Patriot Club Honors Local Veterans at Homecoming Game

Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club launched a new “Veterans of the Game” tradition during the district’s recent homecoming football game, recognizing two longtime community members for their military service and continued dedication to Deer Park.

Honored between the first and second quarters were Dennis Begley and Al Centamore, both Vietnam War veterans whose service to the country was followed by decades of involvement in the local community.

Begley, a member of Deer Park High School’s Class of 1965, enlisted in the U.S. Army that same year and served as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. His military honors include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for Valor. After completing his service, he returned home to Deer Park, where he built a life centered on family, faith and community.

Centamore served with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967 and later brought that same spirit of service home to Deer Park. He remained deeply involved in the community for decades and retired in June after 30 years on the Deer Park Board of Education.

Patriot Club President and Deer Park varsity football player Thomas Zakaria presented each veteran with a tri-fold flag during the ceremony.

The Patriot Club plans to continue recognizing local veterans at future home football games as part of the new tradition.

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