STEPHENVILLE, Texas — “Voices of Service: A Tribute to Veterans” will honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces through an evening of music, storytelling and remembrance Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Tarleton State University’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center. The community is invited to attend, with a public reception beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by the tribute program at 7:30 p.m.
The evening will feature performances by the Tarleton State Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Troy Robertson, and the Tarleton State Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Robinson. They will be joined by the Gilbert Intermediate School and Henderson Junior High School choirs, directed by Ashley Westbrook, and the Stephenville High School choir, directed by Arielle Sword. Throughout the program, excerpts from veteran oral histories will connect the music to the personal experiences of those who served, bringing individual voices and lived experiences to the center of the evening.
The tribute is hosted by the university’s Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives, in collaboration with Dr. Eliel Hinojosa Jr., director of Voices of Service, reflecting the division’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships, fostering meaningful connections and creating educational opportunities that bring people together. Through the Voices of Service: Erath County Veterans Legacy Project, the division and Dr. Hinojosa work to connect veterans, students, families and community members while preserving the firsthand experiences of those who have served. Together, these efforts ensure veterans’ stories remain an important part of the region’s shared history and create opportunities for future generations to learn from their experiences.
“Veterans are an important part of the fabric of our university and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Sherri Benn, Vice President for Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives at Tarleton State. “Through partnerships like this, we can recognize their contributions while creating meaningful connections among veterans, our students, and the broader community. Preserving these stories is about more than remembering the past; it is about helping future generations understand the experiences, sacrifices, and values that continue to shape our communities today.”
Building on the success of the 2025 tribute, this year’s event continues the oral history initiative dedicated to documenting and preserving the experiences of local veterans.
“Every veteran has a story worth hearing, and every story deserves to be remembered,” said Dr. Crystal Martinez Smith, Assistant Vice President for Global and Community Connections. “Through Voices of Service, we have the opportunity to preserve the experiences of those who served, honor their sacrifices, and ensure that future generations understand the people and personal histories behind the service. This initiative is about giving veterans a voice, strengthening our community, and making sure their stories are never forgotten.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.