Medal of Honor recipient to speak at Tarleton’s Military Ball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University’s Corps of Cadets salutes Vietnam veterans during its annual Military Ball, set for 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, in the Thompson Student Center Ballrooms in Stephenville.

The annual celebration, by invitation only, honors the achievements of the Tarleton Corps of Cadets and recognizes key donor support.

This year’s keynote speaker is Michael Thornton, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while participating in an operation against enemy forces during the Vietnam War.

Following a distinguished military career, Thornton has continued his support and involvement within the military community, often hearing of families in need of assistance and matching them with friends, family and corporate benefactors willing and able to help.

He has created a foundation to handle the growing number of assistance requests as well as a burgeoning volunteer network. The Michael E. Thornton Foundation educates people on the needs that exist and helps military families.

In concert with Tarleton’s salute to Vietnam veterans, the City of Stephenville hosts The Wall That Heals and remembers Vietnam era heroes during its Veteran’s Day events this weekend.

Attendance at the ball approaches 300 annually. Invitees include The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, elected officials, corporate and military friends of the university, The Tarleton Foundation, Inc., board of directors, Tarleton Alumni Association board of directors, university leadership, veterans service organizations, ROTC alumni, and cadets and their dates.

Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 13,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.

Contact: Phil Riddle, News and Information Specialist
817-484-4415
[email protected]

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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