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The Temple Chamber of Commerce 35th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon presented by the American Legion Post #133 and H-E-B at the Mayborn Convention Center was Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Through this event, the Chamber brings the community together to honor those who have served, who are currently serving, and who will serve this country in the future. Since 2015, the Military Appreciation Luncheon has engaged local veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to attend as special guests. As an added part of the celebration, there is a procession led by police/fire department escorts from the William R. Courtney Texas Veterans Home to the Mayborn Center for participating veterans. The Chamber is a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner that assists a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam Veterans and their families. During the 2019, luncheon, the Chamber honored ten Vietnam Veterans. The annual celebration continued with the time-honored salute to the present with active-duty soldiers from Fort Hood (13th ESC and 1st Medical Brigade) and the 36th Sustainment Battalion, Texas Army National Guard, located in Temple. The event also engaged cadets from the JROTC programs of Temple and Belton High School. Texas Land Commissioner, George P. Bush gave a special presentation at this year’s event. Bush is a native Texan, who was elected Texas Land Commissioner on Nov. 4, 2014. As Commissioner, Bush works to ensure Texas veterans get the benefits they’ve earned, oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education and manages state lands to produce the oil and gas that is helping make America energy-independent. The 36th Infantry Division Heart of Texas Brass Quintet and Temple High School Polyfoniks performed patriotic music during the event.