Salute To Service | HoustonTexans.com
Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos - November 2
Honoree: Staff Sergeant Jessie Lopez
As a member of the US Air Force, Staff Sergeant Lopez has been serving this great nation for the last 12 years, with his initial enlistment taking place on August 16th, 2013. Upon completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training, Lopez was assigned to the 272nd Engineering and Installation Squadron at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, where he worked as a Radar Airfield and Weather Systems Technician. In 2020, he was deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Post deployment, Staff Sergeant Lopez was awarded an Air Force Achievement Medal for his role in bringing base wide communications via a 10-mile fiber ring. Following deployment, he was provided with the opportunity to cross train to the 147th Security Forces Squadron at Ellington Field, where he currently serves in a full-time capacity. As recently as April of this year, Lopez was deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE in support of Operation Spartan Shield and has just returned home to his 3 beautiful kids Liam, Josie, and Kaiden.
Houston Texans vs. San Francisco 49ers - October 26
Honoree: Staff Sergeant Ian J. Cleveland
Staff Sergeant Ian J. Cleveland began his military career in 2017 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing Basic Military Training and technical school, he was assigned to the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Throughout his service, SSgt Cleveland excelled in logistics, supply chain management, and material control—playing a vital role in supporting the Air Force's largest C-130 airlift mission. During his tenure, he served as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Weapons Armory, where he oversaw the maintenance, accountability, and secure storage of the Wing's ground defense weapon systems and chemical warfare defense equipment valued at over $1.2 million. His leadership ensured strict compliance with safety and security standards while enhancing operational readiness across multiple units. Beyond his armory responsibilities, SSgt Cleveland demonstrated exceptional skill in warehouse management, inventory control, and integrated logistics support. He led efforts to reorganize multiple warehouses, validate more than 180,000 assets, and streamline supply operations that directly supported thousands of flight hours and mission sorties worldwide. His performance earned him several awards, including the Air and Space Achievement Medal and multiple Air and Space Outstanding Unit Awards. Since completing his active-duty service, Ian has continued to apply his logistical expertise and leadership in the civilian sector, currently serving as a Warehouse Manager for the Houston Texans, where he oversees critical supply chain operations and supports multiple business departments across the organization. His experience in supply chain management, personnel development, and strategic operations reflects a deep commitment to service, teamwork, and excellence. A foundation that continues to guide his professional journey today.
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans - September 28
Honoree: Chief Shounie Capers
Chief Shounie Capers is a proud U.S. Navy Aviation Support Equipment Technician with 19 years of honorable service. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Chief Capers joined the Navy at just 17 years old and has dedicated his life to serving his country. He is currently stationed aboard the USS Robert E. Simanek, where he continues to lead with excellence. Throughout his career, Chief Capers has guided and mentored sailors while supporting naval aviation operations around the world. His previous assignments include serving at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic, where he led 75 sailors in completing more than 64,000 maintenance actions on critical aviation support equipment — ensuring readiness for 19 squadrons across five carrier air wings. While stationed at NSA Bahrain, he managed over $42 million in aviation assets, coordinating operations across the globe. Chief Capers has also deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Harry S. Truman, supporting vital missions and fleet readiness. His outstanding service has been recognized with five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a testament to his leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - September 15
Honoree: Staff Sergeant, Lisa Santos
Following the attacks of 9/11, SSG Santos answered the call to serve, joining the U.S. Army in 2002. Throughout her remarkable career, she has served as an Administrative Specialist, Watercraft Operator, and Transportation Management Coordinator, roles that showcased her versatility and dedication to mission success. She was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and again in 2022 to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Spartan Shield, representing our nation with honor across decades of global service. Her distinguished service has earned her numerous awards, including the Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, and multiple campaign and service ribbons. Beyond her military career, SSG Santos is a devoted wife, proud mother of three sons, and grandmother to one granddaughter.
Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers - August 16
Honoree: United States Army Specialist, Oscar Tobar
During our game against Carolina, we honored United States Army Specialist, Oscar Tobar. Tobar was deployed to Iraq where he served as combat medic for the infantry platoon from 2006-2007. For his second deployment, he served as a combat life saver instructor at a level 2 aid station in Camp Liberty, Iraq. He has also served in Germany, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Hood, Texas, and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas - earning several awards throughout the years. The Houston Texans and American National Insurance thank Oscar for his service!