Salute To Service | HoustonTexans.com

Honoree: Sergeant First Class Eddie Cavazos

Sergeant First Class Eddie Cavazos began his military career in 2004 at the age of 33.  Upon enlisting with the Texas Army National Guard, he completed both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was trained to serve as a Tanker.  By 2006 he pivoted to serve as an Infantryman and later in 2009, he reclassified as an Engineer. His deployments include overseas assignments in Kosovo in 2005 and Iraq in 2009.  With over 21 years of honorable service in the Texas National Guard, SFC Cavazos currently serves as a Platoon Sergeant with the 551st Multi-Role Bridge Company. His leadership and dedication have been a cornerstone of his long and distinguished military career.  SFC Cavazos has been married for 29 years to his wife, Pamela. Together, they both work full-time for the Texas Military Department's State Family Program as State and Family Readiness Specialist.  In this position, Eddie provides guidance, resources, support, and training to military units, service members, with intent to empower the military community to navigate the unique challenges of National Guard service—whether during state or national emergencies or throughout all phases of deployment and military life.  Eddie's heart for service extends beyond the uniform and responsibilities of a state employee.  As a dedicated volunteer for USO Houston, his efforts have greatly improved morale and fostered a genuine sense of community.

Honoree: Senior Chief Devin Lloyd

Senior Chief Devin Lloyd is assigned to Air Station Houston as the Leading Chief Petty Officer in Houston, Texas July 2024.Primary role is to oversea the enlisted workforce within the Aviation Engineering department. This encompasses all training, professional development, and support. Senior Chief Devin Lloyds previous assignments include Air Station Kodiak (2020-2024), Air Station Cape Cod (2016-2020), Air Station Clearwater (2011-2016), Air Station Kodiak (2008-2011), and USCGC Manowar our of Galveston, Texas (2006-2008). Senior Chief Lloyd Attained a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Senior Chief Lloyd was born and raised in the Treasure Valley area of Boise Idaho, enlisting in 2006. Personal achievements include four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, five Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbons, all with the operational distinguishing device.

Honoree: Corporal Kerry Barnes

Corporal Kerry Barnes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1987, courageously serving in Operation Desert Storm to protect our nation and its freedoms. His military career reflected the highest values of the Marine Corps—honor, courage, and commitment—as he stood alongside his fellow Marines in unwavering devotion to duty. 

After completing his military service, Kerry continued his lifelong mission of protecting and serving others. He came home to Houston and joined the Houston Police Department, where he proudly served for 25 years, ultimately retiring as a detective. His commitment to justice, public safety, and his community was nothing short of extraordinary. 

Kerry embodies the true spirit of service—not just as a Marine, but as a protector, leader, and role model. It would be incredibly meaningful to see him honored by the Houston Texans Salute to Service initiative, as his dedication and sacrifice deserve recognition beyond the battlefield and beyond his badge.

Honoree: Army Colonel Mark Ned

Colonel (Ret.) Mark Ned began his military service in 1987 with the Louisiana Army National Guard, later earning his commission through McNeese State University. Over a distinguished 34-year career, he completed advanced military education including the U.S. Army War College and served in a variety of leadership roles across personnel management, operations, and international mission support. He deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 519th Military Police Battalion, supported Joint Counter-Narcotics operations while assigned to U.S. Southern Command, and later served as Deputy Director of Personnel for the 335th Signal Command. He also led personnel and manpower operations for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, supporting missions across 19 states and assisting logistics operations supporting Army efforts in Africa. In 2018, he was appointed Senior Army Reserve Advisor and Deputy Commander at the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, where he contributed to training the Army's Human Resources and Finance workforce worldwide. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2022 and went on to serve as Human Resources Manager for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Today, he continues his service to the veteran community as Director of Veteran Services, ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits, support, and resources they have earned. He and his wife enjoy traveling and exploring new experiences together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!