FSM November 2012

THANKSGIVING • NOVEMBER 2012 • VOL XVII, ISSUE 6 • $2.50
Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995

GIVING A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT

TURKEY TIME | A DIGITAL CONNECTION





FEATURE

48

HELP & HOPE

Celebrating its 17th year of service to the Frisco
community, Fricso Family Services has provided help
and hope to thousands of families in crisis since 1995.

By Chris Martin

On the cover:
Thanksgiving turkey prepared

by Holly Lowe,
Frisco Women’s League.

Photo by:
Chris Fritchie

59 D E PA R T M E N T S

1 5 B U S I N E S S

The Startup Kids | By Wendy Crooks

27 FAM I LY

A Break from Heartache | By Caren Austen

59 D I N I N G

Talkin’ Turkey | By Wendy Crooks

69 E D U C AT I O N

eLearning | By Carolyn Cameron

69 Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly sponsors the Celina Balloon Festival, Christmas in the Square,
Clothe-A-Child, Frisco Arts, Frisco Community Parade, Frisco Family Services, Frisco Freedom
Fest, Gary Burns Fun Run, ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, 2012 Mother & Daughter
Tea and Style Show, Plano Balloon Festival, Prosper Arts & Music Festival, Prosper Christmas
Festival, Silver Dollar Ball and is a member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.

4 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING



77

41 THANKSGIVING
NOVEMBER 2012
COLUMNS
publisher
18 Business Report CHRIS JOHNSON
21 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
editor
First Point of Contact | By Maria Leahey ANDREA HIKEL

33 Streets of Frisco art director
35 T R AV E L LEAH RATLIFF

A Shopper’s Paradise | By Andrea Hikel staff photographer
CHRIS FRITCHIE
38 Gift Guide
41 R E F L E C T I O N S manager, account services
ANDREW JOHNSON
All Gave Some. Some Gave All. | By Major Garry Beckham, USAF, Retired
staff writers
63 Small Bites ALLISON HARRELL
64 Recipe
CHRIS MARTIN
74 N O W & T H E N
director of business development
Breaking Out of the Cocoon | By Bob Warren GEORGE RODRIGUEZ

77 P R O F I L E advertising sales
MICHELE REAVES
On a Mission | By Carolyn Cameron LESA SWIMELAR

83 Did You Know AD SALES: 972.335.1306
84 Community Calendar
86 O n e D ay i n F r i s c o | By Chris Fritchie Style Publishing Group,
P.O. Box 1676, Frisco, Texas 75034

Phone: 972.335.1181
Toll Free: 877.781.7067

Fax: 214.722.2313
[email protected]
www.friscostyle.com

No portion of this publication may be
reproduced without express written permission

of Style Publishing Group, LLC.
©2012 All rights reserved.

WANT TO KNOW MORE about this month’s topics? We’ll have additional Look for us on:
information on Snowball Express, local Veteran’s Day celebrations and much
more at friscostyle.com.

6 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved.



LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY DEVOTIONAL

CHANGE (cha¯ nj)! … a popular and because the activity in my mind (thoughts, world but be transformed by the renewing

applicable word for this time of year. As decisions, etc.) directly determines my of your mind…” That word “transformed”

a verb, the word change means to make behavior. More than new laws, more than means to be changed.

or become different. Just turn on your additional prison beds, more than a change God’s word teaches us that the proper

television, read the local news © Beautifulmemoir | Dreamstime.com target to bring Godly change

periodicals or step outside. in the behavior of a person is

CORRECTION: In Pastor Dono W. Pelham’s community devotional in the October issue of Frisco STYLE The weather is changing. The to first bring Godly change
Magazine, please note Romans 12:2 should have been referenced instead of Hebrews 12:2. 
seasons are changing. Many to the mind of that person.
2012 FRISCO COMMUNITY PARADE
Saturday, November 10, 11 a.m. of our friends and neighbors Godly change in a home,

are experiencing changes in Godly change in a marriage,

their jobs and other areas of in a community and even a

their personal lives. Indeed nation, begins in the minds

our very country is poised for of the people involved – not

potential change in our local in laws or any other social

and national political arenas. construct. Change, lasting

Change can be good. genuine change, is an inside-

Change can be necessary out phenomenon.

for a better life. For change Hebrews 12:2 identifies the

to have a truly beneficial and proper target for change – that

wide-reaching effect, it helps being the mind, but what of

if the catalyst or means of the means, the catalyst –that

that change is wholesome which causes the change.

and properly targeted. In our What influence is wholesome

western culture, a person’s enough, tested enough that

behavior is largely targeted we can open our minds to

to make positive change. If it completely, freely and be

you are convicted of criminal confident that its affect on our

behavior, in most cases minds – the change it causes in

you will spend some time our minds – will be wholesome

incarcerated – with the goal and widely beneficial?

of positively changing your Luke 24:45 says, “Then He

behavior. If you are caught (Jesus) opened their minds to

driving above the posted understand the Scriptures.”

speed limit in most cases The wholesome, trustworthy

you will be given a citation, catalyst of change is found

a fine to pay with the goal in the inerrant and inspired

of positively changing Season of Change Scriptures of the Holy Bible,
your behavior. While these and the proper target of change
punitive methods may in is the mind of mankind. God
fact, in their origin, have promises that He will keep us in

wholesome intentions, BY PASTOR DONO W. PELHAM perfect peace to the extent that
we deliberately and consistently
targeting behavior in

an effort to change such behavior is in government administrations, what we keep our minds focused on Him.

ineffective targeting. As a result, crimes desperately need as a community, even as In this season of change, let not our

continue to be committed and we keep a nation, is for our minds to be changed. wardrobes or even our elected officials

getting speeding tickets, now don’t we? Righteous thinking leads to righteous be the only things we seek to change.

No behavior or action occurs in a actions; conversely, unrighteous thinking I challenge our community to regularly

vacuum. All behavior and all actions have leads to unrighteous actions. It’s just that and consistently open our minds to

as their genesis a thought or a decision simple! Proverbs 17:20 teaches us “He understanding the Scriptures – the Holy

that first occurred in the mind. The mind – who has a crooked mind finds no good…” Bible.

that enigmatic, amalgamation of thought, For the efforts of positive change to be “And the peace of God, which surpasses

logic, feelings, experiences, perceptions of successful there must be proper targeting all comprehension, will guard your

morality and spirituality from which comes of these efforts. Further, the means – that hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,”

every choice, every decision; choices and which causes the beneficial change – must Philippians 4:7.

decisions that precede and lead to every be wholesome.

action. In Hebrews 12:2, God’s word identifies Pastor Dono W. Pelham is the Senior

To change my behavior, the proper the proper target to bring about beneficial Pastor of Life-Changing Faith Christian

target must therefore be my mind, change: “And do not be conformed to this Fellowship.

OCTOBER 2012 77FRISCOSTYLE.COM

The Frisco Community Parade, which was originally a homecoming parade when Frisco
was home to one high school, features attractions such as Frisco fire and police vehicles,
the Frisco fire clowns, the homecoming/forthcoming royalty of high schools, team mascots,
representatives of Frisco’s professional sports teams and floats and marchers from various
civic and youth groups. The parade is held in November to mark the end of football season,
to recognize Veteran’s Day and to celebrate community pride.

Beginning at 11 a.m., on Saturday, November 10, parade participants will leave
FC Dallas Stadium, traveling east on Main Street through historic downtown before finishing
at North County Road.

This year’s winning float entries will have Frisco Education Foundation scholarships
donated in their name in May 2013. The Grand Prize is worth a $1,000 scholarship; first
runner up is a $750 scholarship; and honorable mention is a $500 scholarship. Bragging
rights trophies will be awarded to the best high school, middle school and elementary
school float.

Mayor Maher Maso chairs the Frisco Community Parade Committee with several
community volunteers. Visit www.friscotexas.gov/parade for more information.

8 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING





DON’T MISS FROM THE EDITOR

The FRISCO COM- It’s the little things that count.
MUNITY PARADE will
make its journey down Although this may sound like a big cliché, it’s amazing how true it can be. It could be the
historic Main Street on car that stops to let me onto the busy street by the daycare instead of making me wait, a
November 10 at 11 a.m. Be apart of text from a friend that only says, “Thinking of you!” or simply getting an extra 20 minutes
one of Frisco’s greatest traditions and to lay in bed on a Saturday morning. It doesn’t have to cost anyone anything or require
celebrate our community! For more much effort; just the simplest of things are what I’m thankful for this year.
information, visit www.friscotexas.gov/
parade. Since starting a family of my own, holidays have become somewhat of a hassle.
Since I’m the one family member who decided to move more than 20 minutes from my
The 2012 CHRISTMAS hometown, I’m ultimately the one who has to pack up diapers, sippy cups, Hot Wheels
IN THE SQUARE light and Buzz Lightyear underwear to make the two-hour trek “home.”
extravaganza is scheduled
to begin November 23, 2012 Looking like the Clampettes with our luggage strapped to the roof of our Ford
through January 6, 2013, at Freestyle, our 80-pound dog in the back and all of the toys, snacks and movies two
Main Street and Coleman Blvd. With little boys could ever need in the cab, it’s sure to be an interesting ride. Once there, my
more than 175,000 lights and 11.5 miles husband and I have to carefully split our time between families, in the hopes of pleasing
of wiring, visitors will enjoy a one-of- everyone, which sometimes proves to be impossible. It’s a hectic mess that tries to get
a-kind computerized light show set to the best of me each year, but then, there is a sudden moment of clarity. I see my nephew
holiday music. Visit www.friscosquare. reading my son a book or my dad playing with the kids in the backyard, and suddenly it’s
com/CITS for a list of other activities. all worth it. This beautiful moment of bonding would have never of taken place had we
not endured the chaotic trip to get there. It’s the little things.
The HERITAGE
A S S O C I AT I O N In this month’s family article, you will find a great example of how the little things in life
OF FRISCO can help someone get through even the toughest of life’s challenges. Families of fallen
brings us its newest exhibit just in time soldiers are given the gift of joy, something that seems so foreign to them since losing
for the holidays, TOYS! TOYS! TOYS! their loved one. A rodeo or a concert might seem insignificant compared to what they’ve
Peek into the 1910 and the 1960 era endured, but when these families come together to take a break from heartache, they
living room with exhibits contrasting can indulge in the little things that make life so great.
the vast difference 50 years makes in
holiday décor, Christmas trees and, of Another example of little gestures that can make a large difference can be found in
course, toys! The exhibit runs through this month’s profile. The Hanstad family answered their calling when they decided to
January 28. Visit www.friscoheritage. commit themselves to ongoing mission work. Something as simple as forming a Bible
org for more information. study, being a translator or playing with children has made a world of difference in the
lives of the people they visit.
COMING UP
Sometimes the little things turn out to be not so little at all. Starting from a small,
compassionate group of citizens forming a non-profit advocacy center 17 years ago,
Frisco Family Services has helped more than 3200 people meet their basic survival
needs last year alone. Putting food on the table or waking up to gifts from “Santa” may
seem manageable to you, but some local residents may not have the ability to provide
these luxuries. In this month’s feature, we’ll highlight the fantastic services Frisco Family
Services has to offer, helping residents get back on their feet.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Remember to cherish the little things in life.

IN OUR DECEMBER ISSUE, we’ll
feature the winners of the Frisco
STYLE Gingerbread House Contest!
In business, you’ll find out why some
local bartenders are so BADD. And,
we’ll take a look at local holiday ideas
to share with your loved ones.

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 11FRISCOSTYLE.COM





14 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

BUSINESS

Frisco YEA! class of 2012-2013

WAHOO! Hip, Hip, Hooray! YEA!! about our second class. We are hoping Keirth Sivarajah is a freshman at

It appears the Young Entrepreneur that we can build on the foundation and Heritage High School. Keirth, pronounced

Academy or YEA! Frisco, in particular, has momentum our inaugural class generated Keith, means pride and praise in Tamil. He

a lot to cheer about. Having completed last year.” While the students themselves was born in Canada and loves to travel. His

its inaugural year successfully, the Frisco are committed to working extremely travels have taken him to France, Germany,

chapter of YEA! has recently selected hard, the program does take a plethora Sri Lanka, India, California, Boston and

their second group of lucky participants. of people who are also dedicated to the many other places. He enjoys football as

YEA! is an opportunity unlike any well as most other sports. He also
other for our youth to participate enjoys reading about the latest
in a program where they learn how research, newest technology or
even just the local news. Keirth sees
The Startup Kidsto start and run a business from
the ground up. With a “learning the program as a great opportunity
by doing” approach, the students BY WENDY CROOKS to learn how to run a business and

come up with their own business meet new people with different

idea, develop a business plan, solicit cause. According to Mr. Britton, that is not talents. He is eager to learn from all of the

investors, design logos and start their own a problem. “We have a team of volunteers business people who are involved with

company. working on various committees to ensure YEA! He wants to be an engineer some

This years’ group consists of 20 hard- the experience for this year’s class will be day and hopes that the program will give

working and dedicated students who are just as great as last year’s.” him the tools and knowledge to run a

eager to get started. While they’ve already successful engineering company.

had their orientation, the real work is about MEET SOME OF THE STUDENTS Krish Sivarahah is in the seventh

to begin. According to Frisco program Uma Patel is a freshman at Frisco High grade at Maus Middle School. He enjoys

coordinator, Keith Britton, “The students school and likes to cook, swim, exercise basketball, learning about different places

seem to be very vocal and engaging, and enjoy most outdoor activities. She and history. He was very interested in

which is important, as we begin the was drawn to YEA! because she saw it as YEA! because he saw it as an opportunity

process of generating ideas for their future an opportunity to start a new business and to start his very own business. He hopes

businesses.” Following a hugely successful be successful. By the end of the program, to learn the different strategies used by

first year, the new students have big shoes she plans to do just that. She also aspires entrepreneurs. While Krish currently is

to fill. Mr. Britton adds, “We are excited to be in the banking business some day. uncertain about what he wants to be when

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 15FRISCOSTYLE.COM

he grows up, he has already taken an pursue this career. small business so that it grows. Although

important step toward securing his future Anchal Raghuvanshi is in the sixth he is not sure what he wants to be when

success. grade at Pioneer Heritage Middle School. he grows up, his current interests include

Simarleen Kaur Gulati is an eighth She enjoys writing poems and nature becoming an engineer, architect or a chef.

grader who attends Roach Middle School. photography. Her other hobbies include Connor Gillespie is a junior at Frisco

She enjoys playing soccer, basketball, piano, Indian classical dance, Aloha mind High School. He is in the band, Young

tennis, volleyball, golf and swimming. math and preparing for the Destination Men’s Service League and National

Her other activities Society of High

include painting and School Scholars.

playing the bass He was intrigued

clarinet. Simarleen is by the concept

interested in learning of working with

how to implement local business

her own ideas into a professionals

business and hopes and working

to gain the necessary together to

knowledge to build a business

become a successful model. He

entrepreneur. Her hopes YEA!

dreams include will provide the

becoming a business fundamentals

owner who produces of starting a

either a product or business from

technology that will the ground

help her community level and what it

and society in general takes to make a

by generating jobs good business

and improving the successful.

quality of life for everyone. Imagination regional tournament. Anchal He plans to be a business major and a

Shikha Mody is an eighth grader at Cobb is very excited for the opportunity to learn politician.

Middle School where she is a member of about starting and running a business at Montse Gonzalez-Francke is a seventh

the National Junior Honor Society. She the age of 11 and hopes that she will learn grader at Wester Middle School. In her free

enjoys volleyball, violin and piano and the necessary tools to help her establish time, she enjoys sewing, theater and just

hopes the YEA! program will teach her a pediatric medical practice of her own being a kid at heart. She is excited about

what goes into starting a business. While some day. YEA! because it is giving her the chance to

she is not exactly sure what she aspires to Briana Lowe is a senior at Lone Star get to know other kids who share the same

be, she is certain she wants a successful High School. Her hobbies include fashion, ideals and excitement about learning how

career. make-up and making YouTube videos. to run a business. She thinks this program

Aakash Tammana is an eighth grader She also enjoys dance and community is a big step toward her future and will help

who attends Fowler Middle School. In service. Briana has always had a passion for her discover her strengths and qualities

his spare time, he enjoys tennis, violin, entrepreneurship so YEA! really captured and how to apply them in real life. While

piano, video games and building with her attention. She hopes to gain the she can’t decide exactly what she wants

Legos. Aakash is thrilled to be part of YEA! experience to become an entrepreneur, to be when she grows up, she is sure she

because he knows it will teach him not only building a business starting with an idea all wants to be a successful business owner.

how to run a successful business but it will the way to producing a thriving company She is considering careers in fashion

also prepare him the experience he will that will help others. Not only does she design, theater production, business and

need for the real world. Aakash aspires to aspire to have a career in broadcast jobs associated with children.

be either a lawyer or an entrepreneur. journalism, but she also hopes to own her No matter what these students

Rick Zhang is in the seventh grade at own international make-over company, ultimately become when they grow up,

Fowler Middle School where he enjoys which she hopes will help women all one thing is certain. They are getting a

tennis and violin. Rick was attracted to around the world feel beautiful. jump-start in the business world that is

YEA! because he wanted to learn what Jacob Crawford is in the eighth grade far superior to most, thanks to the Frisco

an entrepreneur can do. He hopes to at Legacy Christian Academy where he Chamber of Commerce, our fantastic

obtain the necessary skills and know how enjoys football, art, cooking and creating community, its volunteers and YEA! Frisco.

to become successful in the future. While things with his friends. He is interested in

he is not sure about what his exact future learning about business from the ground Wendy Crooks is a freelance

will hold, he is currently interested in hotel up and wants to specifically learn how writer, baker, wife and schedule

management and thinks he might want to to create a business plan and market his keeper for her four children.

16 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 17FRISCOSTYLE.COM

BUSINESS REPORT

LEARNINGRX FRISCO WINS TOP AWARD
The LearningRx Frisco center was presented with the
2012 Customer Service Award at the company’s national
convention held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To determine
customer satisfaction, LearningRx uses a 10-point scale and
asks students (or their parents) the likelihood they would
recommend LearningRx to a friend. The company – with more
than 70 centers across the country – specializes in treating the
cause, not the symptoms, of learning struggles.

THE COURTS HONORED
The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park in McKinney,
has received the United States Tennis Association’s highest
tennis facility honor, being named the 2012 Featured Facility
Award winner. In addition, The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt
Community Park has been recognized as one of seven
winners of the USTA’s 31st annual Outstanding Facility Awards
Program, recognizing excellence in the construction and/or
renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country. This is
the only facility recognized this year in the category of Public
Courts: Large Tennis Centers with eleven or more courts. For
more information, contact Tom LaDue, Manager, Corporate
Communications, USTA 914.697.2352 or [email protected].

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Tri Shop, a local retailer catering to the needs of triathletes,
cyclists, runners and swimmers will be celebrating their one-
year anniversary of the opening of their first brick-and-mortar
retail store. Tri Shop plans to commemorate the occasion by
giving out a bevy of prizes throughout the weekend and will
host a series of complimentary training seminars for local
athletes. In-store customers can also take advantage of Tri
Shop’s best sales of the entire year. The event runs from
November 9 through November 11. For more information
about Tri Shop, visit www.trishop.com or visit Tri Shop’s
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trishopdfw.

GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED
Dentistry From The Heart is a registered non-profit
organization providing free dental work to people in need.
In the past 10 years, Dentistry From The Heart events have
contributed more than $10 million in free dentistry and
helped more than 50,000 patients nationwide. 380 Family
Dentistry is honored to be a part of such a worthy cause,
recently giving away $52,600 in free dental services to those
in need at their event in Prosper. 380 Family Dentistry would
like to thank everyone for the hard work and time invested to
make this event a huge success! For more information, visit
www.380dental.com.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS have some exciting news to
share? Email [email protected].

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The fire desk utilizes sophisticated
mapping software.

FirstofPCooinnttact
BY MARIA LEAHEY

IT IS 10 P.M. on a Friday at the Frisco Police noise disturbance, she types information On each call that night, the police arrive

Department’s 911 Call Center. It will be a and it appears on the screens of the other in minutes. A map shows where each

very informative night. dispatchers in codes. “As dispatchers, we squad car is located. The coverage looks

The first impression of the call center is do what’s called ‘polling,’ which means we comprehensive; no officer seems too far

that, with overhead fluorescents blazing, are listening in on what other dispatchers from wherever they might be needed.

the place just might pass for an insurance are saying … so we are monitoring the Pat smiles and points out something:

office. However, the lights never go out situations before the information reaches a computer listing of off-duty officers

and the ringing phones never mean us by computer,” says Pat. working private security jobs. “We can call

making a sale. Amy takes another call, this time a report on them as needed too,” she notes, “if

That night the center hosted the four of a large group of teens getting loud in they are closest to a situation.” Impressive.

dispatchers of the second shift. Amy is the a parking lot. Amy asks specifics, noting While rapid population growth typically

call taker. Bob is on the fire desk. Pat is on things like “no means a rise

police and supervisor Shonda is on the weapons seen.” in crime rates,

NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Pat dispatches Frisco has

desk. They are rounding the last hour of the nearest police maintained

their shift on a Friday night and, although officer before law and order

they have said it was a busy one, none of the call is over. despite its

them look tired. Because the growth. The

Like the name says, the call taker takes group is large and population

the 911 calls. Meanwhile, dispatchers protocol requires of Frisco has

at the fire and police desks prepare to it, she also calls Dispatchers quickly assess the situation. tripled from
dispatch responders during the call. At the for two back-up 2001 to 2010,

NCIC desk, Shonda runs vehicle plates and units. The back- from 42,511 to

checks for outstanding warrants whenever up police officers reply, “Sure can.” more than 127,000. And yet the crime

police stop a vehicle. Minutes later, the situation is quickly rate in that time has dropped from 24.71

Each dispatcher sits at a workstation resolved. Perhaps ‘dissolved’ is a better per thousand residents to 23.12. Frisco’s

with seven screens, a dazzling array of word. The group disperses once police crime rate is comparable to when it was a

technology. While Amy takes a call of a arrive and everything is quiet. quiet rural community; yet, it is a vibrant,

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 21FRISCOSTYLE.COM

growing city. The quick response time of or two and then departs into the night. around the age of six or seven.” Amber

our police is a major contributor. The Frisco 911 Call Center typically adds, “They do not realize the gravity of

The hour flies by; in an eye blink, the answers approximately 4,000 calls to 911 the emergency, so they are very calm and

second shift is done and the third shift each month. This call volume has leveled honest.” Sarah’s eyes get shiny when she

team sweeps in. The change is seamless. out over three years: 2010 reported 3,973 adds, “They will listen to you carefully and

The shift change can even happen in the monthly calls; 2011 had 3,901 monthly answer all your questions.”

middle of an emergency without affecting calls; and 2012 has 3,955 monthly calls. Sarah then heaves an inch-thick flip

the response to the situation. Are there predictable times when 911 chart. It’s an EMD, Emergency Medical

Kyle moves in to the police desk is busiest? Sarah and Kyle say “weather Dispatch. Each tab has a medical symptom

and, since there is a lull, he changes changes” almost in unison. Robert adds and, judging from the size, it covers every

the screens’ layouts to suit him. Amber “whenever the Cowboys lose” and the conceivable medical emergency. “This

replaces Shonda on the NCIC desk. Sarah group nods and grimaces. Sarah adds, is very methodical. The answers to these

moves in as the next call taker. And Robert “Really, it is whenever and wherever alcohol questions determine the number and kind

is now at the fire desk. Each workstation is flowing freely.” Holidays after 7 p.m. see of units we send out. We never diagnose

is ergonomic. Robert uses the hydraulic an increase in medical emergencies. over the phone. We gather the right

lift feature to levitate his workstation to a Nights at the 911 call center can be information.”

standing height; Amber lowers the NCIC busier than days. “You know, while normal Calls are broken down into response

desk to sitting height. daytime hours for my work are appealing, levels based on the type and number of

Each team handles duty rotation the night shift is where I feel I can make a units required to respond, such as one

differently. Some are first-come, first-serve difference,” says Robert. fire engine to a fire alarm, a fire engine

for whatever desk they work that shift. For With 911 duties come a few superstitions. and a medic to a medical call, one patrol

this team, they rotate as a volleyball team “You never say the ‘q’ word,” Sarah grins. officer to a delayed theft, two officers to

does. Dispatchers move one desk over “You say ‘quiet’ and the phone starts a disturbance and one traffic unit and

with each shift; at the end of a workweek, firing.” Some put stock in the theory of one patrol officer to a vehicle accident

each dispatcher will have rotated to each the lunar calendar, but Sarah has never with injuries. Frisco’s Computer Aided

desk. “This keeps the job fresh,” notes charted that. “People also say solar flares,” Dispatch (CAD) system recommends the

Sarah. It is also an example of effective she shrugs, “but really, it’s all speculation.” appropriate units by unit type and closest

cross training. What makes a ‘good’ 911 caller? Sarah location based on these response plans.

The second shift team shares a highlight offers a startling answer, “Kids. Particularly At the fire desk, Robert gives a summary

22 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

By the end of the workweek, each dispatcher
will have rotated to each desk.

of his screens, also part of the CAD
system. The fire department is called out
for medical emergencies, so it can be a
slower station than police at night. During
the day, the fire desk conducts inspections
and hydrant checks. But, the fire desk is
busy during any storm, and the City of
Frisco has extra staffing and units on call
during those times.

The software can
also click in on
Frisco ISD closed
circuit cameras in
the event of a school
emergency.

Invaluable to the assessment of
a situation, the fire desk accesses
sophisticated mapping software, which
can show an exterior photo of a location.
It even enables the fire desk to measure
the distance to a second-story window or
a roof. The software can also click in on
Frisco ISD closed circuit cameras in the
event of a school emergency.

From his screens, Robert can see where
electric and gas lines are throughout the
city. It even notes where hunting grounds
are, which becomes particularly important
on the first day of dove season. He can
monitor more than ten event channels,
each of which can be used for units
available for emergencies in Frisco.

“Nothing anyone thinks about a call
changes our response. You can call in with
a noise on the roof and tell us ‘maybe it’s
a raccoon.’ It doesn’t matter,” states Kyle
matter-of-factly. “We always send out. We
put eyes on the situation and verify.”

Maria Leahey is a freelance writer in Frisco 23FRISCOSTYLE.COM
who feels safer after writing this article.

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved.





26 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

FA M I LY

Snowball Express offers a variety of experiences for families of fallen soldiers.

all photos provided by Snowball Express

FAMILIES WAIT FOR MONTHS for their in a tangible, meaningful way. Thank you donates the use of chartered planes and

loved ones to come home. They’ve been seems inadequate. pilots and flight attendants donate their

waiting since the day they saw them off for Fortunately, an organization called time to shuttle approximately 1,700 people

their tour of duty. Many ultimately return Snowball Express reaches out to these from their hometowns to DFW. The magic

home, embraced by the loving arms of families to express gratitude in ways begins when they arrive at the gate to find

their family members. Unfortunately, while that we as individuals cannot. Other it transformed into a portal leading to a

fighting for our freedom, many made the organizations, such as Tragedy Assistance world without care.

ultimate sacrifice and never came A Break The flights are like no other.
home. from Heartache Even the safety instructions are
turned into entertaining poetry.
No longer considered part of Flight attendants may be seen
the military, the families must sailing down the aisle on drink
move off the base to a new carts attended by the kids. Video
neighborhood and a new school, footage from one of last year’s
where no one understands and

kids ask questions that no child BY CAREN AUSTEN flights documents Executive
should have to answer. Holidays Director, Francis (Buck) Kern being

once anticipated with excitement become Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS), “helped” by several of the kids into one of

hollow as one of the people who made effectively help families deal with their the overhead bins. Kids report that they

them special is — and will always be — grief. However, Snowball Express strives experience a sense of relief immediately

missing. to provide a time for them, especially the upon boarding the planes, because they’re

This is just a glimpse into the reality that children, to forget the heartache and the with others who understand their loss.

families whose children have sacrificed loss, and just have fun. Children of fallen heroes often express

their moms or dads face. Though most Every year, appropriately during the that simply going back to school adds to

of us appreciate what these moms and holiday season, sometime between their grief as other children, not intending

dads have done for our country and for Thanksgiving and Christmas, children to be hurtful, ask inappropriate questions,

us, individually, we don’t know how to and the surviving parents of these heroes such as “Did your dad ever kill anyone?” or

help. Words fail us. We are grateful, but descend on the Dallas/Ft. Worth area “Was your dad blown up?” As adults, we

few of us know how to show that gratitude for a five-day escape. American Airlines may be appalled that any child would be

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 27FRISCOSTYLE.COM

subjected to such insensitive treatment,

but it’s a fact of everyday life for children

of fallen heroes.

Snowball Express seeks to remove these

kids and their surviving parents from their

everyday lives and provide a respite. The

Sheraton in downtown Dallas hosts the

event in their ballrooms and provides many

of the rooms for the guests. Ballrooms are

transformed into lounges for the kids and

for the teens, a Neiman Marcus boutique

and a concert stage.

The lounges offer supervised, age-

appropriate activities for the kids, giving

moms and dads a break and an opportunity

to share with one another. The boutique Brandi Anderson and Braelyn Mintzlaff (left)
is stocked with gifts donated by Neiman made a lasting connection through Snowball Express.
Marcus to give the children a chance to

shop for a Christmas gift unaccompanied

by the surviving parent.

Each year, Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan

Band generate high-energy excitement.

As a member of the Snowball Express

Board of Directors, Gary serves as national

spokesman, strategic planning. The

concert provides kids with an opportunity

to dance their hearts out and even join

Gary on stage as he performs.

The whole atmosphere at Snowball

Express exudes fun and excitement,

offering a break from the harsh realities of

everyday life. Parents and kids also enjoy

an evening at the Mesquite Rodeo, a

first for many of them. Kids say they love

mixing with the cowboys when the rodeo

is over. Six Flags hosts the families for a

day of adventure, and this event, like all

the others, is at no charge to the families.

Snowball Express is an all-expense paid

festivity for the families.

Talking to kids who participate in

Snowball Express offers a glimpse into just

why this event means so much to them.

Braelyn Mintzlaff, 13, from Watauga, lost

her dad December 18, exactly a week

before Christmas, when she was just

seven years old. She says the tragedy

not only broke her heart but also stole

the celebration of Christmas for the rest

of her life. “Snowball Express brightens

December so much,” Braelyn reports with

a smile in her voice. “The best part is that

I don’t have to explain myself to anyone.

Everyone there has been through the same

thing. They get it and don’t ask the kinds

of questions other people ask.” She’s also Each year, Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band
made a best friend at Snowball Express, generate high-energy excitement.

someone who helps her overcome her

28 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 29FRISCOSTYLE.COM

magnitude requires hundreds of people

to assist and supervise,” he says.

He encourages anyone who is

interested to go to their website (www.

snowballexpress.com) and click on the big

button that says “How You Can Help” in

the middle of the page.

“One easy way for people to participate

is to simply show up, “We want crowds

of people lining the streets for the Walk

of Gratitude and the overpasses and

roadways along the route to our events at

Six Flags and in Ft. Worth.” People who

attend with their flags and posters or even

just stand in support demonstrate that

From the Mesquite Rodeo to Six the rest of us have noticed and have not
Flags, families of fallen soldiers enjoy forgotten their sacrifice.
a five-day escape from reality.
Buck’s passion for Snowball Express

and its effect on families shows as he

relates story after story about kids whose

natural shyness. Over the years, she’s with which he speaks of Snowball Express, lives were changed by the experience,

gotten to know Brandi Anderson, 16, it’s clear he doesn’t regret the change. “One little girl’s personality changed

from Florida, who also lost her dad when Buck understands a little of why Snowball dramatically after her father’s death. Her

she was 7. The two girls agree that having Express means so much to the families who grades dropped. She withdrew from

lost their dads when the girls were the attend. He reports, “When I was a boy, my her friends. Then she came to Snowball

same age has helped as they go together dad was in the Navy. The year I was nine, he Express. When she returned home and

through the various stages of loss. Though deployed at Christmas. As Christmas got went back to school, her teachers reported

far apart in geography, the girls manage to closer, I started counting the days. That’s a dramatic change. Those few days of fun

stay close by keeping up via social media, when my mom told me that Christmas is with other kids just like her transformed

phone calls and texting. a family holiday, so we were going to wait her life and she was able to cope with her

According to Brandi, “I can be having a until Dad got home. I remember how hard loss.”

bad day, and no one really understands. it was to wait, but eventually my dad did Brandi and Braelyn are mature beyond

All I have to do is text Braelyn, and she come home, and we celebrated Christmas their years, a product of being forced to

gets it.” She says that, contrary to what as a family. What’s hard for these kids is grow up too fast, and both are appreciative.

some people believe, kids don’t grow out that the reunion will never happen. That’s Brandi says, “I just want to say thank you

of their grief for the missing parent. Brandi why Snowball Express exists.” to all the people on the board of Snowball

comments, “It doesn’t really hurt less. You Buck explains that, on the surface, it Express, the donors and everyone else

just learn to deal with it.” appears the event is for making it happen

The Snowball Express Walk of Gratitude, all about the fun. He so people who have

during which the streets are lined with says, “What happens lost moms or dads can

grateful citizens holding flags and signs, below the surface experience something

shouting “Thank you!” is a favorite event. goes much deeper like this.” She adds,

“Once, I spotted a sign held by a little as these kids and “It’s shown me that

boy that said, ‘Your dad is my hero,’” said the surviving parents people care. That

Braelyn. “That meant a lot.” develop relationships helps me get through

This year Braelyn is looking forward to with people just like the moments when I

watching the younger kids, as well as those them.” He emphasizes really miss my dad.”

whose loss is fresh, begin to come out of that, except for his But in reality, she

their shells. Her comment: “It makes me own full-time position, and Braelyn and other

happy to see them happy.” Perhaps that’s the organization families like theirs

because of what she learned from her dad, depends completely on volunteers. “ We deserve our thanks. Snowball Express is an

“He was selfless. That’s what he was all have corporate sponsors, like American expression of gratitude from a nation that

about, and that’s what he taught me.” Airlines, the Sheraton, Neiman Marcus, survives because of the sacrifice of families

“Buck,” the executive director and The Fort Worth Air Power Foundation, The like theirs.

Collin County resident, gave up a lucrative Franklin Mint and so many others; we have

position as director of operations with non-profit organizations, such as Rotary, Caren Austen, from Dallas,

Neiman Marcus to accept the position with TAPS and the Patriot Guard; and we have continues to be amazed that she

Snowball Express. From the enthusiasm individual volunteers. An event of this is paid to do what she loves.

30 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 31FRISCOSTYLE.COM

Find Love this Holiday Season above and beyond to ensure all members
Let the Staff at Great Expectations Help have their moment to shine. “We offer
You Unwrap Some Holiday Cheer Business Spotlights and Activity Spotlights
to our members,” said Ms. Hogan. “With
the Business Spotlight we’ll put together an
advertisement to send out to our members
spotlighting your company. The Activity
Spotlight is here to help you find new friends.
Many of our members are new to the area, so
if they’re looking for a group to get together
to go golf, play tennis or attend an upcoming
concert, we will advertise the upcoming
event to our members to help you find these
people who share the same interest.”

In business nationally for more than 35
years, and in the Dallas area for more than
20 years, Great Expectations has continued
to set the standard in the Dating Service
Industry. Recently named as one of the Dallas
Business Journals Best Places to Work, the
entire Great Expectations staff takes their
job seriously, here to help you in any way
they can.

WHEN YOU WALK through the glass doors through their extensive database to find “I really appreciate Stefanie and the entire
at Great Expectations, you will receive much possible matches for you. Those “matches” GE Staff, and the hard work they do. By
more than you would from a typical Internet are immediately contacted, letting them understanding what I was looking for and
dating service. With personal, face-to-face know of your recent membership. It doesn’t opening my eyes up to new women, I met
service, invitations to member parties year- stop there! Not only will Great Expectations my fiancée Tammy,” said Dave.
round, pre-screening of members, accurate match you will the type of people you’re
and recent photos and digital videos of looking for, but they’ll help you plan the date. Great Expectations knows dating can be
members and much more, it’s no wonder After the initial date, your representative difficult. Relax! Join today and let them handle
hundreds of DFW singles are finding their will collect feedback on the date from both the details. What are you waiting for? The
perfect match. At Great Expectations, parties to determine if it was an accurate love of your life could be waiting for you right
they recognize the emotional and financial match. now.
investment you are making, doing everything
in their power to fulfill the dreams you had “Great Expectations put me right at
when you walked through the door. ease. It’s been a long time since I’ve done
the dating thing and they made me feel so
Joining is easy! Simply give them a call comfortable. They are so encouraging that
or complete a Request Information Form now I’m ready for just about anything,” said
online and a member advisor will contact Great Expectations member Gerilyn.
you directly to answer any questions you
may have. Once you’re a member, you’ll be The Great Expectations Dating Concierge
surprised at how quickly you begin meeting can not only help members plan their
and dating like-minded single people! date, but they can also help with all events
leading up to the date. From setting salon
After your initial face-to-face interview appointments to running personal errands
with one of Great Expectation’s experienced to dinner reservations and event tickets,
matchmakers, they will begin searching Great Expectations will be at your disposal.
They will even find single parents a last
minute babysitter. “Many of our members
are working, single professionals. The goal at
Great Expectations is to not only help you
find love, but to help single professionals
manage their hectic schedules,” said Stefanie
Hogan, Dallas’ Center Director.

Building your business and creating a larger
social circle are important when searching for
your perfect match. Great Expectations goes

14180 DwalwlaswP.kgwryeSattee. 1x0p0eDcatllaast7io52n5s4dallas.com

214-390-5200 •

STREETS OF FRISCO
FSM’S ANDREW JOHNSON ASKS

What was your biggest
Thanksgiving disaster?

“ The garbage disposal backed up
and the smoke alarms were going
off due to the turkey.”

SAR A COWAN 

“W ell my mother-in-law said she
was going to bring the turkey on
Thanksgiving. She brought it over
frozen.”

HOMER LAIRD

“I caused a fight between two of
my sisters. They literally got into
a chest-bumping, fist fight.”

STACY SUMMERS

“ Trying to catch the live turkey in
my grandfather’s backyard. There
were a few scrapes and bruises

and I think an eye got gouged,
but we put it back into
place.” TROY DOUCET

33NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. FRISCOSTYLE.COM

34 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

A Shopper’s TRAVEL
Paradise
PHOTOS & STORY BY ANDREA HIKEL

Clockwise from left: Someone’s junk is
someone else’s treasure. The Hot Ham &
Cheese from The Dairy Palace. Pelican Pete’s
by Cindy offers custom license plate signs.

PLACEMATS. PILES AND PILES of Once a month this quaint, peaceful, city approximately 0.3 miles from the First

placemats are my earliest memory of of 3,581 becomes the seventh largest city Monday Trade Days, it is a prime spot to

Canton First Monday Trade Days. Fabric in Texas when up to 400,000 shoppers grab some pre-shopping grub.

rectangles stacked haphazardly around come to visit. The line to order food was quite long,

our 10’ by 20’ lot, never stood a chance “Canton 10,” a sign reads as we but we noticed it was moving quickly.

against the rummaging hands of excited travel down Interstate 20. “What are we The wait was just enough time to decide I

shoppers. I remember my mom and going eat for lunch?” my husband asks. wanted the Hot Ham & Cheese with fries,

dad unloading overflowing boxes of Since I’m not really craving anything in keeping things light for the walking we

handmade napery, adorned with happy particular, I take out my trusty phone would be doing that day, but my husband

little cows, ducks and chickens. As a and put my Googling skills to work. would hold nothing back, ordering the

child, it was hard for me to understand “Restaurants in Canton, TX,” I type. The Half Pound Bacon Burger with curly

the elation of the shoppers as they sifted first listing to appear is The Dairy Palace. fries. Neither of our choices were a

through the unorganized piles. Today, I With their website claiming they serve disappointment, as we cleared our trays

totally get it. There is nothing like getting “World Famous Hamburgers,” I figure quickly.

a good deal. this is the perfect spot to fuel up before Even though they offer 32 flavors of

What is Canton First Monday Trade our shopping adventure. hand-dipped Blue Bell Ice Cream, we

Days? Widely regarded as the oldest Pulling into the parking lot, it’s clear decided we would wait to see what kind

swap meet and largest flea market in the our Google find is not one of Canton’s of snacks we might come across later.

U.S., this shopping adventure is more best-kept secrets. At 11:45 a.m., people With our hunger satisfied, we hopped in

than 155 years old, covering hundreds were slowly but surely filling the three the car and headed down Highway 19 to

of acres, including more than 28 miles of large dining areas of the vintage parlor- find the ideal parking spot at Trade Days

paths, aisles, lanes, walkways and more. style building. Located on Highway 19, (if that really exists).

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 35FRISCOSTYLE.COM

We decide to start in a covered pavilion longer and continued on to Trade Center oranges and blues were positioned

since it was quite warm. After roaming III. We strolled past many other vendors around the vendor’s booth, which

through Trade Center 1, which was filled selling jewelry, clothing and nick-knacks, occupied three spaces. “My husband

with vendors from sunglasses to cooking stopping occasionally to check things designs and builds all of our pieces,”

spices, we were about to move on to the out. Then it happened again. My husband says Elle Godwin of Pine Cabin Gallery.

next building when something caught my and I saw a booth that made us stop, look “My children and I work together to

eye. Large, beautiful, wooden objects at each other and smile. The booth was hand-paint everything.” Originally, a

lined the perimeter of a booth with a covered in signs made of license plates. storefront located in Hemphill, TX, Pine

couple of freestanding displays in the Individual letters and numbers from Cabin Gallery now only sells their product

center. Upon closer inspection, I realized old license plates had been cut out and at Canton. “We were more successful in

they were fireplace mantels. Each was reassembled to form various words and Canton than with an actual store front, so

unique in size, style and intricacy. phrases. To carry through with our son’s we decided to shut the store down and

After admiring a few of the pieces, I car-themed bedroom, we stopped to see only sell here,” says Ms. Godwin.

wondered over to a man who seems to if they could make a sign for his bedroom After tucking one of their business

be the booth vendor. Happily answering door. “If you don’t see something you like, cards away for future reference, we

my questions, he proudly states he hand- just name it and we can probably make decided it was time to brave the heat to

whittled each mantel himself. “After I it,” said Cindy Bass of Pelican Pete’s by see what goodies we could find outside.

had my heart attack, I decided to start Cindy. “How about Cooper,” I say with a The outside vendors tend to have more of

whittling,” said Thad Page, owner of grin. Within minutes, her husband, Peter, an organized-garage-sale feel, which my

Longhorn Woodwork. “By the grace of had completed our request. Sign in hand, husband and I love. Hand-made purses,

God, I’ve been selling these mantels for we headed off to see what other unique baby accessories and hand-painted signs

about eight years now.” Specializing in items we could find. line the walkways. Tables covered in a

rustic fireplace mantels, Mr. Page’s website Choosing to stay inside as long as mixture of shoes, fine china and antique

claims to have the biggest and most rustic possible to beat the heat, we entered doorknobs made my mind wonder to how

selection in all of Canton. He is a prime another pavilion. More jewelry, clothing these things ever were grouped together.

example of the hardworking tradesman at and sunglasses occupied vendor’s tables, It all feels like an exciting treasure hunt.

Canton Trade Days who sell unique items failing to demand my attention. Then, Before we knew it, we had walked

you cannot find anywhere else. sitting among the ordinary were pieces all the way to the Canton Marketplace

Since one of these rustic masterpieces of furniture that were anything but. building, located near Interstate 20. Upon

would look a bit out of place in our home, Oversized, wooden chairs, tables and entering, we noticed a sign that read,

we stood in admiration of his work for a bit benches painted in outrageous yellows, “93,000 square feet of heated and cooled

36 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

Elle Godwin of Pine Cabin Gallery hand-
paints each piece her husband, Pat, hand-
makes, left. Meredith and Roy Burrell of Old
Coach is Nutz, right.

shopping space,” which was music to our
ears after our long, hot walk. In need of
a snack, the enticing smell of cinnamon
roasted nuts made our decision quite easy.
Meredith and Roy Burrell of “Old Coach is
Nutz” greeted us with a smile. Meredith
and her husband Roy (aka Coach) retired
after a combined 64 years of teaching and
coaching in Texas high schools. “Meredith
had the idea for her nut roasting business
for years,” said Coach. “After retirement,
we made it happen.”

Tired and ready to get back to our car,
my husband and I headed for the door. I
felt my husband’s steps getting quicker,
no doubt in an attempt to keep me from
stopping to look at something else, but
I had to make one last stop. Smart Art
offered handcrafted and hand-painted
easels, tables, toy boxes, stools and chairs
for children of all ages. The family running
the booth built each piece from start to
finish. Yet another example of the unique
items offers by hardworking, everyday
people at Canton Trade Days.

When leaving, we even noticed a
local face. Penny Trott, a Texas Master
Distributor of Da Vinci Teeth Whitening of
Plano, even has a booth at Canton Trade
Days. What a small world!

From Canton Marketplace, we took
advantage of the free shuttle and made
our way back to the car. Although we
were hot and sweaty, we had a great day
discovering what Canton Trade Days has
to offer.

Planning to visit Canton when First
Monday Trade Days isn’t open? No
problem. The historic downtown square
provides enough shopping, dining and
history to entertain just about anyone for
an entire afternoon. Check out historical
markers around town and the Canton
Plaza Museum located in the old Plaza
Theater. Beyond the downtown square,
there are two city lakes offering fishing
and boating, two golf courses, two
wineries, multiple parks and walking
trails and numerous other historical sites.
Something for everyone!

Andrea Hikel is the Editor of Frisco STYLE 37FRISCOSTYLE.COM
Magazine.

NOVEMBER 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved.

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38 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

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40 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. THANKSGIVING

REFLECTIONS

All Gave Some.

Some Gave All.

BY MA JOR GARRY BECKHAM, USAF, RETIRED

AS VETERANS DAY APPROACHES, many 230TH ANNIVERSARY OF Major Leonard (Leni) Williams;
clubs and associations are planning THE PURPLE HEART Inset, Leni during his service as a medic.

ceremonies for us to attend. While we On August 7, 2012, the Purple Heart

know the lives of North Dallas Texans are Medal turned 230 years old. The

very busy, it only takes a couple of hours Continental Military of the Revolutionary Elijah Churchill, Sergeant William Brown

to attend one of the local Veterans Day War had endured the hardships of war for and Sergeant Daniel Bissell. These three

ceremonies. Listen to the High School more than six years. Congress had taken Badges of Merit were the only awarded.

band or choir, maybe see a flyover, but away the authority of general officers to From that time until the 1930s, the

most importantly, listen and share the recognize men of distinction and valor Badge of Merit was not used. However,

experiences of those we have relied on with field commissions. With the war as the 200th Anniversary of George

to protect us and those we have sent to complete, the Continental Congress Washington’s birthday approached,

war. Many of you see Veterans everyday, failed to provide food and supplies, and military researchers uncovered the

without even knowing it. Many have a never paid many of the men for their war General Order establishing the Badge

father, mother or grandparent who is a service. Mutiny and rebellion cries were of Merit and documents of the three

Veteran. Your children may not know their on the rise. General George Washington awarded. The War Department’s General

grandparents were drafted and bravely knew the men had earned recognition Orders No. 3, dated February 22, 1932,

went to Europe, the Pacific for WWII, during the War, so on the 7th of August, revitalized the badge, and the new Purple

Korean War or to the Vietnam War; or 1782, as Commander in Chief of the Heart would include a profile of George

even that they were a volunteer for Desert Continental Army, he issued a General Washington. Since that time, the Purple

Storm in Iraq, the Second Iraqi War or Order establishing the Badge of Merit. The Heart has been awarded, “in the name

the War in Afghanistan. You probably Badge of Merit, our Nation’s first military of the President of the United States,

don’t even know your neighbor went off medal, was designed by M. Pierre Charles to service men and women, who while

to serve our nation in one of these far off L’Enfant. The medal was made of purple serving with the U.S. Armed Services

lands, and never returned home. If you cloth or silk and bordered with white after 5, April 1917, have been wounded or

take the chance to bring your family to lace. Being injured during combat did killed, or who have died or may hereafter

a ceremony this Veterans Day, Sunday, not necessarily qualify one to receive the die after being wounded during combat.”

November 11, your family will be enriched medal, but injury was always considered Therefore, when you see the Purple

and inspired by those you meet, by those high on the consideration list. In 1783, Heart, you know it is a symbol of blood,

you hear, because when you talk about George Washington presented three or a symbol of death, of someone our

our Vets, all gave, and some gave it ALL! Badges of Merit, one each to Sergeant Nation has sent into combat to defend

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1st Sgt. Dewey Fambry.
(Insets) AMSC LeRoy (Lee) Myrben, top .

Corporal Ronnie (RD) Foster, bottom.

the Nation, to keep us free. War, Vietnam War, two Purple Hearts): Congress. (Courtesy of Representative

I had a short chat with Major Leonard Sam Johnson, a decorated fighter pilot Johnson’s staff.)

“Leni” Williams. He stated that while who served in the U.S. Air Force for 29

some receive Purple Hearts, all who serve years, earned his Purple Heart for injuries 1ST SGT DEWEY FAMBRY (Korean War,

are harmed by the brutality that occurs sustained when his plane was shot down Vietnam War, two Purple Hearts): Sgt.

in war. So as you read the following short over enemy territory in Vietnam. He was Fambry was in Hue, Vietnam with the 191st

clips, some from Purple Heart recipients, captured and spent nearly seven years as Assault Helicopter Company. On April 23,

remember that these heroes have a prisoner of war – nearly half that time in 1968, they had incoming 122 MM rockets

sacrificed for your freedom. solitary confinement. Mr. on their position. One landed

Johnson suffered a broken near Sgt. Fambry’s location,

MAJOR LEONARD (LENI) WILLIAMS, arm, dislocated shoulder blowing him about 20 feet

USA (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and a broken back – into the air, wounding his

two Purple Hearts): Leni was a medic injuries his captors would right side and hand. He was

in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. use in their fruitless efforts treated at the field hospital

After being in the jungle, called “the to glean information from and insisted on returning to

bush,” in the Ashau Valley in Vietnam for him. While held in the his unit. Their company was

several weeks, Leni returned to one of the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” then sent to Fire Support

outposts that was used as a command Mr. Johnson spent 72 Base (FSB) Bastogne near the

post and helicopter loading and supply days in leg stocks. A day Ashau Valley. Their mission

zone. On May 10, 1968, Leni opted not to after the torture ended, was to open an old French

take the available chopper back to Saigon his captors forced him road into the valley. They

to return to the United States, but to rest into leg irons for two had heavy losses and had to

a night and then leave the next morning. and a half years. While withdraw back to the FSB.

On the morning of the 11th, the outpost in captivity, Mr. Johnson Sgt. Fambry was nearing

started drawing heavy fire. A young disagreed with the way rotation (the completion

soldier cried out “medic” and Leni went the war was being run. of a tour in Vietnam) and a

to aid the wounded soldier. Within a short Along with several of his fellow American new First Sergeant arrived on April 27,

time, a 122-millimeter mortar round struck prisoners, they decided that when – not his replacement. He wanted to go to the

nearby and Leni was hit by shrapnel. Leni if – they returned home, they would run locations of their unit’s other platoons.

has had to live with and endure the pain of for office and do something about it. They got a machine gun Jeep and set out

the severe concussion and spinal wounds After returning home in 1973, Mr. Johnson on a five-hour trip to those locations. They

since that very day — May 11, 1968. began serving in the Texas legislature had completed the tour and were near

and currently represents the people of Hue when they hit a roadside explosive

COLONEL SAM JOHNSON, USAF (Korean Texas’ Third District in the United States device. The Jeep was destroyed and

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Staff Sgt. James Moore, left; Insets, clockwise from left: Captain Neal Litton, Captain Steve Brainerd & Staff Sgt. Jeffery Palamore.

Sgt. Fambry was wounded again. He and then to San Antonio to the Army Burn helicopter, it oscillated toward him and he

had a fractured skull, concussion, a Center. Sgt. McGar has recovered from had to leap out of the way to avoid being

broken left-hand and right shoulder and his wounds and now working on being a hit. He ended up in a punji stake pit that

other wounds. They were taken to a field firefighter in The Colony. put stakes through his calf and knee. Sgt.

hospital where he received aid. The next Moore had to call the Medevac helicopter

day, Sgt. Fambry went back to Bear Cat STAFF SGT. JAMES MOORE (Vietnam War, to come back and pick him up!

Station near Saigon, and a few days later three Purple Hearts): Sgt. Moore’s unit, Additional Veteran stories can be read

returned to the USA where he received the 11th Pathfinder Group (Black Hats) was on the Frisco STYLE website, including

extensive medical treatment for his attached to the First Cavalry (helicopters) Captain Neal Litton’s story of one of his

injuries. and based in Ahn Khe, Vietnam. They patrols in Afghanistan that cost American

were a group of paratroopers, expert lives and wounded three; Staff Sgt. Jeffery

SGT JEREMY MCGAR (Operation Iraqi riflemen and radio-trained operators Palamore’s 15 hour battle in Afghanistan;

Freedom, two Purple Hearts): Jeremy (RTO). Their mission was to be on the first AMSC Lee Myrben planning a mission to

McGar (Grandson of Dewey Fambry) was flight of helicopters during an air assault free American POWs in Vietnam; Captain

assigned to the 101st Airborne Battalion so they could give enemy locations Steve Brainerd’s air operations to protect

at Ft. Campbell, KY. He had completed and status via radio to other helicopter a fleeing F-4 in Vietnam; and, Corporal

his 13-month tour in Iraq, but had been squadrons. In September 1966, Sgt. Ronnie Foster’s story of helping orphans

extended two months. He was on patrol Moore was assigned to C Company of the during the Vietnam War.

in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected 7th Battalion. In the beginning, it was quiet, These are the stories of survivors. They

(MRAP) vehicle as the gunner in the turret. probably due to the 20 minutes of napalm are the heroes for which we celebrate

The crew was nearing the end of their on the opposite hills before the assault. Veteran’s Day. And there are many more

patrol when the MRAP was hit with a large At the three-day point in the “hump,” stories, many more brave and heroic acts

caliber weapon just behind the driver’s the company came into a bevy of punji in combat, by Texas Vets living near you.

position. The explosion sent flames stakes, nine troopers were injured, and all Veteran’s Day is also about those that did

through the entire vehicle and destroyed needed evacuation by helicopter. To get not make it home, those that died for the

the MRAP. Sgt. McGar was burned on the the helicopters into the landing zone in United States of America. As a Nation, we

face, hands, arms and chest. He managed the middle of the forest, he had to knock owe all our Vets a day of recognition. And

to get out of the burning vehicle and then down about a dozen trees with C4 (plastic now you know: Some gave! And some

assisted the other three men to get out. explosives). The helicopters still had to gave it all!

A Medevac helicopter was called in and descend and ascend straight up and

transported the four crewmen to a field down to clear the trees. As Sgt. Moore Major Garry M. Beckham, USAF,

hospital. All four were air lifted to Germany was giving hand signals to the ascending Retired lives in Plano.

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FEATURE BY CHRIS MARTIN

HHeOlpP&E

A FRISCO FATHER OF FOUR didn’t eat so his kids would have enough food. He knew

they were hungry and he could go without for a while. He didn’t want them to know that

gnawing feeling deep in the pit of their stomach — the one that he had, though his was

not solely caused by hunger. Times had gotten tough--really tough -- but at least they still

had a roof over their heads, for now.

He had to find a way to put food on his family’s table. And he did, though it was probably

one of the hardest things he has ever had to do. Summoning all of his courage, he took a

deep breath and walked through the door of the city’s only comprehensive social service

agency, Frisco Family Services (FFS). And while his name is not something he is comfortable

sharing, the help he and many others have received from FFS is a story worth heralding.

Celebrating its 17th year of service to the Frisco community, FFS has provided help and

hope to thousands of families in crisis since 1995, when a compassionate group of citizens

formed the non-profit advocacy center. Though many in our affluent community silently

wonder who “those” people are who are struggling, they would be surprised to learn that

in these difficult times they are often our neighbors, acquaintances or even friends. “There

really isn’t a typical type of client that we see,” says Nicole Bursey, executive director of

FFS. “A lot of our clients are well-educated and have worked their whole lives without ever

having trouble making ends meet. Now they are having difficulty providing even the basic

necessities of life for their families.” Through job loss, illness, divorce and other unforeseen

circumstances, many Frisco residents have found themselves facing hardships they never

would have imagined. “It’s difficult for people to wrap their brain around the fact that

they were shopping at Kroger six months ago and now they are shopping in the FFS Food

Pantry,” says Ms. Bursey. She believes oftentimes the beauty and bounty of Frisco can be

misleading. “People generally think everyone shares in the wealth of the area but that’s not

the reality of what’s happening.” This past year, the non-profit agency helped more than

3200 people meet their basic needs for survival.

“Behind every door in our community is a story and most of us don’t have any idea what

struggles others might be facing behind those doors. It’s a desperate and devastating

feeling when you can’t put food on your family’s table or aren’t sure how you are going to

keep a roof over your head. And if you are in this type of dire situation, especially for the

first time, it’s hard to admit you need help,” explains Ms. Bursey. She says many people

confess to coming to the FFS office or picking up the phone to contact FFS several times

before finally being able to ask for help. “It’s a very stressful time, but we are here to help

people get the help they need in any way we can.”

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Volunteer Services Manager, Ligia Zimmerman, helps a
volunteer in the new Frisco Family Services Food Pantry.

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