Rockwall county sheriff's deputy Kevin Rowan just happened to be patrolling an area near Lake Ray Hubbard one night recently when he spotted headlights in the water. He took off his gun belt and jumped in to find two women in their early 20s in the sinking car. deputy rowan got both the very grateful women out. The two women he saved thanked deputy Rowan at a ceremony for him days later.

Shane Ward of Amarillo doesn't fit the mold of a hero, but the three people he saved would certainly tell you that he is.  Shane was driving home with his family from Oklahoma City when they happened upon a bad accident.
He sprung into action--as another family member called 9-1-1.  All three women inside the burning pick-up were pulled to safety.  This week we salute Shane Ward of Amarillo for his quick action.


 

They're known as "Stars Over Longview".  Twelve women nominated by others for things they do behind the scenes in the East Texas city.  The women are also featured in a calendar, one for each month of the year.  Organizer Jill Berney says it proves that one person can make a difference in their community. This week we honor "Stars Over Longview", women who take time out from their busy lives to help others.

 

After years in the insurance industry, Paul Hinton of Hemphill decided it was time to kick back and take it easy, but it didn't last for long. For two decades now, he's acted as founder and director of "Get Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs". Longtime friend Kathy Magers says Paul is all about helping kids and putting others before himself.  This week we salute Paul Hinton of Hemphill--a 2009 inductee into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Neighbors say Ashton Stewart is a real hero!  The 36-year-old Bedford resident was working on a car in the parking lot of his apartment complex when he heard an explosion.  Looking over his shoulder he saw that an upstairs unit was engulfed in flames.  He rushed in, rescuing one resident and then went back in again to make sure no one else was in there.  A special salute of Ashton Stewart of Bedford.

 

As we wrap up 2011,  law enforcement personnel statewide want Texans to approach the New Year with caution.  D-P-S troopers, sheriff's deputies and local police will be out in force this week looking for those who shouldn't be on the road,  those drinking and driving.  They'll also keep an eye out for speeders and those not buckled up.  From us at the Texas State Network and Farm Bureau Insurance we hope the best for you in the new year.

 

It's that time of year again...!!! The Salvation Army Red Kettle drive is underway. You'll find them outside stores and malls in almost 250-towns and cities across the state. It's a worthy cause and the majority of the donations are returned to the local community, for things like toys for kids at Christmas, food, utility bill help and rent subsidy. Once again Texans are showing their special spirit by donating to make sure the real meaning of the holiday season comes true for others.  

 

For the week of Thanksgiving we take the time to honor those who serve in our military branches.  They're sending audio messages back home to family members in Texas.  In turn--we here at home owe a big thanks to the men and women in the armed forces who protect our freedoms.

 

It's amazing how and what children learn.  Two-year-old Lia Vega of the Highlands, near Houston, noticed that her mother had fallen and wasn't moving.  So--she picked up a nearby cell phone and managed to call her grandmother.  Lia's mother--Larissa--has diabetes. She was rushed to the hospital, doctors say just in the nick of time.  She's really proud of her daughter, saying even though she's only two, she's smart beyond her years.  This week we salute little two-year-old Lia Vega of the Highlands.


 

This is the story of 12-year-old Ernesto Rodriguez of Port Bolivar.  As he and a friend were preparing to cross a busy highway for Trick or Treat they didn't see an on-coming truck. Ernesto managed to push his friend out of the way--but he was struck and killed.  Family members say it was commonplace for him to put others first. This week we spotlight the heroic actions of Ernesto Rodriguez of Port Bolivar, who gave up his life to save that of a friend.

 

Jack Bell was a legend in Texas radio.  He opened KDET in Center in 19-49--retiring in 20-01 after more than five decades in the industry.  He'll also be remembered for his unique sports broadcasting ability.  Jack bell passed away recently at the age of 89.  He was also a past president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and a recipient of the Texas Broadcasters Pioneer of the Year award.
 

The Boy Scout motto is "be prepared", and 12-year-old Chase Greer of Cypress certainly was.  It happened when a classmate started choking at lunch one day.  It took awhile--but the object was finally dislodged and his friend started breathing again. Chase's mom wasn't surprised. She says he's mature beyond his age. This week we salute 12-year-old Chase Greer of Smith Middle School in Cypress for his quick thinking.


 

It was 25-years ago that Austin's Foundation Communities grew out of University of Texas student co-op housing.  Executive Director Walter Moreau says they currently provide housing for about five-thousand Austinites--from the homeless to working class families.  They also have eight learning centers--with 750-kids in class.  This week we salute Foundation Communities of Austin and its executive director Walter Moreau.

 

A unthinkable act foiled by an ordinary citizen.  Greg Ebert works as a clerk at Guns Galore in Killeen. A young man comes in and stacks some items up on the counter, black powder, shotgun shells and a magazine. Ebert calls a friend with the police department, and they followed up. Turns out--an AWOL Fort Hood soldier was planning a terrorist plot. Ebert says he's not a hero--just someone doing their job. 

 

Food Pantry's all across Texas are having a hard time because of the recession.  More and more people are asking for assistance and donations are way down.  John Turner is with the Capital Area Food Bank in Texas. He says now is the perfect time for Texans to volunteer, donate or advocate for the cause. It's up to all of use to take care of those in need.  This week we salute food banks in the Lone Star State and ask that you help if you can.

It's been a record year for wildfires across the Lone Star State.  This is about  honoring first responders.  Forest Service spokeswoman April Saginor says for the most part--these are everyday people--just wanting to help. Over 300-consecutive days answering the alarm bell.  A tip of the hat to volunteer fire departments and members of the Texas Forest Service for the unselfish work they do.




 

It's a dog's life for Jo Ann Russell of Liberty.  She's founder of the Southeast Texas chapter of "Paws 4 Love"--a pet therapy group.  The dogs are being used in five different counties to visit places like schools, nursing homes and libraries.  They're special--asking for nothing in return--but giving so much to others. This week we honor "Paws 4 Love" founder Jo Ann Russell of Liberty.

 

Would you stop to help someone in trouble...???  Al Hunt of Sweetwater did when he saw something on the side of I-20.  Dodging traffic-he went back and found a four-year-old boy standing there suffering from heat exhaustion and hundreds of cactus needles. The child had been left there by his father, who was later arrested. This week we spotlight Al Hunt of Sweetwater for his help to others... especially in time of need.

A Buda teenager is being celebrated as a hero after saving a toddler. 15-year-old Cary Clevenger and the baby's brother were playing outside when they looked up and saw the two-year-old leaning on a screen in a second-story window. The child fell, but Cary rushed over to catch him. Both fell to the ground unharmed. This week we spotlight Cary Clevenger of Buda. If you'd like to nominate someone-go to Texan of the Week dot com.

 

Wheel Times Inc., based in the panhandle town of Pampa, offers a year-round sports program for children and young adults with mobility challenges. Founder Brad Pingel says it's a chance for them to take part in a sporting event--hopefully in a team setting.  It's about teaching lessons in life, including sportsmanship, and encouragement of others. Right now the program is only local, but Pingel hopes it will eventually expand statewide.
 

A Klein elementary student is being hailed a hero after he jumped into action and saved a classmate who was choking in the lunchroom.  10-year-old Tyler Hudson used the Heimlich maneuver when he noticed the girl was choking on a "Cheeto."  He then received special recognition from his principal and classmates. This week we spotlight Tyler Hudson of Spring for his quick actions to help someone else.
 

If you ask teachers what they hope to accomplish--most will answer "to make a difference for their students."  That's certainly the case for Veronica Davis of Temple. She's a fifth grade science teacher at Hector P. Garcia Elementary. Under her tutalege "TAKS" scores are up 30-percent for her grade level. Friends and co-workers say she's someone who truly cares about her kids. This week we spotlight Temple elementary teacher Veronica Davis.

 

Antonio "Tony" Leal is taking off his badge.  After more than 27-years with the Departnent of Public Safety he's retiring.  Tony, a native of Fort Bend County, was assigned to the Texas Rangers where he was the youngest ever commander of the elite law enforcment unit.  He was in charge of overseeing the state's most complex and major investigations. Leal and his family are returning to the Houston area, where it's expected Tony will enter the private sector.
 

Marshall Fire Chief Kenneth "Buzz" Snyder is known as a "Man of Strength".  He's been chief in the East Texas town of Marshall for almost 19-years, a firefighter for over 40.  Wiley College Vice-President of Student Affairs Dr. Joseph Morale says Snyder provides a role model for male students. He also serves  the community in many organizations-from Rotary Club to Meals on Wheels. This week we spotlight Marshall Fire Chief Buzz Snyder.

 

26-year-old Jeremy Smith of Arlington was serving his fourth tour of duty in the Middle East when he was killed.  The Marine Staff Sergeant was a graduate of Martin High School, serving with the Lone Star Battalion in Afghanistan.  His father, Jerry, says his son had grown into someone special. And, he hopes other Texans will take the time to thank those who serve when they see them.  Staff Sergeant Jeremy Smith, an experienced and decorated combat leader, had been married for less than a year. If you'd like to nominate someone--go to Texan of the Week dot com.

 

26-year-old Dawson Hicks opened his trendy clothing store in the historic downtown area of Comanche, and began offering help to the local Chamber of Commerce. From beauty pageants to the Main Street Advisory Board.  Executive Director Christine Tandy Perkins says his contributions were immediately felt.  Just recently, he donated clearance clothing from his store to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Local residents say it's proof that one person can make a difference. This week we salute Dawson Hicks of Comanche.

25-year-old John Ridge of Hallsville awoke to the shock of the screams of his two young daughters yelling "fire".  He jumped into action to get his three-year-old and six-year-old daughters out of the burning mobile home, then going back in for his wife. They all suffered only smoke inhlation. He was hospitalized for second degree burns to his arms. John says his only thoughts were for saving his family.

When a raging wildfire moved along the outskirts of Colorado City there wasn't much residents in its path could do but evacuate. That's what Jim White and his wife did-driving away seeing nothing but smoke and flames.  They feared the worst, but it didn't happen. Someone they hardly even knew changed things.  Cole Lindsey was driving through the area and stopped then used the White's two garden hoses to save their home, although a number of others nearby were lost to the fire. This week we salute Cole Lindsey of Colorado City for his brave efforts.