Copperas Cove veteran honored by National VFW for community service

Juanita Myres, a veteran who lives in Copperas Cove, received recognition from the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Still Serving campaign for longstanding community support and service to fellow veterans. The honor, announced on November 26, 2025, spotlights a local veteran whose life experience reflects broader challenges faced by military families and caregivers in Central Texas.

Myres was born and raised in Beaumont, and she described a working class childhood in which both parents worked to support the family. “I come from a middle-class family, both working parents,” said Myers. “My father worked for a rice mill on the north side, my mom had her own cleaning service, and she did home healthcare growing up.” She joined the Army straight out of high school, driven by a desire to serve. “I just wanted to be a superhero,” said Myers. “I know that sounds cliché and kind of weird but yeah, I wanted to be a real-life superhero and what better way to do that than join the military.”

Myres left active duty when Hurricane Rita destroyed her family home while she was deployed, and her grandparents were caring for her two young children. She made the choice to return home and raise her family, a decision she calls central to her life. “The best thing that I have ever done is raise you guys,” said Myers. “So, I know a lot times you guys tell me thank you but, I just want to say thank you to the 4 of you. Mommy loves you, I’m so proud of you, and I thank God for you guys every single day.” Two of her adult children have continued the tradition of service by joining the Army and the Air Force.

Veterans and community leaders in Copperas Cove emphasized Myres’s generosity and selflessness. “Juanita is a very selfless person,” said Teresa Christopher, fellow veteran and friend of Myers. “Very selfless I mean, she will literally give you the shirt off her back.” Willie Keller, commander of VFW Post 12209 where Myres is a member, noted that leaving uniformed service does not end the work of service. “Sometimes she figures well, I decided to raise my family instead of staying in the military,” said Keller. “You are still serving outside the uniform. You’re in a different uniform and that’s what Army retiree service has asked us to do. Continue to serve as she serves our service members today. So, I enjoy having her part of the 12209 village.”

The recognition in Coryell County matters beyond one ceremony. It draws attention to gaps in supports for veterans who become primary caregivers, to the unpaid labor that often falls on women, and to the need for accessible veteran services in smaller communities. Local organizations and policymakers can use examples like Myres to consider how outreach, mental health care, and benefits delivery can better reach veterans balancing family obligations. For residents of Copperas Cove, the award is a reminder that service takes many forms and that sustaining veteran networks is both a community responsibility and a policy challenge.