Veterans Appreciation Luncheon Presented by Houston Airports

If there is a veteran that you'd like to honor or memorialize please complete the Submission to Honor or Memorialize a Veteran

The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon is a heartfelt and dignified event that pays tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans. It serves as a reminder that their service and commitment are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten. By bringing the community together, this event creates a platform for unity, gratitude, and support for veterans as they continue their journey beyond the military. Join us in honoring our heroes at this year's Veterans Appreciation Luncheon and help make a difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.

VETERANS get admission free, you just have to register! 

Guest Speaker: Brigadier General Charles Schoening 

Brigadier General Charles Schoening enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard in 1989 and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1991 as an Engineer Officer. His military education includes Basic Combat Training, the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Engineer Officer Advanced Course, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Intermediate Level Education (CGSC), the Advanced Operations Warfighter Course, and the Contingency Engineer Manager’s Course. He graduated from the resident Senior Service College at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C. BG Schoening has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from Concordia University of Texas, a Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Management with Honors from American Military University.

BG Schoening’s key military assignments include:  Action Officer at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Washington, D.C. in support of Operation Noble Eagle; Deputy Commander for the 136^th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; Division Engineer for the 36^th Infantry Division; Commander of the 72^nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion; Deputy Commander for the 176^th Engineer Brigade; and Commander for the Training Center Garrison Command for Texas.  BG Schoening assumed command of the 176^th Engineer Brigade in April 2016. He led the Brigade Headquarters during a one-year mobilization and deployment to the Middle East in support of Operations Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. He has previously deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. BG Schoening’s final assignment was Commander of the 71^st Troop Command.

BG Schoening’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (2), the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Army Commendation Medal (4) , the Army Achievement Medal (3), the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M and gold hourglass device, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Army Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Combat Action Badge.  BG Schoening is also the recipient of the Texas Superior Service Medal, the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver deFleury Medal from the Army Engineer Association, the Franklin Award from the US Department of State, and the Medal of Honor for Heroism from the Water Environment Association of Texas.

BG Schoening is employed by the engineering consulting firm ARCADIS, where he serves as Vice President and Director of Texas Operations. He has been married to his wife, Kay, for 42 years.  They have three daughters and seven grandchildren.