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COLLEGE & CAREERFAIROCTOBER 17TH 9:30-11:00 AM BRACKEN GYMOPEN TO ALL NEIGHBORING PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS IN9TH - 12TH GRADE!670 Old Boerne RD, BULVERDE, TX 78163COME TALK TO COLLEGE AND CAREER REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY!THRIFT STOREOPEN:Tuesday thru Saturday10AM-4PM6260 US Hwy 281 N. Spring Branch, TX 78070Most Insurances Accepted2 WEEKS FREELarge Group & Small GroupDr. Kimberly Ramcharan18830 46 Pkwy., Bldg. 1, Suite B Spring Branch, TX 78070(830) 327-7327www.renewfamilytx.com• Boot Camp• Cardio Kickboxing • Yoga• Fit Over 50• Nutrition Program • Strength PainManagement • 3-6 PeopleCall Today!20475 Hwy 50 Spring Branch, TX SpringBranchFitness.com(830) 470-3031Cindy’s Christmas Tree Project Needs Sponsors & VolunteersWSubmitted By Cindy’s Christmas Tree Projecte’re reaching out to the wonderful people of Bulverde and Spring Branch to enlistyour help once again in making Christmas wishes come true for needy children in our community. The mission of the B/SB Angels is to “Make Christmas a Bit More Magical” for all of our children. To do this, we work with area public and private schools, area churches, Provisions Food Bank and The Hope Center to identify the children that need our services. Our applications process includes a Wish List for parents to complete for each of their children specifying clothing items and sizes that they need and gift/toy wishes that they have been dreaming of. Our applications can be found at our CISD schools and at both Food Banks.Our Cindy’s Trees can be found at area churches, schools, businesses, restaurantsand at the Mammen Family Bulverde Library beginning the first week of November. Last year, due to the generosity of our wonderful community, we were able to provide four gifts a piece to over 500 children and gave away over 50 bikes! In addition, The Annual Blanket drive from the students at Bill Brown Elementary School helped to ensure that our families stay warm during the winter.Cindy’s Tree Project’s success depends upon the help of our community volunteers and Sponsors. Volunteer opportunities vary from helping to set up Christmas trees and/or our Main Site, to picking up gifts from our trees, to wrapping, bagging and/ or shopping for gifts to handing out gifts to thankful parents on Parent Pick Up days. For location information, visit www.bsbangels. org.If you’d like to contribute to“our”kids butdon’t like to shop, please consider making a financial contribution by becoming an Angel’s Tree Sponsor. We are a 501c3 Non- Profit organization and we are extremely appreciative of any and all sponsorships.ays days days4PMEnding the Two-Tiered System of Veteran Grave MarkersBy Nick Pinkerton (R)MSgt, USAFFor more than 160 years, our nation has provided government-issued grave markers to honor thosewho wore the uniform. Beginning in 1862 for Union soldiers, expanded in 1873 to all Union veterans, broadened again in 1906 to every earlier war, and even extended in 1929 to Confederate veterans, the United States has long recognized that every veteran deserves a permanent marker of service. Today, under 38 U.S.C. § 2306, the Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes markers at no cost for any veteran buried in an unmarked grave.But here lies the injustice:• If a veteran died before November 1, 1990 and their family provided a private monument, that veteran is not eligible for a government-furnished marker.• If a veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, families may request a government marker in addition to a private one (a “dual marker”), if the cemetery allows.This single date divides America’s heroes into two classes. From the birth of our nation through October 1990, millionsBirthday- continued on page 4recognized as a musician, launching successful businesses including a restaurant during the pandemic, and founding a music academy that nurtures new talent.Looking ahead, Fernando hopes to deepen his involvement in the local community, especially among creatives and business owners, while continuing to cherish time with family and friends. “At the end of the day, those relationships are what make every accomplishment worthwhile.”A loyal reader of Bulverde & Spring Branch Highlights, Fernando adds, “I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to be featured here.”of veterans — including those who fought in our most consequential wars — rest beneath personal monuments that often bear no indication of military service. From 1990 onward, veterans have the guaranteed right to visible recognition.The result? Countless veterans are invisible in death. A visitor walking through a community or municipal cemetery, where nearly 78% of our nation’s veterans are buried, may pass hundreds of graves without ever realizing the sacrifices that lie beneath. No branch emblem, no “veteran” inscription, no marker of service — just another name on a stone.Why does this injustice persist? The answer is as simple as it is shameful: money and bureaucracy. In 1990, Congress and VA officials drew a line in the sand, fearing the costs of retroactive eligibility. Budget analysts argued that opening the program for all veterans, regardless of date of death, could cost millions, even billions, and would strain administrative capacity.The Warriors Remembrance and Research Foundation (WRRF) is alreadyNicholas Pinkerton working in making sure veterans get the grave markings they deserve to recognize their service.working to close this gap by placing bronze, branch-specific flag holders at the graves of veterans who are otherwise invisible. But private nonprofits cannot shoulder the nation’s responsibility. If you would like to help make this possible, we are asking for donations. Visit www.remember4veterans. com.Cancer Stories - continued from page 6revealed that I had breast cancer and resulted in a second biopsy on the other calcifications. Luckily, the second biopsy was benign. After a whirlwind of various appointments, tests, calls to insurance, and discussing treatment options, I was scheduled for a lumpectomy in July 2023. A month later, after healing from the surgery, I started radiation. The journey was overwhelming, frightening, and exhausting, but I leaned on the strength of my family, faith, and friends to make it through with hope. I am currently still on medication, but cancer-free. My routine check-up led to my cancer diagnosis atthe age of 41. I still experience symptoms and side effects from my surgery, treatment, and medication, but I am very lucky and deeply grateful for each new day. Prioritizing health through regular screenings and check-ups is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. I hope this encourages everyone to not neglect their health, get their screenings and check-ups, and advocate for themselves every step of the way. Life is precious, and by sharing my story, I pray others feel empowered, supported, and inspired to prioritize their well-being.8www.bsbhighlights.comOctober 2025!WONRETSIGERd s r -New Patient Special $35 Chiropractic Exam Posture Scan • X- RaysNeurological Scan exp. 10/31/25Free Fitness Evaluation