Anthony “Tony” Hambric

For two decades, Anthony “Tony” Hambric served the United States in the U. S. Army. A graduate of Wills Point High School, Hambric enlisted in the Army in 1980 for the opportunities it would present to him. “I always wanted to be a mechanic and do something technical,” he said. “I also wanted to see the world and get my education.”

In the Army, Hambric was a Vehicle Mechanic and a Maintenance Motor Sergeant, as well as a paratrooper. At one point in his Army career, he was managing maintenance operations for over 100 soldiers. Looking back, this veteran, who was Airborne Certified and received his American and Canadian Jump Wings, Mechanic Badge, and most notably a Bronze Star for combat operations in Iraq, says that he gained much more from his service than simply his technical skills. “The Army gave me the opportunity to be able to have a career, the opportunity to travel the world, and to meet a whole lot of great people who are lifelong friends. It also allowed me to mentor a lot of people in positive ways.”

After serving in the United States Army in Korea, Germany, Iraq, Panama, and numerous bases stateside, Hambric retired from service in 2000 as a Chief Warrant Officer–3 and moved with his family to Forney. Even after his military retirement, though, the Army continued to play a large role in his life as Hambric went on to work as a Senior Army Instructor for Dallas ISD’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) until his recent retirement. Additionally, he furthered his own education, receiving a number of degrees, including a Masters Degree in Secondary Education, all while devoting himself as a father of two young men and husband to Dr. Tuesday Hambric, also an Army veteran.

Working with the JROTC at Carter High School, Hambric built many influential relationships with young men and women in the classroom. “One thing I tell young people is ‘Go for your set goals. Don’t let people tell you what you can’t do.’” This strong encouragement that he offered his JROTC students in the classroom or his athletes in the gym as a strength and conditioning coach has impacted countless students. At a recent social event celebrating his retirement from Dallas ISD, several of Hambric’s previous JROTC Cadets traveled to attend and share how his leadership had a positive effect on their lives.

No matter where he has found himself – in the Army, within Dallas ISD, or around the Forney community – Hambric has always striven to have an impact on those around him. “Public service and helping people is part of my nature. I spent years serving my country and came back to serve my community.”