Smithville fallen soldiers honored

SMITHVILLE, TX (KXAN) - A special benefit Sunday honored three of Smithville's fallen soldiers. The money raised will go to a scholarship fund in their memory. The event will continue until 8 p.m. Sunday at Riverbend Park in Smithville.

The Texas-style event included several bands and tons of homemade BBQ.

The event was in remembrance of three Smithville high school graduates Cody Stanley, Josh Farris and Tina Priest, who died serving their country. All of the proceeds from the benefit will go to a new scholarship fund in their names.

"It's important to remember them," said Matthew Wobus, Hometown Heroes Organizer. "You never forget them. By doing a scholarship, they'll be remembered."

Wobus served two tours in Iraq and knew Stanley, Farris and Priest well.

"I served and I knew all three of the individuals who passed away and I wanted to do something to help remember them," said Wobus.

Members of this tight knit community wish more would have joined their ranks in supporting the cause. Some suspected rainy weather kept people away from Sunday's tribute.

"I know when Cody Stanley was brought back there were people lining the roads," said Gwendolyn Watkins, Mother of Coast Guard Fireman. "When Tina was brought back, there was standing room only in the churches. It's very important for the whole community to come together in a time of grief like that."

Organizers hope to give out the first scholarship this year at graduation.

"Smithville is just awesome," said Watkins. "They come together in times of need. They come together in good times. They just come together all the time."