Choctaw Veteran Honored by Texoma Hero Program

SHERMAN, Texas – The Texoma Hero Program recognized Retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Bruce E. Jessie in a ceremony Jan. 31 at VFW Post 2772 in Sherman, Texas. Jessie is the commander of the Choctaw Nation Honor Guard.

The Texoma Hero Program was founded by Billy Teague, a veteran and host of the ceremony, and HOT 107.3 FM radio in 2015, to recognize local veterans for their military duty and continued community service. Recognition of those selected are held on the last Friday of each month. To date 138 veterans have been honored, said Teague.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., an Army veteran previously selected a Texoma Hero in 2021, noted Jessie’s 32-year-service in the military included tours of duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and in Korea, where he earned the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, among other decorations. He also was deployed to Fort Sill (near his birthplace of Frederick), Germany, and Panama.

Jessie offered a brief history of the Choctaw Honor Guard which started in 1998 with 18 original members. The group’s first official appearance was at the Trail of Tears Ceremonial Walk that May. As commander of the Honor Guard, Jessie oversees the tribal veterans who carry flags and perform gun salutes at funerals and memorials for Choctaw veterans, support communities in parades, post and retire colors during ceremonies, and lead the grand entry of the annual Choctaw Powwow.