Dossman, Perales to be honored by tree planting

May 1, 2025

By David Stone

Belton Journal

Trees will be planted and dedicated in honor of two outstanding Belton residents Friday morning during an event at Heritage Park.

“This is an annual event,” said Randy Pittenger, president and CEO of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The dedication ceremony will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 2.

“Every year for a long time we have honored recipients of two awards presented every January by the Chamber,” Pittenger said. “This year, we are honoring 2024 Beltonian award winner Danny Dossman and 2024 Citizen of the Year Emilio Perales. Both men are still very active in our community.”

“We are adding two more trees Friday, and we have dedicated many over the years,” he added. “We told Belton Parks & Recreation to pick a spot. They know we are going to do this every year.”

Pittenger explained that rocks containing plaques about the honorees are positioned at the base of each tree.

Dossman was presented with the Beltonian award in recognition of his longtime achievement in volunteer services to the community, Pittenger said. The Beltonian award traditionally has been given as a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to someone in Belton.

“If anyone deserves this award, it’s Danny Dossman,” Pittenger said. “Danny has been a friend to Belton, local service organizations like the Lions Club, and especially the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. He has helped so many in the community through his leadership at the Chamber, as a local business owner, and as an individual contributor.”

Pittenger pointed out that one of Dossman’s lasting legacies is his contribution to the community with the Chamber’s Patriot Way Brick Walk.

“When the city was reimagining the entrance to the Belton on Central Avenue, Danny came up with the idea of Patriot Way,” he added. “The city already had the vision of removing power lines, adding a sidewalk, and extending the antique street lights down Central."

"Danny's idea was to go a step further - to give this city project a soul of remembering so many veterans in Bell County. Patriot Way is a daily reminder of those who have served or are serving."

Perales, the 2024 Citizen of the Year, has made a significant contribution to the community through Chamber-related activities.

"Perales has distinguished himself as a highly respected servant leader in our community. In addition to being an Aramy veteran, he is the co-owner of Vista Real Estate, a company that reflects his values."

Vista Real Estate is known for its commitment to serving and investing in the community, including support for veteran organizations, the Bell County Youth Fair, school supply and food drives, and more.

"Emilio has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the Chamber Board of Directors for the past five years, and as Chair in 2023," Pittenger said.

"A strong supporter of the Chamber, Emilio encourages others to join, sponsor events, and actively participate - always leading by example. He has openly shared his journey through cancer treatment and has used his voice to support and encourage other whenever needed."

"His example of service and leadership in our community is truly exceptional."