Tuesday, November 11, 2025
11:00AM - 12:45 PM
LBJ Student Center Ballroom
109 Student Center Drive
San Marcos, Texas
Texas State University
Check-in with Refreshments: 11:00 AM
Program Start: 11:30 AM
Free and open to all to attend.
Veterans Advisory Council and Veterans Alliance of Texas State
Specialist Jude Prather
Veteran - US Army
Texas State University - Class of 2008
Bachelor of Public Administration
Veterans Services Officer
Hays County Veteran Service Office
Hays County Veterans Service Office
“We are here to help our Nation’s Veterans and their families.” Jude Prather, Hays County VSO
Jude Prather BIO
Jude Prather was born and raised in Texas and has been a San Marcos resident since 2001. While attending Southwest Texas State University as a leader in student government Jude worked on legislative achievements such as the Texas State University name change, along with leading efforts to move into Division 1 FBS for Football and establishing the Athletic Service Fee through a student referendum.
After the attacks of 9-11 and the start of the Iraq War Jude felt the call to service dropping out of Texas State University and enlisting in the US Army as an Infantryman through the National Call to Service Enlistment. He eventually served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry “Go for Broke” Regiment as a Humvee Gunner. Finishing his combat tour in 2009 Prather moved back to San Marcos and using his Post 9-11 GI Bill graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Public Administration.
Called on again to serve Jude was elected to the San Marcos City Council from 2010 to 2016 and 2021 to 2024 serving three terms and as Mayor Pro Tem. Since 2011 Jude has served as the Hays County Veteran Service Officer, establishing a Veteran’s Resource Center in the Historic Courthouse, started a Veterans Treatment Court under the Hays County Courts of Law, created the Hope for Hays Program helping Veterans and families with financial emergency assistance and has passed an ordinance waiving utility deposit for Veterans in the City of San Marcos.
Personally, Jude and his wife Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather, Executive Director of the Texas School Safety Center, both serve on several local nonprofit boards and other charitable causes. They enjoy spending time with their daughter, Bonnie Rose walking the hill county trails, watching Texas State sports, going to church, home cook meals with family and friends, and when the weather is nice swimming the beautiful San Marcos River.
Learn more:
Remarks from Texas State University President Dr. Kelly Damphousse and Vice President for Student Success Dr Cynthia L. Hernandez
In November of 1989, a Veterans Memorial Garden was dedicated at a site between the Chemistry building and Old Main. The war monuments installed at the site had been gathered together from several locations across campus. The original site proved more isolated than desired, so the Veterans Memorial Garden was relocated to its current location near the Quad on the southeast end of Flowers Hall in 2000. The garden was named after Lt. Col. Graham G. Kyle, who helped fund the relocation of the garden.
Located near the Quad on the southeast end of Flowers Hall
Pre-parade activities will take place on the Hays County Courthouse Lawn beginning at 9:00am. The parade will begin on Hopkins St. at the intersection of CM Allen Pkwy and will travel towards the Hays County Courthouse.
The City of San Marcos, with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, will host a month of service opportunities for the community to honor all who have served.
Mary Kyle Hartson Park
101 S. Burleson St.
Kyle, Texas 78640
Main Plaza
500 E. Main St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
