Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans salutes Charles Tillman and his wife Jackie for the extra efforts they have displayed towards others. Their way of life, caring and giving to others warrants the name of the street "Charles Tillman Way".
The weekend was full of celebration beginning with the Dedication of the Street "Charles Tillman Way" and the Boots and Buckle Event where Charles was the keynote speaker.
SG-VHV President Jonathan Haywood & Vice President John Robertson were among the many guest to attend — The Economic Development Corporation dedication of Charles Tillman Way on Friday in honor of the Chicago Bears cornerback and former Copperas Cove Bulldawgs standout.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Tillman holds the Bears’ team records for defensive touchdowns and interception-return touchdowns. In 2013, he received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
In high school, he helped Cove end a 40-year football playoff drought. Tillman is an inspiration on and off the field, said Jack Welch, Copperas Cove Independent School District athletic director.
He affects the lives of about a half-million people a year through the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, which provides opportunities and resources to children and families in need, said Col. Glenn Gildon, commander of the Fort Hood Mobilization Brigade, during the dedication ceremony.
Gildon said Charles Tillman Way also will have an effect on people’s lives as it will lead to a future primary-employer hub for the city.
“Cove is growing,” Tillman said. “Cove is definitely on the up and coming. ... Hopefully Charles Tillman Way can change lives.”
Bears fans were among those who watched the corporation’s vice chairwoman, Bradi Diaz, hand Tillman a street sign bearing his name.
“My husband is a huge fan of Charles,” said Celisse Moyer, as she clenched her husband’s favorite Tillman jersey, which Tillman signed. Gabriel Moyer, a soldier, is currently deployed. “He is going to be so excited,” Celisse Moyer said. Kim Miller, another Tillman fan, said it was fitting for the city to name a street after the NFL player. “It is awesome,” Miller said. “He has done so much. He is a good person and just remembers the military and the community where he came from.”
Upon completion, Charles Tillman Way will lead to one entrance into the 72-acre Narrows Business and Technology Park and will connect Robert Griffin III Boulevard to Constitution Drive.
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THEN CAME SATURDAY NIGHT ---
(Which was attended by SG-VHV members Jonathan Haywood, John Cook, Sheila Timmons and Donald Tillman (father of Guest Speaker Charles Tillman)
The Copperas Cove Education Foundation hosted its first “Boots and Buckles — Funding the Future” gala to raise money for teacher grants at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Cove Civic Center, 1206 W. Avenue B. There was dancing, a silent auction, music and food.
“CCEF goal was to raise $20,000 from the gala. “It’s the first inaugural event of its kind for the CCEF. In previous years, the foundation hosted a golf tournament as its annual fundraising event. This year is the beginning of an annual gala to include distinguished alumni as speakers.”
The guest speaker at this first event was Charles Tillman. During his presentation, Charles told of the things instilled in him though the Copperas Cove Head Coach. Example was a statement that Charles said has followed him "A goal without a plan is just a wasted thought".
It was also mentioned that Mrs. Tillman was a Copperas Cove alumni!
He spoke of the heart ailment of his daughter and how it affected his life. He stated he called his father to help him through the initial moments. Charles was an awesome speaker with a deliverance that came straight from his heart!
“We were lucky enough to have Charles Tillman accept the invitation to be the first such guest speaker,” Peña-Gaede said. “It’s an honor to have him return to Copperas Cove to help support the school district. “His dedication to his career, family and philanthropic causes is a true
testament to the athlete and person he is.”
This event will raise money for the 2014 grants, which have included everything from iPads and after-school clubs to student authored and illustrated published books, Peña-Gaede said.
“The CCEF’s tireless efforts and support are invaluable to Copperas Cove ISD. The foundation not only rewards innovative teaching through thousands of dollars in grants that produce otherwise non-fundable programs for our students, it also honors exemplary students and teachers at the annual Top 10 Percent banquet and is a presence at district events year round,” she said.
Fundraising efforts from the gala will continue to support such programs as House Creek Elementary’s Launch Club and Leap Ahead, Halstead’s Let’s Share a Story and Fairview Jewell’s Exploring our Dreams programs.
 
Veterans Helping Veterans |