Bill Johnson’s compassion for the armed forces and veteran community is demonstrated by the numerous activities in which he is involved. He realized that Fort Hood soldiers come to Texas from all over the United States with little to no family nearby. By inviting them to BBQs, Christmas parties, and the Ranch, the soldiers gain a sense of community. Bill’s family and the Johnson Roofing family were 100 percent “boots on the ground” in these endeavors. “Operation Building Bridges” signifies the relationships established between the soldiers and Central Texans.
One activity incredibly close to Bill’s heart is the Riderless Horse presentation every year at Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies and the annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Waco. Bill’s dad, Jack, had passed down a collection of authentic items from the Civil War and Indian War era: a McClellan Cavalry saddle, bridle, bits, sabre, and boots. And, of course, Bill has a team of champion Appaloosa horses from which to choose.
Waco’s 2012 Veterans Day parade was Bill’s first Riderless Horse presentation. A Marine in full dress marched directly to Bill and his horse. The Marine got close, stopped at attention, and looked them over. The Marine said, “Well done,” then he pivoted, turned, and marched away. Bill felt that is what is called “passing muster.” But he was deeply shocked at what he and his horse were to face in the following 13 blocks. Men were saluting at attention, women were wholeheartedly crying, some children were yelling, “Why don’t you ride the horse? Why are the boots turned backward?”
Bill walked silently, eyes straight ahead as he choked back tears. His Appaloosa horse, Jack, did not flinch. Never in his life had he experienced such an outpouring of emotion and love in the celebration of our brave men and women and the sacrifices made by those heroes who never came back from protecting America’s freedom. Bill looks forward to this parade every year and will continue this tradition as long as possible. What an honor!
Click here to watch Bill Johnson on KXXV-TV news talking about the Riderless Horse.
Operation Building Bridges, JMB Appaloosa Ranch, 2006
Whether at parades, the JMB Appaloosa Ranch, Fort Hood, or elsewhere, Bill values the time he spends with active military and veterans. Of the many activities Bill, his family, and the Johnson Roofing team enjoyed, two special events will be in their hearts forever. In 2006, Bill hosted an all-day affair of food, fun, and relaxation. Busloads of soldiers and their families arrived at the Ranch from Fort Hood. Residents and restaurants donated food, and Ted Nugent rocked the National Anthem. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, Former U.S. House Representative Chet Edwards, Texas Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson, and many other friends were in attendance. Between the soldiers, their families, volunteers, guests, etc., the number of people at the Ranch that day totaled in the thousands.
Following the 2009 Fort Hood tragedy, Bill got a call from Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, asking him to organize and serve a Texas barbeque for over 100 soldiers from Units 1908 and 467, Medical Detachment Combat Stress units.
Of the 13 people murdered on November 5, three were from the 467th. Several from both units were wounded. Together with a group of Waco community volunteers, the Johnson family welcomed the opportunity to comfort the men and women. In a letter following the event, Cone wrote to Bill, “Your generosity directly contributed to establishing an atmosphere where these Soldiers could begin to heal and put what happened in perspective.”
Each year through Operation Building Bridges, Johnson Roofing installs a new roof on a veteran’s home. God Bless America!
