At a ceremony held at the VFW Post 2772 in Sherman on March 27, local Marine Corps veteran Michael Farmer was recognized as the Texoma Hero for March.
Founded in 2015, the Texoma Hero Program recognizes local veterans for their military service and community contributions. On the last Friday of each month, individuals are awarded an American flag at a ceremony in Sherman.
Farmer was barely 17 years old when he signed up to join the Marines, foregoing his high school graduation and choosing a career of service, instead. Immediately thrust into Vietnam, he learned quickly what combat can do to a teenage boy and to a country.
It was a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, with Americans split on how they felt about the war. As a result, many troops didn’t get the warm welcome home they deserved.
“In 1969, there were protesters when we landed in El Toro,” Farmer said. “They put us in a hangar and busted us out late at night in unmarked buses. I didn’t let it bother me; I had ambitions and things I wanted to do. I adapted thanks to the people around me — my commanders, my friends — they all led me through it.”
After leaving the Marines, Farmer enjoyed a successful career as a truck driver and in law enforcement. That path ultimately led him to Whitesboro, where he lives near his family and continues to contribute to local veterans’ groups across Texas.
He currently serves as the Sergeant at Arms and board member of the Veterans Association of Whitesboro, a nonprofit who focuses on providing resources and camaraderie to area veterans. The group meets monthly and welcomes veterans and community members to gather, visit, play cards or just get out of the house for a few hours. It’s a role Farmer is honored to have.
“It’s our duty,” he said. “We wouldn’t be a nation without every one of these people that are around me right now.”
