Mr. Sam Meyer, US Air Force World War II Veteran

Mr. Sam Meyer proudly served in World War II with the 370th Army Air Force Fighter Group. Arriving on Omaha Beach just weeks after D-Day, his unit became the first Fighter Group to operate out of an airfield in Normandy following the success of Operation Overlord. From there, he participated in key campaigns such as Operation Cobra in August 1944, the historic breakout from Normandy.

A recipient of The Legion of Honor (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur)—France’s highest civilian and military decoration, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802—Mr. Meyer’s bravery and contributions to the Allied victory remain an enduring legacy.

Born on August 6, 1924, Sam Meyer is also the proud owner of one of New Orleans’ most iconic retail businesses, Meyer’s Hats, located on St. Charles Street and founded by his grandfather in 1894. He has strong ties to Corsicana, having ordered hats from the Adams Hat Factory for more than 50 years and later from Miller Brothers after they acquired the company.

Mr. Meyer continues to work six days a week alongside his son, Paul Meyer, the fourth generation in the family business, and two of his grandsons, who now represent the fifth generation. He served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1945 and is the proud father of four sons—two from his first marriage and two from his second. His wife, Mrs. Meyer, remains by his side today.

Reflecting on his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Texas Veterans Parade, Mr. Meyer shared:

“I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Texas Veterans Parade. We used to have a standing order from the Adams Hat Company of 100 dozen hats each January, 100 dozen each February, and 50 dozen each March. Our family business was founded in 1894—so we have the Collin Street Bakery beat by two years!”

Tim Easley, Navarro County Veterans Service Officer

Tim Easley was born in Corsicana, Texas, and has proudly served the community for many years. A 1986 graduate of Corsicana High School, Easley joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1987, where he served as a Cavalry Scout, Tanker, and completed two years of active duty as a Unit Administrator. He was also part of the Honor Guard that dedicated the first war memorial placed at the Navarro County Courthouse—a sign of things to come in his lifelong dedication to veterans.

Easley went on to serve as First Assistant County Auditor for Navarro County for twelve years. During that time, he was instrumental in establishing the Navarro County War Memorial, where his deep commitment to honoring and supporting fellow veterans truly began to take root.

Today, Tim serves as the Navarro County Veterans Service Officer, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he has helped thousands of veterans and surviving spouses with VA claims, mental health support, and other critical services.

Beyond his professional work, Easley is also an active member of the Retreat Volunteer Fire Department and serves as pastor of the Everlasting Victory Church in Navarro County—continuing his lifelong mission of service, leadership, and faith.