Contact Our Team
Find Your Community 1952812B-4B04-4F26-B0D2-242933E81916
 
CFEF Salute to Our Heroes Gala Punctuated by Shilo Harris
Non-Profit
Photo Credit: David Postma, Genesis Photography

CFEF Salute to Our Heroes Gala Punctuated by Shilo Harris

November 01 2023

The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation honored our military and first responders at our 15th annual Salute to Our Heroes Gala on October 21 at the Hyatt Regency Houston West. The gala is one of five fundraising events the Foundation hosts each year to raise money for scholarships for graduating students from Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

HCA Houston Healthcare - North Cypress has been underwriting this event since 2018, along with other long time supporters of this event to celebrate the men and women who serve to protect our freedoms and liberty.

The evening began with Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem. The event also included the Missing Man Ceremony and TAPS to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Cypress Creek AFJROTC, and Houston Brass Quintet performed these honors.

Guest speaker U.S. Army (Ret) SSG Shilo Harris punctuated the evening. A Purple Heart recipient, Harris shared his journey from suffering life-changing injuries, including losing is ears, part of his nose, some fingers and over a third of the skin on his body in an IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) explosion, to finding a way to continue fulfilling his desire to serve and protect the American people. Harris promotes post-traumatic growth in civilians, veterans, and active-duty troops across the country through his inspirational talks and memoir “Steel Will: My Journey Through Hell to Become the Man I was Meant to Be.” His has been a journey of faith, determination, and love of life.

Guest speaker SSG Shilo Harris, U.S. Army (Ret)
 

Salute to Our Heroes has awarded the 1st Lieutenant Jeremy Ray Community Service and Peace Award for the past 14 years. The award is given to a community member, organization or company which best personifies community service, service to our armed forces and/or promotes peace.

The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation was proud to award this year’s recipient, Dr. Mark Henry. Dr. Henry has dedicated his career to making life better for students, staff, and the Cy-Fair community.

Teresa Hull (Left) Justin Ray (center) and Dr. Mark Henry (right) with the 1st Lieutenant Jeremy Ray Community Service and Peace Award.
 
Dr. Henry established the Superintendent Fun Run, which has raised $1MM for the Cy- Fair Educational Foundation. Dr. Henry was also instrumental in increasing the Foundations Donate to Educate program by more than 80%. Funds raised from both initiatives benefit the students of CFISD, which will have a lasting effect on the community. 
 

Source: CFEF (Photo Credits: David Postma, Genesis Photography)



Find out more about Sield-Bearer Counseling

LATEST WEST HOUSTON / CYPRESS NEWS

Subscribe to Your
West Houston / Cypress
Newsletter

Stay current on local news and events with periodic emails sent straight to you!

Select Your Region/Community