Nacogdoches Hero Foundation honors fallen military, first responders at annual banquet

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - A Nacogdoches non-profit is recognizing fallen military and first responder heroes in their community as they work on its mission to lend a helping hand for those families left behind.

Thursday night at the Nacogdoches County Civic Center, nearly 700 people were in attendance at the second annual Nacogdoches Hero Foundation Banquet. Its mission is to help veterans and first responders in the area, especially in cases where someone is injured or killed on the job.

"We take care of them along with their families," said foundation founder Jason Bradford.

Among the evening's guests were state congressman Pete Sessions, member-elect for District 11 Joanne Shofner, and dozens of local leaders.

Bradford said one of the families they honored tonight was a medal of honor recipient from Vietnam, Oscar Austin.

"He jumped on a grenade, took the blast from that and then when the combatants were aiming at one of his fellow marines and then jumped on top of his fellow marine and took the impact of that shot which mortally killed him," said Bradford.

According to Bradford, the foundation raised $124,000 during the first year and provided assistance for six families this year.

"We've helped people with their bills. We're doing construction to people's homes," said Bradford.

Clint Singleton is the son of Terry Singleton. Terry lost his battle to cancer last year. He served as sergeant for the Nacogdoches Police Department for 19 years. The foundation provided financial assistance for funeral costs.

"It's good that we have a good community that supports our first responders. It makes me proud. It makes me know that the legacy that my dad left is safe, and it will be there for years to come," said Clint.