Central Texas — A Central Texas woman is being honored by Governor Gregg Abbott for all she does for our community, as the latest recipient of the prestigious Yellow Rose of Texas Award.
Trisha Stutz is a military spouse and mother of four, busy is her middle name but she always seems to find a way to serve.
"I just really love being a part of something bigger than myself," said Stutz.
Over the past two years Stutz has racked up over two thousand community service hours with a focus on PTSD and helping veterans and military families. For that reason it comes as no surprise that Governor Abbott is recognizing Stutz's accomplishments, but it was a surprise to Stutz.
On Friday Stutz thought she was attending a friends award ceremony when Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra asked Stutz to step forward and presented her with the Yellow Rose of Texas Award.
"We appreciate everything she does for our community. That's what makes the community great, it's citizens like her and especially military spouses," said Segarra.
Stutz's good friend Mindy Brewster coordinated the surprise ceremony and says no one is more deserving.
"Within just a matter of hours I was able to rally the troops together just like any military spouse would do. Trisha really is just an all around great person and since the day I met her she has volunteered so many hours to helping everybody in every community throughout Central Texas," said Brewster.
And even though Stutz's husband TJ Stutz is deployed, he made sure he was Skyped in for the big reveal.
"She's an amazing person, she does so much for everybody else and I just want the world to know that I love her and I'm proud of her," said Stutz.
Stutz says the entire ceremony was touching, and hopes the recognition will inspire even more people to give back.
"It's very touching and I'm still trying to fight back tears. It does make a difference to somebody, you never know whose life you might touch just by showing up and being there," said Stutz.
For a list of future service events go here
If you know of someone Emani should spotlight in the future email her at epayne@kcentv.com