Honoring Service and Legacy: Temple Chamber Hosts 41st Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service

Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.) addresses the 41st Military & First Responders Salute to Service

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.