Committee
2008 Veterans Vigil Committee
Connie Mears
I serve as the chairperson for the Veterans Vigil Committee. I have served proudly in this capacity since 2000. My family boasts of their service in the military. Both my mother (1955-1957) and father (1950-1957) were in the United States Army. They met in the Army and later married. My dad was injured during service and returned to the states as a disabled veteran (DAV). I had two uncles that served in the Merchant Marines.
James Vanbebber
I have served in the US Navy as a Personnelman for over twenty years, retiring in February 2008. My commendations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. I am majoring in Political Science, serve as Grand Treasurer for Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and Vice-President, and Recruitment Chair for the Inter-Fraternity Council at Texas A&M University-Commerce
Tina Boitnott
Ms. Boitnott is an Army brat and the wife of a retired Army Officer. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Master Career Counselor, Certified Facilitator, Trainer and Speaker, she has worked with military as an Army Career and Alumni Program Career Counselor and as a federal agency consultant. She is pursuing her Ed.D in Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction-Higher Education at TAMU-C. She received her MS in Counselor Education and BA in Theatre from Jacksonville State University. Her counseling experience includes over 15 years working for and with community colleges, universities, ACAP, work force agencies, schools, non-profit organizations and federal agencies.
Betty Bryant
I have served on the committee since 1992. My father, Bill Rogers, was in the United States Army. Rogers was a POW/MIA in WWII. He was killed on a Japanese Hellship. My husband, Dr. Wendell Bryant, served in the United States Army for three years.
Dr. Jim Conrad
I am the University Archivist in the James G. Gee Library and have served on the committee since 1995. I assisted with the historical exhibits in the former MSC and coordinate with the Native American Association laying of the wreath at the flame.
Mark Cline
I retired from the United States Air Force in 2007 and have served on the committee since 2003. I provide the communications during the flyover events and assist in recruiting former and current military members to serve as post standers for the eternal flame.
Robert Dotson
Robert Dotson is Director of Diversity, Cultural and Judicial Affairs. He has been at the university since 2005. He earned his B.S. from Southern Illinois University –Carbondale, MBA from Univ. of Illinois –Chicago and M.S. in College Student Personnel from Univ. of South Florida. He has worked in Student Affairs for over 15 years.
Glenn Gainer
Careers: Electrical Technician, Self-employed Mechanic. I am back at college at Texas A&M University-Commerce, as a Software development/computer programmer, and Oral Historian with the University – Digital Library – US Wars Project.
Doug Hackett
I retired from the United States Navy. I have been a member of this committee since 2002. I direct the Swearing-In Ceremony of the new recruits. I also coordinate communication between L-3 and the Naval Recruiting District in Dallas.
Mary Lou Hazal
I have been involved on this committee since 1992. I am the writer for news releases from this committee. I became involved due to my duties in Media Relations at the University. I enjoy helping publicize Veterans Vigil events for the University each year and learning about contributions made by veterans.
Jane Martyn
Jane has worked on the Veterans Vigil Committee for the past five years. As Assistant Director, she provides programs and services to University alumni, helps build alumni association membership and helps to disseminate information on the Veterans Vigil to the alumni. Her father was a WWII Army veteran. She received her B.B.A. and M.A. from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Rob McWhorter
ETSU B.S. 1989. Served on committee since 1998, responsible for assembling the Vigil Flame Memorial. Former “Pride Marching Band” member; played “Taps” on trumpet at sundown for Vigil on occasion. Learned a lot over the past few years from all veterans participating in the program and has gained even more respect and admiration for all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Father-in-law, Larry Ratliff, Vietnam Veteran USAF Lt. Colonel (Retired).
Greg Mitchell
We started the Digital Library project when I came here last year because we were genuinely interested in the history of the Greatest Generation, who had given so much to our country and are, unfortunately, dwindling in numbers. The goal of our project is to capture this history at the personal level of the men and women from Texas who served in the military and on the home front, as well. The Digital Library will preserve their heroic stories and enable us to share them with people the world over. Because of our interest in the World War II veterans and their families, I was especially pleased to participate in the Veterans Vigil this year with its theme of honoring the families of veterans through all the years. I hope they know that we appreciate them and that we are proud of them.
Wendy Morgan
I am new to the committee this year. As a personal connection, my father and brother have served in the Air Force. My father graduated from the Air Force Academy and served in both Vietnam and the Gulf War.
Dennis Pepper
I served in the US Navy from July 1963 until March 1967. I have been a member of the American Legion for 21 years and Past Commander of the Bruce B. Williams American Legion Post #1 in Commerce, TX. I am currently serving as 1st Vice Command and Finance Officer for Post #1. This is my third year on the Veterans Vigil Committee and I am honored to serve.
Pat Perkins
I consider it a privilege to have served on the Veterans Vigil Committee since 2007 and to be a part of a recognition celebration of all the men and women who have courageously devoted themselves to protecting the freedoms that we Americans enjoy. I am especially proud of my Dad who served in the US Army during WWII, my husband who served in the US Army during the Vietnam War era, and all who made the ultimate sacrifice. To them and all who serve, I respect and honor with a grateful heart.
Wayne “Doc” Pierce
I have served on the committee since 1992. I have actively served on the Veterans Vigil Committee to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.
My Father served during the Korean War.
Robyn Price
I have served on the committee since 2003. I wanted to honor and serve our military personnel. My Great Grandfather (Robert Fussell) was in the Merchant Marine, Grandfather (Wayford Hollis) – Navy during the Korean War, and my cousin (Jonathan Hebert) was involved in the National Guard during War on Terrorism.
Mike Spaight
I have served on the committee since 1999. I served in the United States Air Force and retired from military service as a Fighter Pilot.
Donna Spinato
I am honored to serve on the Veterans Vigil Committee. It shows the pride for my country and in a small way I can give back to those men and women that served in the military. I come from a military background. My Father was in the United States Air Force. Father in Law served in the Navy. Numerous cousins served military time for their country. This is my tenth year to serve on the committee.
Amber VanLue
Amber is joining the Veteran’s Vigil Committee for the second time because watching a community come together to show admiration for our soldier’s is an overwhelming experience and such an honor to be a part of! Amber has many family members involved in all branches of the Armed Forces, and feels it’s important to let them know that their service is respected!