SALADO, Texas — Terlingua on Main in Salado honored the brave men and women who have served in the United States military and those currently in active service.
The event featured music, games, food and drinks and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by military personnel.
The idea for the event was born from the desire of Terlingua's owners, Travis Zatopek and Devin Zepeda who wanted to give back to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The business offered complimentary drinks to all veterans and active-duty military personnel, a gesture made possible by local business owner and veteran John O'Brian, owner of Roam Roofing and Solar. O'Brian, who served 13 years in the United States Army and expressed his heartfelt pride in the opportunity to give back.
"It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to give back to our country,” O’Brian said. “The fact that they were willing to give up some of their youth, you know, for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so we want to say a big thank you to them.”
O'Brian’s drinks sponsorship was a small way to show his respect for the sacrifices made by military families and veterans in the community. As a veteran himself, he understands the importance of having support from the community and friends.
Terlingua’s co-owners, Zatopek and Zepeda, shared that it was also an opportunity to connect with local military families and support them in any way they could.
“There are so many active duty military families who live in this community and support us,” Zatopek said. “We see them every day. To be able to give back and show our support means a lot to us.”
“All our freedoms would be gone without these men and women,” said Zepeda.