AUSTIN, Texas -- This year the Christmas tree in the Texas State Capitol's House Chamber will be adorned with an ornament created by a staff member from the Center for the Intrepid.
Texas House of Representatives House Speaker Joe Straus' office contacted Kathie Rasmussen, CFI health systems specialist, to see if someone would be willing to design an ornament that would represent the unique mission of the CFI.
Each year, House members select a constituent to create a visual representation of what makes their Texas House District special. For the past five years the ornaments have been displayed on the Christmas tree in the House chamber in the heart of Austin.
"As neighbors of Fort Sam Houston, Joe and I are reminded daily of the bravery and sacrifice required by the dedicated men and women who serve there and recognize that our service is only made possible through theirs," said Julie Straus, wife of Speaker Joe Straus, when asked why they chose the CFI to design an ornament.
"Whether it is hearing morning reveille, evening taps or the cadence of drills, our thoughts turn daily to the sacrifice made by the brave soldiers who continue their fight at the Center for the Intrepid to reach their full potential or for some, to return to duty."
Troy Hopkins, a physical therapy technician who has worked at Brooke Army Medical Center for the past 18 years, took the challenge to heart, hand-painting the ornament in his spare time.
"The ornament depicts several elements that represent our mission here," explained Hopkins. "The Purple Heart and its ribbon flowing through represent the men and women who have given so much of their lives for Texans and Americans. The IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Device), arm and leg prosthetics honor the pride and respect we have for our warriors. The CFI is a place warriors can call home."
Hopkins, Rasmussen and Staff Sgt. Michael Collins, a wounded service member recovering at the CFI, took a trip to the Capitol Dec. 4 to present the ornament to Straus and his wife and place the ornament on the tree.
"We are grateful for the CFI ornament that now hangs on the House Christmas tree and allows us and others to honor these heroes," Julie Straus said.
After meeting the Speaker and his wife, the group received a private tour of the historic building, which included a 263-stair climb to the top of the capitol dome.
"Seeing the view from the very top of the dome was amazing," said Collins. "This was my first visit to the capitol, I would like to go back again with my family."
The 22-foot, Texas-grown tree will be on display through Jan. 2.
Social Sharing