In a room full of veterans, their families and local leaders, one phrase encompassed the ideals that all brought them together.
Service to your country and its people doesn’t end when your military time does.
“Just because I am out doesn’t mean I can stop serving,” veteran Jonathon Perkins said.
Veteran Jonathon Perkins speaks after being recognized at the Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom 2025 luncheon in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Twelve veterans were honored for their community service across Tarrant County during the Fort Worth Report’s Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom luncheon at the National Medal of Honor Museum Nov. 10.
Each honoree followed a different path to where they are today.
Stories of Honor
Read the stories of the veterans recognized for their service and learn about their work in the community in the Fort Worth Report’s Stories of Honor series here.
Some, like Emian Williams, use skills learned from their time in uniform to help others. Some took lessons learned from their experiences to now lift other veterans, as Bill Arnold does.
Veteran Emian Williams poses for a photo at the Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom 2025 luncheon in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Veteran Bill Arnold speaks after being recognized at the Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom 2025 luncheon in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Chris Cassidy, the museum’s CEO and president, said the bond between each service member was strong and instant, despite differences in paths or branches.
“The common thing that those lines share between all of us is not a paycheck. It’s not money. It’s friendships,” Cassidy told the crowd.
Chris Cassidy, National Medal of Honor Museum president and CEO, speaks at the Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom 2025 luncheon in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
The former Navy SEAL and astronaut said his journey was also a winding yet fulfilling one. He wouldn’t change a thing if given the chance.
That sentiment is one that is common among fellow veterans, Cassidy said.
Know a veteran whose story should be told? Nominate them for the 2026 Stories of Honor program. Email mike@fortworthreport.org for more information.
Cassidy said he’s “just really thankful for those mentors and opportunities and those doors we all stepped through because we raised our hands to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Army veteran James Kumm said his current work as the vice president of student affairs at the Tarrant County College Northeast Campus and efforts to help veterans transition to student life at UT-Arlington is a way of paying back the opportunities given to him.
Veteran James Kumm speaks after being recognized at the Stories of Honor Celebrating Freedom 2025 luncheon in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
“As so many of our other veterans today have said, our oath never expires,” Kumm said. “We continue to give back, we serve because we felt that calling.”
Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.
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