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The Eagle: Two Bryan veterans receive honors during ceremonyBy Elizabeth Kamenicky Staff Sgt. George Alfred Myrick and Gary Mancil Banta, past commander of the American Legion Post 159, accepted their honors during a ceremony at the Earl Graham Post 159 in Bryan in the presence of family and friends. Established in 2012, the award recognizes veterans of the 17th Congressional District who have served their country in the military -- and later their community -- honorably. Recipients are nominated by members in the community. "It is an honor to once again pay tribute to those veterans who have served their country well and then came home and made meaningful contributions to their community," Flores said. Myrick, 93, was 18 when he joined the Army Air Force as an airplane mechanic. Originally from Houston, the World War II veteran spent three and a half years in the military and later moved to Bryan in the 1990s. Marilyn Moore, Myrick's daughter, said she nominated him for the award based on his time in the military and his community service in helping the less fortunate. "He always stepped up to the plate," Moore said. "Whether it was paying somebody's rent or utility bill or buying groceries for them. He always thinks there's someone more deserving than him." Banta, a member of the Army's 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War, said he had no idea he had been nominated and found out via a local television station. He said he assumed his wife nominated him, and is honored to receive the award. "There are probably a lot of other veterans that deserve it more than I do," Banta said, "but I appreciate it." Banta serves on the executive committee as past commander of Post 159 and volunteers often throughout the community. His work includes delivering for Meals on Wheels, a program that provides meals to disabled or elderly citizens in the Brazos Valley, and driving the Veterans Affairs van to take fellow veterans to the hospital for their appointments. Flores presented each recipient with a commendation medal coin, a folded flag that had flown over the capitol and an official commendation certificate from the House of Representatives. Myrick, who was notified of his nomination in a letter around Veterans' Day, said he is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the event. "I feel pretty good," Myrick said. "I don't know what it is all about, all the commotion, but I'll accept it the best I can." |
