Texas A&M’s 20,000 World War II Heroes Honored in Emotional Luncheon

In a revelation to many attending the Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) Guardian of the Human Spirit Award luncheon, it was noted that 20,229 Texas A&M University Aggies joined the battle in World War II with seven receiving Congressional Medals of Honor.

With that courageous commitment in mind as well as the values of leadership, service and integrity traditionally honored by the Corps of Cadets, the corps and the Aggie liberators of World War II were recipients of the Guardian of the Human Spirit Award, presented at the luncheon held at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The award was accepted by Commandant Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez, Jr.

There could not have been a more stirring start to the fundraiser than this one which saw 70 members of the Corps of Cadets make the flag presentation and escort Holocaust survivors to their tables. In addition, members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the university’s Century Singers entertained with traditional marching music and tunes from the 1940s.

Close to 1,000 joined the fundraiser that brought in $652,500 which will help fund HMH operations as well as educational and outreach programs.

In keeping with the theme of the day, keynote speaker was Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense and former Texas A&M president, who was interviewed conversation-style by Porter S. Garner III, president and CEO of the A&M Association of Former Students.

PaperCity joined HMH as media sponsor of the gathering chaired by Nancy and Arthur Brand, Sam and Barney Gershen and Lorraine and Ed Wulfe. Notables included honorary chairs Neil Bush, former A&M chancellor John Sharp and Mayor Sylvester Turner and host committee chairs Jennifer and David Stockel. As is tradition with this momentous event, the turnout represented Houston leadership from the arenas of business, politics, and society and present were a host of judges, members of the consular corps, and Harris County Commissioners.

PC Seen: HMH board chair Benjamin Warren and Joy Warren, HMH CEO Kelly Zúñiga and Luis Zúñiga, Barbara Hines, Tali and Eric Blumrosen, Fred Zeidman, Nancy and Jack Dinerstein, Irene and Lupa Fraga, Laurie and Dr. Milton Boniuk, Brad Deutser, Mindy and Steve Finger, Mady and Ken Kades, Gail and Dr. Milton Klein, Regina Rogers, Shirley and Bill Morgan, Rhona and Bruce Caress, Cheryl and Stephen Golum, Rhonda and Michael Cokinos, and Arthur Schechter.