The City of Lubbock recently announced that Sarah Weede will serve as the first Director of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery, which is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
Weede, a Lubbock native, is a U.S. Air Force veteran, most recently served as assistant director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech, and will begin in her new role starting Monday, May 12, according to a city of Lubbock news release.
“I’m truly honored and incredibly excited to join the City of Lubbock team as Director of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery. To be entrusted with the care of this sacred ground—where our nation’s heroes are laid to rest—is both a privilege and a profound responsibility,” said Weede. “I don’t take it lightly. This cemetery is more than a final resting place; it is a living tribute to courage, sacrifice, and service. I’m humbled to serve in a role that allows me to give back to those who gave us everything, and I will do so with the deepest respect for every veteran and every family we serve.”
Construction on the cemetery in east Lubbock County began in late 2023, according to Avalanche-Journal archives. It’s expected to be completed and opened in the fall of 2025, according to the Texas General Land Office.
The facility, located at 4614 E. 50th St., will be the fifth Texas state veterans cemetery built and run by the Texas Veterans Land Board — the first in more than a decade. Currently, the closest Texas veterans cemetery is in Abilene, about 160 miles from Lubbock. In January, the Cemetery announced they had reached the halfway point in their ongoing construction process. Last month, the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery announced construction work continues on the Committal Shelter and Columbarium and a concrete foundation was poured for the maintenance building. More information about the State Veterans Cemeteries is available through the state’s website at https://www.glo.texas.gov/veterans/texas-state-veterans-cemeteries.
About Sarah Weede
Weede grew up in a family with a deep respect for military service, which inspired her to enlist in the United States Air Force. She served for over a decade as an Airborne Mission Systems Operator, stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. As a Senior Director Technician aboard the E-8C J-STARS, Sarah played a critical role in multiple combat deployments and temporary duty assignments, earning the trust and admiration of her peers and commanders.
During and following her military career, Sarah remained deeply committed to serving her fellow veterans. For nearly a decade, she has been a tireless leader within the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). She currently serves as the Commander of VFW Post 2466, Texas VFW District 9 Commander, Women Veterans Chair for the Department of Texas VFW, and as a member of the VFW National Women Veterans Council. In these roles, she champions veterans’ benefits, mental health support, and community outreach programs that make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families
Professionally, Weede most recently served as the Assistant Director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech where she protected a community of over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff. Her leadership in crisis response, disaster preparedness, and coordination with agencies at all levels further demonstrates her dedication to public service and community safety, according to the city news release.
Weede is passionate about supporting veterans and their families not only during times of loss, but also in moments of strength and celebration. Her approach is centered around dignity, compassion and a deep understanding of the veteran experience.
“Lubbock has long been recognized as one of the most veteran-friendly cities in Texas, and with Sarah’s leadership, the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery will be a place of honor, respect, and community for generations to come,” said Brooke Witcher, Assistant City Manager.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: City of Lubbock announces first director of new West Texas State Veterans Cemetery
Reporting by Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
