone Park

Storm clouds over Yellowstone National Park with trees and open plains beneath a dramatic sky.

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

Service and Science: Dr. David Wampler

Dr. David Wampler, licensed paramedic and educator, photographed in uniform representing Hope for Heroes Texas.

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

BetterMENt: The Power of Our Word

Two men in suits shaking hands, symbolizing integrity, trust, and the strength of keeping one’s word.

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

Service and Calling: Officer David Chavez

Portrait of Officer David Chavez in uniform, featured in the Hope for Heroes article.

For Officer David Chavez, law enforcement was never just a job. From his earliest days hunting with his uncles to a family friend in uniform who treated him like a son, the seeds of service were planted early. He first pursued his dream of becoming a Texas Game Warden, serving in that role for 15 … Read more

Brewing Bold Faith in Boerne: The Casey Barker Story

Casey Barker in a cowboy hat, seated at a table with an open Bible and candle, hands clasped in quiet reflection.

In the heart of Kendall County, Texas, where the Hill Country’s rugged beauty meets the warmth of community, a simple coffee shop stands as a testament to faith’s transformative power. Barker and Wortman Coffee is more than a place for a morning brew; it’s a sanctuary where an eight-foot cross looms on the wall, a … Read more

Ride for the Brand: Cody Davenport’s Mission of Legacy and Loyalty

Cody Davenport leans casually on a fence, smiling with a cowboy hat in hand and dressed in denim.

Cody Davenport isn’t the kind of CEO who spends his days behind a desk, distant from the work that drives the heart of his organization. Instead, the leader of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a hands-on, boots-in-the-dirt Texan who can often be found alongside volunteers, loading livestock, or training with his staff … Read more