Our People
A retired banker, a pastor, an editor, and a nurse walked into a room. It might sound like the setup to a joke, but that’s actually where Texas Legacy Defense began. We’re regular people who love Texas—its land, its people, and its way of life. And we’ve come together to make sure rural Texans are seen, heard, and respected.
The open skies, the hardworking families, the land passed down through generations—this is the heart of Texas.
And it’s worth fighting for.
But we’re not doing this alone. All across Texas, volunteers have stepped up—people from big cities, small towns, and everything in between. Teachers, ranchers, students, veterans—dozens of proud Texans who believe in something bigger than themselves. They bring their time, their skills, and their heart because they believe rural Texas is worth defending.
Now, we’d like you to meet the proud Texans leading the charge—our Board of Directors.
Terry Allen
Terry is a proud 4th-generation Texas rancher and poultry grower, with more than 45 years of experience working his land and raising livestock. He calls Paxton, Texas home, where he lives with his wife, Jan. Terry is a family man with one son and three grandkids who keep him smiling.
Although he continues to work his ranch, Terry recently retired from a long career in banking, having served as a Senior Vice President in Center, Texas. His work in banking has given him the skills to help both his community and his business thrive.
When he’s not out on the ranch, Terry is hard at work serving his community in Paxton and all across Shelby County. He’s the chairman of the Hope Community Medical Board, serves on the agriculture advisory committee for the Shelby County Appraisal District, and leads as president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He also chairs the Shelby County Soil and Water Advisory Board, is a proud member of the Center Noon Lions Club, and helps run the Shelby County Livestock and Poultry Shows as chairman.
Terry stands up for rural Texans and isn’t afraid to speak out. He’s been a strong voice for holding the Texas Railroad Commission accountable, trying to make sure communities and landowners stay protected. He believes that with respect and honest communication, the energy industry and rural Texans can work together to keep our state strong.
Tena Tiller
Tena is a true East Texan with a deep love for her home state. She’s married to Albert “Bo” Tiller of Elysian Fields, and they’ve built a life full of love, faith, and family. Together, they have two sons, three beautiful granddaughters, and one sweet great-granddaughter, all living nearby in East Texas.
Tena earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Texas Baptist University. She spent 42 years in nursing, working hard to care for others and make a difference. Before retiring, she served as the Director of Infection Prevention, Control, and Epidemiology at University Health Systems. During her career, she also became a published author and co-author in healthcare research and took on leadership roles, including serving as an officer in the Shreveport Chapter of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Tena has always been active in her community. She’s served on the local school board and has taken on many roles in her church, even becoming a licensed local pastor. Whether at work, in church, or in her hometown, Tena has always been someone others can count on.
She enjoys sports, music, and art. Tena’s strong values, love for her family, and deep Texas roots shine through in everything she does.
Rev. Eric L. Garrett
Rev. Eric L. Garrett has dedicated over three decades to ministry and public service. A licensed United Pentecostal pastor for 34 years, he has faithfully led congregations and impacted communities with unwavering devotion and leadership. His service extended beyond the pulpit as he took on the role of Mayor of Onalaska, Texas, and contributed significantly to local education as a member of the Onalaska ISD school board. During his time on the board, he played a key role in the construction of Onalaska ISD’s first high school, an enduring legacy of his commitment to future generations.
Rev. Garrett currently pastors The Pentecostals of Joaquin in Joaquin, Texas, where he continues to shepherd his congregation with passion and purpose. In addition to his pastoral role, he serves as the President and COO of Paxton Water Supply Corporation, combining his heart for service with an unrelenting dedication to the protection of safe drinking water for the community.
He is a devoted family man, sharing life with his loving wife, their two daughters and sons-in-law, and four beautiful grandchildren who bring constant joy and inspiration.
Debrah Linn
Sixteen years ago, Debrah packed up her life in Louisiana and set out for a new chapter in the friendly town of Elysian Fields, tucked away in the Pineywoods of East Texas. Surrounded by tall pines and even taller Texas hospitality, she found the perfect place to raise her family and grow her career. While homeschooling her three kids, Debrah began building a thriving career as an academic and business editor and content strategist. Her work covers everything from management, communications, and fintech to digital marketing, analytics, brand strategy, and public relations.
Though her heart is planted in East Texas soil, Debrah’s reach is global. She’s collaborated with world-renowned institutions like the World Bank, the National Bank of Cambodia, and the Bank of Japan. She’s also partnered with leading universities—including London Business School and Melbourne Business School—along with government agencies, nonprofit health systems, and innovative startups.
In her spare time, Debrah enjoys the simple things—time with close family and friends, good food, and lots of laughs. She loves caring for her small farm, hitting the trails, kayaking local waters, or cruising East Texas back roads with the windows down and her favorite tunes playing—always up for the next adventure.