Bake sale May 11 benefits Black History Museum, soup kitchen

berry cobbler

Adobe Stock image for illustrative purposes only.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, St. Frederick Baptist Church is selling baked goods and corsages from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Mother’s Day is May 12. The church is located at 301 Avenue N in Marble Falls.

Whole cakes, pies, and cobblers can be ordered in advance by May 8. Call coordinator Bessie Jackson at 830-385-2143 and leave a message. 

Italian cream, chocolate, vanilla, and coconut cakes are $15 each. Berry, peach, and apple cobblers are $8 each. Pecan and sweet potato pies are $10 each. 

At the bake sale, you can purchase individual slices of cake and cobbler for $4 and pie for $3. Cookies are $2 each. 

The fundraiser also will have old-fashioned corsages for sale for $2 in honor of all mothers. Volunteers from Fellowship Baptist Church of Marble Falls are making the pinned arrangements with white flowers representing mothers who have died or red honoring those still living. 

Proceeds from the bake and corsage sale benefit St. Frederick’s Mission Outreach soup kitchen and Black History Museum, which is under construction.

“It’s going to be a two-fold day,” Jackson said. “We have to take care of Mission Outreach. We still have to feed people whether we have a museum or not.”

St. Frederick Baptist Church serves free lunches for dine-in or takeout on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in its fellowship hall. 

Money for the museum will purchase lumber to frame the walls. The slab was poured in February. Each step of the building process is being paid for as it happens so the church will be debt-free when the museum is completed, Jackson said.

suzanne@thepicayune.com

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Watering under drought restrictions

The drought’s stranglehold on the Highland Lakes is forcing residents and businesses to learn new watering methods for lawns and landscapes.

“Six months down the road, all water could be cut off, including drip irrigation,” Shannon Hamilton told The Picayune Magazine for its April 2024 issue. Hamilton is the executive director of the Central Texas Water Coalition, which promotes water conservation in the region. 

In its new Drought Management Plan, the Lower Colorado River Authority mandated Stage 2 watering restrictions that go into effect on May 1, 2024, and include previously grandfathered drip irrigation systems. Both drip and automated landscape sprinkler systems are restricted to once-a-week use for LCRA’s firm water customers, which includes the cities of Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Horseshoe Bay, and Sunrise Beach Village. 

Cities and other firm water customers not passing these restrictions to their residential and business water customers will face fines of up to $10,000 a day. 

“Our reservoirs are stressed, and we need to do everything we can to preserve our supplies through this drought,” announced LCRA Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann in February. “We can’t make it rain, we can’t increase the amount of water flowing into the lakes, and we can’t stop evaporation, which takes more water from the Highland Lakes every year than any single customer. What we can do is limit how much water we use, and that is what we’re doing here.”

Hamilton, an avid gardener, offered a few helpful tips on keeping gardens in check while also keeping water conservation top of mind.

“Where this is going to be beneficial is for planting,” she said.

Her top recommendation is to choose plants that need less water to survive—and thrive—in the harsh heat. 

“I personally would only be planting drought-resistant vegetation,” Hamilton said.

Gardeners will have to be patient as they wait for these plants to flourish under once-a-week watering rules.

“From my understanding, even if they’re drought-resistant, it takes a year for them to get established,” Hamilton said.

Another good way to conserve is to water by hand rather than by sprinkler. Hand watering with a hose or bucket is still allowed at any time under LCRA restrictions.

“As soon as the heat comes, people start thinking about turning on their sprinklers,” Hamilton said. “They’ve got to recognize this is all the water we have (in the Highland Lakes).”

She offered insight into the LCRA restrictions.

“El Niño did not hit (this past winter) as (officials had) hoped,” Hamilton said. “Now, we’re heading into a La Niña that could last another three years.” 

El Niño is a weather pattern that originates in the Pacific Ocean and typically brings cooler temperatures and more rain to Central Texas. La Niña produces drier conditions that lead to drought. 

WATERING TIPS TO ABSORB

  • Water in the early mornings before the sun and heat affect your plants.
  • Mulch gardens to help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Always water around the base of plants to make sure their roots receive the bulk of the water.
  • Water in cool or overcast conditions to prevent quick evaporation.
  • Choose native plants that require less water.
  • Consider replacing thirsty lawns with grasses such as Bermuda, buffalo, blue grama, and zoysia, which are more tolerant of hot, dry conditions.

nathan@thepicayune.com

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Tribute to Neil Sedaka and Carole King at HCCT

Dynamic vocal group AKA sings the classic hits of Neil Sedaka and Carole King at the Hill Country Community Theatre in Cottonwood Shores. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and 2 p.m Sunday, May 5.

The Lakeway-based singers have been entertaining audiences since 2000, and the upcoming tribute to Sedaka and King promises timeless melodies and iconic rhythms, including the songs “Workin’ On a Groovy Thing,” “Up On the Roof,” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”

“We are excited to bring the magic of Neil Sedaka and Carole King’s music to life on stage,” said Catherine Rose, founder of AKA, in an HCCT media release. “Their songs have left an indelible mark on music history, and we can’t wait to share our interpretation of their iconic tunes with our community.”

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youths plus fees. Purchase them online or by calling the HCCT box office at 830-798-8944.

The nonprofit Hill Country Community Theatre is located at 4003 FM 2147 West in Cottonwood Shores. It offers seasonal stage productions and special performances.

editor@thepicayune.com

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Burnet County gets new 4-H agent

Burnet County’s new Texas A&M AgriLife 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent, Colton Ripley (center), is presented to the Commissioners Court by Burnet County Extension Agent Kelly Tarla and AgriLife District 7 Administrator Marty Gibbs. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

A round of applause greeted the hiring of Colton Ripley as the Texas A&M AgriLife 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent at the Burnet County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, April 23. Ripley fills a role that has been vacant for over a year.

He will begin his new job on June 3 after he graduates from Oklahoma State University in May. Ripley is the son of former AgriLife Associate Director for County Operations Dr. Jeff Ripley and Marble Falls High School alumni Tina Ripley.

“We’re glad to present Colton to you and think he’d make a really good 4-H agent,” said AgriLife District 7 Administrator Marty Gibbs during Tuesday’s meeting.

Ripley was handpicked for the job by Gibbs and Burnet County Extension Agent Kelly Tarla.

Burnet County hasn’t had a 4-H agent since former agent Mikayla Herron left in early 2023.

As a 4-H and youth development agent, Ripley will be responsible for running special agricultural projects, school enrichment programs, and heading up the county’s 4-H clubs for ages 9-19.

dakota@thepicayune.com

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Joseph’s Hammer benefit concert May 19

The Heart of Texas Orchestra and local church choirs will give a benefit concert for Joseph’s Hammer on May 19. “The Testament of Freedom” performance is at 4 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 105 RR 1431 in Marble Falls.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Reservations may be made online.

The nonprofit Joseph’s Hammer is building a chapel for inmates at the Ellen Halbert Unit in Burnet. Crews recently poured an 8,250-square-foot concrete slab for the chapel after six years of fundraising.

The new facility, which is being built next door to the prison, will include a large worship area and study rooms for inmates. 

“We’re excited to know that we’re going to have a place of worship for our administrators, volunteers, and clients here that they can go to,” said Ellen Halbert Unit Senior Warden Kamilah Coger in March.

Joseph’s Hammer needs an additional $450,000 to complete the worship center.

“We trust that this concert will inspire our community to support the arts and give back to those less fortunate,” said Pam Stevenson, the nonprofit’s executive director.

Visit the Joseph’s Hammer website to learn more about the project and how to donate.

nathan@thepicayune.com

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Increased property valuations headed your way

Property tax valuations in Burnet County rose by only 3.92 percent in 2024, compared to a 25 percent increase in each of the last two years. Llano County valuations are up by 20 percent. They rose by 12 percent in 2023 and 20 percent in 2022. 

Burnet County valuations will be in the mail by May 1, said Burnet Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Stan Hemphill. Llano County valuations were mailed on April 24, according to Llano Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Scott Dudley.

“The market is sales driven,” Dudley said in an emailed response to DailyTrib.com questions. “The (central appraisal) district must be at 100 percent market value.” 

New construction added $399.4 million in new value to the Llano County tax rolls. 

In Burnet County, new construction was the reason for the change in valuations from last year to this year, Hemphill said.

“Of the 3.92 percent increase, new construction was 66.07 percent of the increase,” he said. 

The preliminary market value of new construction in Burnet County for 2024 is $561.1 million. 

Taxable values rose in Williamson County by 6.7 percent but declined in Travis County by about 7 percent. 

Taxing entities will use the valuations to predict income and set budgets and tax rates in the coming months. The deadline for setting tax rates is Oct. 1. Property owners will receive their tax bills in the mail in October. Payments are due by the end of January 2025. 

Property owners have until May 15, or 30 days from when the appraised value notices were mailed, to file a protest. 

Protest forms for Burnet County are available online at burnet-cad.org. You can mail or deliver your documents to either the Burnet Central Appraisal District office at 223 S. Pierce St. in Burnet or to 110 Avenue H, Suite 106, in Marble Falls. Call 512-756-8291 for more information. 

Llano County property owners should go to the Llano Central Appraisal District office at 103 E. Sandstone St. in Llano. Call 325-247-3065 for more information. 

suzanne@thepicayune.com

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Burnet County Jail bookings: April 19-25, 2024

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail during the period of April 19-25, 2024, according to Burnet County Sheriff’s Office logs. City of residence and release information are listed when available. This list does not constitute an official court document, and all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

William Henry Baldridge IV, 35, of Houston was arrested April 19 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): public intoxication. Released same day on $500 bond.

William Randall Brunson, 33, of Bertram was arrested April 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): commitment-possession of a controlled substance. Released April 21 with credit for time served.

Anthony Caruso, 56, of Burnet was arrested April 19 by BCSO: commitment-possession of a controlled substance. Released April 21 with credit for time served.

Kenneth Bruce Garner, 36, of Marble Falls was arrested April 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released April 20 on $5,000 bond.

Cody Dwayne Gobert, 20, of Burnet was arrested April 19 by BCSO: SRA-burglary of a building.

Zachary Nicholas Hamilton, 19, of Marble Falls was arrested April 19 by BCSO: commitment-forgery of a financial instrument.

Devan Miguel Luna, 23, of Liberty Hill was arrested April 19 by BCSO: commitment-possession of a controlled substance. Released April 21 with credit for time served.

Carlos Mejia-Muyuc, 20, of Kingsland was arrested April 19 by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated.

Michael Stephen Murphy, 66, of Burnet was arrested April 19 by BCSO: commitment-driving while intoxicated.

Elizabeth Kathleen Purcell, 55, of Burnet was arrested April 19 by BPD: interfering with an emergency request for assistance, assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released April 20 on $5,000 in bonds.

Kaleb Scott Schweitzer, 27, of Bertram was arrested April 19 by BCSO: commitment-driving while intoxicated. Released April 21 with credit for time served.

Jacob Michael Shelly, 32, of Leander was arrested April 19 by BCSO: SRA-possession of a controlled substance.

Ishiah Malik Carson, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested April 20 by MFPD: false driver’s license/identification, failure to identify as a fugitive, capias pro fine-driving while license is invalid, capias pro fine-expired registration, capias pro fine-failure to appear. Released same day on $5,000 in bonds.

Casimiro Cruz-Espinoza, 60, of Burnet was arrested April 20 by BCSO: accident involving damage to a vehicle, driving while intoxicated. Released same day on $3,000 in bonds.

Michael Dewayne Mack, 49, of Austin was arrested April 20 by BCSO: assault on a family/household member, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance.

Carlos Mejia-Muyuc, 20, of Kingsland was arrested April 20 by BCSO: failure to appear-criminal trespass.

Carlos Mejia-Muyuc, 20, of Kingsland was arrested April 20 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): detainer.

Angel Frank Quihuiz, 52, of Round Mountain was arrested April 20 by BCSO: possession of a controlled substance. Released same day on $20,000 bond.

Janet Adele Ringer, 77, of Burnet was arrested April 20 by BCSO: assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released April 21 on $2,500 bond.

Sara Lean Wilhite, 27, of Lockney was arrested April 20 by MFPD: failure to show proof of financial responsibility, accident involving damage to a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released same day on $17,500 in bonds.

Estephen Rey Esposito Jr., 29, of Bertram was arrested April 21 by BPD: driving while license is invalid.

Jason Todd Horn, 36, of Burnet was arrested April 21 by BPD: driving while license is invalid. Released April 22 on $4,000 in bonds.

Donald Ray Robinson Jr., 36, was arrested April 21 by BPD: harassment.

Mason Dewayne Barton, 23, of Marble Falls was arrested April 22 by BCSO: insufficient bond-evading arrest/detention. Released same day on $6,000 bond.

Brenda Ashley Canales, 32, of Burnet was arrested April 22 by BPD: assault causing bodily injury-family violence, assault-family violence. Released same day on $3,000 in bonds.

Luke Dylan Crass, 34, of Leander was arrested April 22 by BCSO: insufficient bond-driving while license is invalid. Released same day on $3,000 bond.

Case Edward D’Herde, 28, of Hewitt was arrested April 22 by BPD: possession of marijuana. Released April 23 on personal recognizance.

Misael Alex Morillo-Vazquez, 31, of Killeen was arrested April 22 by BCSO: commitment-driving while intoxicated.

Jonathan Paul Reyes, 37, of Bertram was arrested April 22 by BCSO: failure to appear-driving while license is invalid. Released same day on $3,000 bond.

Christopher Schoonover, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested April 22 by BCSO: motion to revoke-resisting arrest/search/transport, insufficient bond-evading arrest/detention with a vehicle.

Julie Ann Silva, 40, of Austin was arrested April 22 by BCSO: SRA-unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Alfred Lee Stewart, 45, of Austin was arrested April 22 by BCSO: insufficient bond-assault causing bodily injury-family violence.

Craig Dwayne Burkett, 57, of Spicewood was arrested April 23 by BCSO: criminal trespass. Released April 25 on $2,500 bond.

Ryan Lee Hile, 36, of Granbury was arrested April 23 by BCSO: surety surrender-possession of a controlled substance.

Michael Joseph Ledford, 45, of Big Spring was arrested April 23 by the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO): detainer.

Rusty Lee Legendre, 36, of Shady Oaks was arrested April 23 by LCSO: detainer.

Gere Jay Minnick, 67, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 23 by BCSO: SRA-violation of a bond/protective order.

Peter John Muhlenbruck, 39, of Kingsland was arrested April 23 by LCSO: detainer.

Royce Neal Owens, 51, of Fayetteville was arrested April 23 by BCSO: failure to appear-interfering with public duties.

Hanne Kristin Palmer, 57, of Houston was arrested April 23 by BCSO: SRA-possession of a controlled substance.

Christopher Wade Royal, 49, of Burnet was arrested April 23 by BCSO: SRA-sexual assault (2 counts), parole violation.

Johnnie Lee Dalton Rudd, 26, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 23 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain financial responsibility, no driver’s license, capias pro fine-no driver’s license, capias pro fine-speeding. Released same day per a judge’s order.

Travis Ryan Smith, 18, of Marble Falls was arrested April 23 by MFPD: aggravated robbery.

Randy Ray Caballero, 66, of Pflugerville was arrested April 24 by BCSO: driving while license is invalid. Released April 25 on $1,500 bond.

Kenneth Lee Dunlop Jr., 25, of Leander was arrested April 24 by BCSO: SRA-tamper/fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair.

Jennifer Irene Eckles, 43, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested April 24 by BCSO: theft of property. Released same day on $1,500 bond.

Ronnie Luna, 52, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested April 24 by MFPD: driving while license is invalid. Released April 25 on $1,500 bond.

Chancellor Golden Rossiter, 28, of Kempner was arrested April 24 by BCSO: motion to revoke probation-driving while intoxicated.

Ryan Wade Shackelford, 37, of Burnet was arrested April 24 by BPD: SRA-violation of bond/protective order.

Jason Daniel Toner, 33, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 24 by BCSO: motion to revoke-burglary of a habitation.

Heather Nicole Walker, 37, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 24 by the Burnet County Precinct 4 constable (CONST4): duty on striking fixture/highway landscape. Released April 25 on $2,000 bond.

Jose Ayala-Martinez, 19, was arrested April 25 by ICE: detainer.

Kinsey Lynn Cossey, 40, of Spicewood was arrested April 25 by BCSO: commitment-possession of a controlled substance.

Christian Rene Ingram, 18, of Burnet was arrested April 25 by BCSO: motion to adjudicate guilt-assault causing bodily injury, motion to adjudicate guilt-criminal mischief.

Lori Marie Irwin, 66, of Kingsland was arrested April 25 by MFPD: criminal mischief.

Jorge Ramirez Jr., 42, of Marble Falls was arrested April 25 by BCSO: false report to police officer.

Diana Lin Riley, 61, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested April 25 by BCSO: driving while intoxicated.

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New LCRA drought plan limits watering with hefty fines

Drip irrigation systems now fall under the same drought restrictions as automated sprinkler systems for all firm water customers of the Lower Colorado River Authority. Highland Lakes cities that fall under the new restrictions, which go into effect on May 1, include Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Horseshoe Bay, and Sunrise Beach Village.

Starting May 1, all firm water customers of the Lower Colorado River Authority are required to initiate Stage 2 drought restrictions or face fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Firm water customers are cities, businesses, industries, and lakeside property owners that contract with the LCRA to draw water directly from the lakes. 

Restrictions include limiting automated and drip irrigation systems to once a week from midnight to 10 a.m. on designated days. Hand watering with a hose or bucket is still allowed at any time. 

The tighter restrictions are part of the new Drought Management Plan officially approved by the LCRA Board of Directors on April 25. The plan affects the cities of Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Horseshoe Bay, and Sunrise Beach Village, which must pass the restrictions on to their residential and business water customers or face the new fines.

“This action is a reflection of the serious drought we’re in,” said LCRA Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann in a media release. “We don’t know when this drought will end, and we need to cut discretionary water use to help protect and extend our water supplies.”

The LCRA board also approved an updated Water Conservation Plan that will now go to the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality for a final OK. The board is required by state regulation to review and possibly update these plans every five years. The last time the DMP and WCP were updated was in 2019. 

The new Water Conservation Plan calls for a 2024 water savings of 31,000 acre-feet. Of that, 1,000 acre-feet should be cut from LCRA power plants, 12,000 acre-feet from municipal customers, and 18,000 acre-feet from irrigation operations. The LCRA cut off water to downstream interruptible agriculture customers for the second year in a row in March because of drought conditions.

The LCRA has been in a Stage 2 drought response since August 2023. Stage 2 is triggered when the combined amount of water in lakes Buchanan and Travis, the authority’s two reservoirs, falls below 900,000 acre-feet, or 45 percent of capacity.

Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place until the two reservoirs reach a combined storage of 1.1 million acre-feet, or about 55 percent capacity. 

As of Friday, April 26, the combined storage was at 842,279 acre-feet, or 42 percent of capacity. 

suzanne@thepicayune.com

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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS: For the week of April 29, 2024

Agendas are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this list is published. Check links for more information.

Tuesday, April 30

Marble Falls Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board

Noon regular meeting

Council Chambers, City Hall, 800 Third St., Marble Falls

On the agenda:

  • downtown economic update
  • discussion regarding TIRZ Financing Plan
  • discussion and possible action on future projects

Wednesday, May 1

Marble Falls Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors

Noon regular meeting

Council Chambers, City Hall, 800 Third St., Marble Falls

On the agenda:

  • downtown update
  • discussion and possible action on design services proposal for parking improvements at Yett Street and Avenue J
  • discussion and action on community leverage grant application from The Falls on the Colorado Museum

Thursday, May 2

Cottonwood Shores City Council

6 p.m. regular meeting

Civic Center, 4111 Cottonwood Drive, Cottonwood Shores

Agenda wasn’t available at the time of this story’s publication. Visit the city’s website for more information.

editor@thepicayune.com

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Memorial Day fitness challenge honors fallen Navy SEAL

The Murph is an annual Memorial Day fitness challenge that honors the memory of U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Micheal Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2005. Participants from across the country go through the grueling workout that ‘Murph’ preferred while he served. Photo courtesy of Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation

Granite Shoals hosts The Murph Challenge on Memorial Day 2024. The fitness event tests participants physically and mentally with a series of grueling workouts preferred by U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. “Murph” Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. 

Funds from The Murph go toward student scholarships supported by the fallen SEAL’s foundation.

The Granite Shoals Murph Challenge begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road. Everyone is welcome to participate. The Granite Shoals Police Officers Association and Fire Auxiliary encourages first responders from across Burnet and Llano counties to join in. Register online and enter “Granite Shoals POA/Fire Auxiliary” in the gym affiliation section.

Participation is $35 for standard entry, which includes a Murph 2024 T-shirt or tank top, or $60 for a shirt, hat, and sticker.

The Murph Challenge is simple and brutal. Competitors must complete the following workouts in order, with no time limit, wearing a 20-pound vest or body armor:

  • one-mile run
  • 100 pull-ups
  • 200 push-ups
  • 300 squats
  • one-mile run

“We’re not trying to set records here. We’re trying to have some fun, build some camaraderie, and raise some money for a good cause,” Granite Shoals Police Department Detective Nick Chavis told DailyTrib.com.

Chavis is a U.S. Navy veteran who joined the GSPD in March. He helped organize Granite Shoals challenge and hopes for a big turnout. He has trained law enforcement and military units in medical trauma response using the skills he picked up as a Navy corpsman. 

Chavis said he’s always been inspired by the SEALs and has personally participated in at least 15 of The Murph challenges. 

MEDAL OF HONOR ACTIONS

Lt. Michael Murphy was killed in a savage firefight in Afghanistan in 2005 while he and three other SEALs were conducting a reconnaissance mission in a remote, mountainous region of the country. Murphy was reportedly mortally wounded when he entered the field of fire to communicate with allied forces and request an extraction.

In a tragic turn, the 16-man rescue force was killed by rocket fire while approaching by helicopter. Three of the SEALs on the ground, including Murphy, were killed amid the fight. The sole survivor of the battle, U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, managed to escape on foot. He was taken in by friendly locals and eventually rescued by allied forces. Murphy posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the battle.

dakota@thepicayune.com

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