‘She deserves it’: Copperas Cove veteran honored by National VFW for going above and beyond for the community
COPPERAS COVE, Texas (KWTX) - Central Texas is full of veterans taking the time to give to their community.
Veterans just like Juanita Myres who was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas.
“I come from a middle-class family, both working parents,” said Myers. “My father worked for a rice mill on the north side, my mom had her own cleaning service, and she did home healthcare growing up.”
Myres chose her own path and joined the Army straight out of high school.
“I just wanted to be a superhero,” said Myers. “I know that sounds cliché and kind of weird but yeah, I wanted to be a real-life superhero and what better way to do that than join the military.”
Her time in service was cut short when Hurricane Rita destroyed her family home where her grandparents were taking care of her 2 young children while Myers was deployed.
She chose to leave the Army to raise her children and is now continuing to serve by serving her community.
“Juanita is a very selfless person,” said Teresa Christopher, fellow veteran and friend of Myers. “Very selfless I mean, she will literally give you the shirt off her back.”
Myers is now being recognized the National Veterans of Foreign Wars “Still Serving” campaign for going above and beyond for here fellow veterans and the community.
Willie Keller, the Commander of VFW Post 12209 where Myers is a member, said she deserves recognition and her humble belief that she doesn’t, says it all.
“Sometimes she figures well, I decided to raise my family instead of staying in the military,” said Keller. “You are still serving outside the uniform. You’re in a different uniform and that’s what Army retiree service has asked us to do. Continue to serve as she serves our service members today. So, I enjoy having her part of the 12209 village.”
Her reason for her decision to leave the military is the same inspiration she has to continue serving her community, her children.
“The best thing that I have ever done is raise you guys,” said Myers. “So, I know a lot times you guys tell me thank you but, I just want to say thank you to the 4 of you. Mommy loves you, I’m so proud of you, and I thank God for you guys every single day.”
Myres’ 2 adult children are now following in their mother’s footsteps and serving in the Army and Air Force.
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