May 22, 2013

Weather

Fair

79°
Conditions at North Texas Regional Airport, TX
Save Email Print Bookmark and Share
A A
Reporter: Sara Humphrey Email

Wounded soldier honored at annual Johnston Co. Veteran's Day Ceremony

TISHOMINGO, OK - In honor of Veteran's Day on Sunday, Johnston County residents held a memorial. During the service a young Texoma man who lost both of his legs in war received a special dedication.

33-year-old Staff Sergeant Chaz Allen has been serving our country for nearly fifteen years.

"It's a great time," Allen said. "I joined the infantry, love it, wouldn't change it."

The Johnston County native said he joined the Army right out of high school, but in 2011 during a deployment to Afghanistan, he was badly injured by an IED. He lost both his legs.

During Sunday night's annual Veteran's Day celebration in Tishomingo, Allen was the guest of honor. State Representative Paul Roan and State Senator Frank Simpson presented him with sign symbolizing the renaming of State Highway 22. The stretch between Ravia and Tishomingo is now officially Staff Sergeant Chaz Allen Highway.

"I always say when you drive by one, it is a reminder that sacrifice they made," Rep. Roan said.

"I am a very humble man, very short with words," Allen said. "I don't speak a lot in public, but I do know how. I am just so overwhelmed by the people who showed up here to support the military service and the sacrifice that people have given."

Allen is currently active in the Army but plans to retire in January. He said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife and two daughters.

"I will reside back in Tennessee where my family is now," Allen said. "We will get a house built and I will just work on another side project."


Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus

In The Community

Idabel Main Street to Host Building Maintenance Workshop

Posted: 11:40 AM - (Idabel, Okla.) – For anyone interested in learning more about building preservation, Idabel Main Street will host “Historic Building Maintenance,” a workshop on the care and maintenance of the historic district, June 25th, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, at the Idabel Public Library. Read More

Sherman Public Library Summer Reading Club sign ups

Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More

Southeastern Spring Commencement set for May 11

Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More

Most Discussed Stories

powered by Disqus