By Noelle Bellow

Eight local veterans were honored Thursday morning, after their friends and family nominated them for a special award.

The District 17 Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony was held at American Legion Post 159.

The honorees were a mix of veterans who served in the Army, Marines and Air Force, who fought during World War Two, the Vietnam and Iraq wars.

But they weren't just being honored for their service to our country. As Congressman Bill Flores noted, its their post military work in their local communities that continues to make a difference.

"They've already served our country in such a meaningful way, that community service is such a natural bolt on it if you will," said Flores.

"I unload the truck down at the church pantry on Thursday morning, I unload the food bank truck on Tuesday morning," explained honoree David P. Marion. "As soon as we get through with our deliveries to the nursing home, I'm back up on the bell ringing for the Salvation Army."

Congressman Flores has been giving out these awards since 2012.

Here is a list of the award winners:

Sergeant First Class Rudy G. Cortez of Bryan 
Sergeant Franklin Joe Karasek, Jr. of Caldwell 
Chief Master Sergeant Frank J. Kocman, Jr. of Bryan 
Captain J.D. Langley of College Station
Master Sergeant James D. McDonald of Bryan 
Captain David P. Marion of College Station
Captain Rodulphe L. Peltier of College Station 
Specialist Jason Paul Rhodes

To read full article click here