Don't Miss Veterans Day Dedication Event!
Kerr County, Texas, has invited the public to attend a dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), when the county facility at 550 Earl Garrett Street will be officially named the Allie Burton Annex.
Allie Bowman Burton, Jr. was born on Earl Garrett Street in Kerrville and grew up to become a decorated United States military hero who served in multiple wars.
In addition to housing other county offices, the Earl Garrett Street building is home to the Kerr County Veterans Service Office, which has organized and is hosting this event.
Guests are asked to park across the street behind the Kerrville Police Department station. Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Kerrville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association volunteers.
“All military veterans, families and members of the public are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Col. Burton’s legacy,” said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez.
Expected to participate in the building dedication program and ribbon cutting are Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Kerr County Commissioner (Pct. 3) Jeff Holt, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., the Comfort High School JROTC Color Guard, and the Schreiner University Drum and Bugle Corp. among others.
Now 101 years old, Col. Burton is a proud Kerrville native whose remarkable life began on the very same street where a building will now bear his name. He is expected to speak during the program. His 28-year U.S. Air Force career stands as a testament to courage, service and dedication to his country, Sanchez noted.
A decorated pilot, Col. Burton served in both World War II and the Korean War, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during aerial combat.
Allie Bowman Burton Jr. (USAF, Ret.) is a Kerrville native who became a decorated pilot who served in multiple wars over his decades-long career that started in the United States Army and then continued in the United States Air Force. – Courtesy photo
After surviving nearly a year in harsh conditions as a prisoner during the Korean War, he continued a distinguished military career before eventually returning to become an active and respected community member in his hometown of Kerrville.
“His story embodies the very best of our veterans – strength, sacrifice and an enduring love for both country and community,” Sanchez added. “It is our privilege to dedicate this building in his honor, in the same town where his journey began more than a century ago.”