Every year, the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and National Guard commissions and enlists thousands of men and women who serve America honorably. Days before our time, many American airmen, sailors and sol - diers made the ultimate sacrifice. Many others who survive must cope with different challenges as they grow older.
Marble Falls inde - pendent realtor Ruth Reed founded "Hidden Heroes" to help senior veterans continue to feel comfort, gratitude and respect. "We want to make sure every veteran gets recognized," Reed told The Highlander . "No matter how long ago they served, we don't want them to be forgotten." Recently during Vet - erans Day, Reed, friends, relatives and supporters gathered at the Gran - ite Mesa Health Center to confer the "Hidden Hero" medal and certif - icate upon Herbert Par - sons and Hugh Braddock, two veterans who live at the center. Spicewood resident Georgia Parsons stood by her father before and during the ceremony, part of the Veterans Day cele - bration held at the center.
"I feel great," Parsons said, smiling, while sit - ting, clearly at ease. Parsons is 102. He joined the Army during World War II. At one point during that tumul - tuous global conflict, he was part of the 720th Signal Aircraft Warning Unit.
