“Chef Mark” Sierra – a military veteran, co-owner of Compadres Hill Country Cocina and a founder of the Purple Heart Project – has been named a recipient of the 2025 Community Service Award. The honor is bestowed by the George W. Kendall Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The award recognizes Sierra’s leadership in fundraising and installing a Purple Heart monument and a tree-shaded bench at Veterans Plaza in Boerne, fully funded through private donations.
The monument was dedicated on National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, 2025, commemorating George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart.
Sierra began the Purple Heart Project serving a steak dinner to Purple Heart recipients at his restaurant.
DAR officials said Sierra’s “meaningful initiative” honors service members and inspires civic engagement across Texas.
The Purple Heart is presented to service members who are injured or perish in action against a foe, or during captivity as a prisoner of war.
In presenting the award, the DAR highlighted “Sierra’s dedication, vision and lasting impact on the community,” according to a release.
The NSDAR is a service organization with a genealogically based membership, dedicated to patriotism, education and historic preservation.
For details on the chapter, email GWKChapter@ gmail.com or visit the website at https:// texasdar. org/ chapters/ GeorgeWKendall.
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