Longview Independent School District honored five former students during annual Wall of Honor festivities at halftime of the Lobos football game against Tyler Lee on Nov. 1st.
This year's Wall of Honor inductees are Jazmon Lamar Armstrong, Richard E. Hudgins, Steven Lawrence King, Frank LeBus Jr., and Rashad S. Lewis.
About The Honorees
Jazmon Lamar Armstrong served eight years in the United States Army as a Sergeant. He led troops in and out of combat during the Global War on Terrorism. During his time in the Army, he completed three tours in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan, and one tour in South Korea. Armstrong received many honors including; Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense & Korea Service Medal, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist’s Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Richard E. Hudgins graduated from Longview High School in 1957 and from Texas A&M University in 1961. He served 22 years in the United States Air Force. He was assigned to various logistics organizations in the Strategic Air Command (SAC), including a four year assignment to Headquarters SAC as the Command Engine Manager. His combat tour of duty was as Assistant Chief of Supply at Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam in 1970-1971. Following Vietnam, he was assigned to Headquarters USAF Europe in Germany on the Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation Team and the Redistribution and Marketing Improvement Team. His first command assignment was at Aviano Air Base in Italy as Chief of Supply and Commander, 40th Supply Squadron. In 1974, he was assigned as a Logistics Air Staff Officer at the Headquarters of the United States Air Force, the Pentagon in Washington DC. He completed the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. In 1979, followed by Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) assignments as the Item Management Division Chief at the Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB. He also served as Deputy Director, Requirement Division in Headquarters AFLC. Colonel Hudgins completed his career as Commander AFLC Logistics Support Group, Saudi Arabia, in August 1983. His military honors include; Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Commendation, Medal Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal (With four Combat Stars).
Steven Lawrence King graduated from Longview High School in 1996 and served eight years in the United States Army. As a Supply Specialist Sergeant, he was exposed to hazardous situations while delivering food, water, supplies, mail, and more to soldiers in Mosul, Iraq. During his two tours in Iraq and Kuwait, he transported detainees from raids, patrols, and other military assignments to a temporary prison on their base. His military honors included; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award).
Frank LeBus, Jr. graduated from Longview High School in the 1930s and was the quarterback for the 1937 Lobo State Championship Football Team. He served two years in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a 2nd Lieutenant and flew B-17 bomber pilot in the 568th Squadron of the 390th Bombardment Group. LeBus engaged in Mercy Missions, which aided in delivering food to starving people in Europe and returning liberated prisoners of war back to their home countries.
Rashad S. Lewis graduated from Longview High School in 1997 and served 22 years in The United States Navy as a Gas Turbine Mechanical Chief. During this time, Lewis has been deployed eight times to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Western Pacific. Honors include; Navy and Marine Achievement Medal (nine times), Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Medal, Global Ware on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal (five times).
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said our nation's veterans 'are among the best of the best our nation has to offer.'
'Through their service, our veterans ensure this nation's freedom and security and the greatest nation on earth,' he said. 'It is impossible to put a price on that. We must always remember, appreciate, and honor them.'
Events began with a reception for friends and family in the press box of Lobo Stadium.
The Longview ISD Wall of Honor began in 2015 and has inducted more than 20 Veterans.
Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of alumni, volunteer Wall of Honor Committee members, administrators and the district’s Community Relations office.
For information about how you can nominate an LISD alum for future Wall Of Honor events please contact the Community Relations department at 903-381-2200.