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."
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