The Temple Chamber of Commerce hosted the 41st Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service on October 28, 2025, at the Mayborn Convention Center, presented by H-E-B Operation Appreciation and American Legion Post 133.

For more than four decades, this Temple Chamber tradition has united business and community leaders to honor the men and women whose courage, commitment, and service protect our freedoms and strengthen our community.

“This luncheon brings our community together, not just to share a meal, but to pause for a moment of gratitude—to look around the room and realize that we’re surrounded by people who run toward challenge, not away from it,” said Temple Chamber Board Chair Ken Reeves in his opening remarks.

The program featured keynote speaker Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.), a decorated Marine, actor, author, and one of Hollywood’s most respected military consultants. Dye inspired attendees with stories of resilience and leadership drawn from more than 20 years of service and a career shaping the authenticity of films such as Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.

While active-duty soldiers from Fort Hood were unable to attend due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Chamber President & CEO Whitney Theriot announced that the Chamber would deliver barbecue meals as a gesture of continued support. “Even when things pause at the federal level, gratitude in Temple does not,” she said.

The luncheon also included a special presentation of the Leadership Excellence Scholarship, established in partnership with American Legion Post 133 to recognize exceptional JROTC cadets who demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to service.

The first-ever recipients were Cadet Kenneth O’Bar of Temple High School and Cadet Dylan Domanowski of Belton High School. “Their dedication, discipline, and drive to serve remind us that leadership begins long before a title—it begins with character,” said Camryn Bintz, who presented the scholarship announcement with American Legion Post 133 Commander John Potts.

In closing, Theriot thanked the presenting sponsors and community partners whose continued support made the event possible. “No matter the circumstances, Temple shows up,” she said. “We come together, lift each other up, and carry forward the legacy of those who have served before us.”

For photos and highlights from the 41st Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service, visit templechamber.com/mfrs2025. 

October is National Manufacturing Month, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the grand opening of Willd Designs 3D Printing LLC, a veteran-owned 3D printing and manufacturing business founded by U.S. Army veteran Will Dalziel.

What began as Dalziel’s hobby with a small 3D printer has grown into a full-service additive manufacturing facility. Today, Willd Designs provides end-to-end solutions, from concept design and prototyping to 3D scanning, design engineering, and production. The teams also offers modeling and printer repair ensuring full support for inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses bringing ideas to life.

The facility features advanced equipment, including a large-format printer capable of producing parts more than 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and over 5 feet tall, opening doors for everything from custom prototypes to replacement parts.

Dalziel’s nearly 14 years of military service instilled the discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that now guide his work. His mission is simple: to pair precision with passion and ensure every client’s experience is exceptional.
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As Temple celebrates National Manufacturing Month, Willd Designs stands as a prime example of local innovation and excellence that drive the region’s economy. Where a veteran’s vision, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit intersected came a new business bringing advanced technology to Temple’s manufacturing base and helping shape the region’s future. 

The Temple Chamber of Commerce will host the 41st annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service, presented by H-E-B Operation Appreciation and the American Legion Post 133, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The event will take place from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

This longstanding tradition honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and community, including active-duty soldiers from Fort Hood, the Texas Army National Guard, veterans, and local first responders across Bell County.
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“The 41st Military & First Responder Salute is special to us for many reasons,” said Whitney Theriot, President and CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber’s support for the Military in Central Texas dates back to the 1930s, when our Defense Projects Committee, led by Frank W. Mayborn, helped establish Camp Hood, now Fort Hood, and the Olin E. Teague Veterans Center, now the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, in Temple.”

Today, the tradition continues as the Chamber unites the business community with gratitude and recognition.

This year’s program will feature an address from Dale Dye, a decorated Marine, actor, author, and one of Hollywood’s most respected military consultants.

A three-time Purple Heart recipient and Bronze Star with “V” for Valor honoree, Dye served more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including multiple combat tours in Vietnam and Beirut. After retiring, he transformed Hollywood’s approach to military storytelling by founding Warriors, Inc., providing training and authenticity for films such as Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Born on the Fourth of July, Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and many others.

Today, Dye is also a successful novelist, publisher, and motivational speaker who draws on his extraordinary career to inspire audiences with lessons of resilience, leadership, and service.

The Chamber extends appreciation to the presenting sponsors H-E-B Operation Appreciation and American Legion Post 133, as well as 3-Star General sponsors: McLane Group, City of Temple, and Meta; Colonel sponsors: Emerson Construction, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Johnson Brothers Ford, Amos Home Services, McLane Company, and Polar Texas Bottling; Lieutenant sponsors: Bell Contractors, Extraco Banks, Temple Generating Station, Walmart Distribution Center #6083; Sgt. Major sponsors: Oncor Electric Delivery, KPA Engineers, Atmos, SeAH Superalloy Technologies, Reynolds Consumer Products; and PFC sponsors: Primrose School of Temple.

Reserve your seat or sponsorship today at templechamber.com or call (254) 773-2105.