You don’t have to salute Clarendon’s Kevin Johnson the next time you see him, but he carries a new title that few people ever get. and that some didn’t even know existed. He’s an Admiral in the Texas Navy.
Of course, it’s been a long time since actually had a navy. These days being a Texas Admiral is honorary title bestowed by the governor. It’s position very much like that of a Kentucky Colonel.
Johnson’s commission as an Admiral came in the final days of Gov. Rick Perry’s administration. Congressman John Culberson of the Seventh District and State. Rep. Dwayne Bohac of the 138th District worked to nominate the local spur maker and artist for the honor for the work he has done to promote Texas history and culture and also for the work he’s done to make badges and other things for Texas Rangers.
Johnson is also a former member of the Saints’ Roost Museum board, has done work for the outdoor drama TEXAS, and has been commissioned to make memorials for Stephen F. Austin, Col. Charles Goodnight, and the Immortal 32.
Culberson had previously commissioned Johnson to make a set of spurs for President George W. Bush, and Bohac is a longtime supporter of Texas history and the Rangers. Bohac’s office asked Johnson for a résumé of his work and then submitted that to the governor.
“I was quite honored,” Johnson said. “I’m kind of a fan of Rick Perry. He’s been heavily involved with the Rangers and took an active interest in the Texas State Cemetery.”
The new admiral received a handsome certificate with Perry’s actual signature, and he gets a few interesting perks. He also got a polo shirt with rank insignia and a cap. But have people started addressing him by his title?
“More than you know… it’s kind of embarrassing,” he said.
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