In 2006, the JoAnn Weber Distinguished Service Award was presented to former Texas state Senator Ken Armbrister.

State Senator Ken Armbrister was a Victoria Police Captain, and Vice President of the Victoria School Board when first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1983. After two terms in the Texas House he was elected to the Texas Senate.

Senator Armbrister is the immediate past Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Select Committee on Water Policy. He is also a member of senate committees on Business and Commerce, State Affairs, and Health and Human Services.

Senator Armbrister is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and the FBI National Academy. During his fourteen year career as a police officer, Armbrister rose to the rank of Captain, and served as the Director of the Victoria Regional Police Academy.

The College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University honored Senator Armbrister with its highest award, the Defensor Pacem, or Defender of Peace Award, for his achievements in law enforcement and legislative record on crime issues. He's twice been named as a Top Ten Crime Fighter by the Greater Dallas Crime Commission.

During his tenure in the legislature Senator Armbrister has served as president Pro Tempore of the Senate, has been acting Governor, and has been honored as one of the Best Legislators in Texas. The Texas Chambers of Commerce and Business have honored him for his legislative leadership and his public service to the people of Texas. Law Enforcement organizations, teacher and education associations, health care groups, and others have honored Senator Armbrister for his dedication to Texas.

A long time friend of the horse racing industry, Senator Armbrister was instrumental in bringing about pari-mutuel wagering for the industry. He has carried virtually every horse racing bill throughout his tenure in office. These include passing a Sunset bill for the Texas Racing Commission, passing veterinarian bills for tracks and medical schools, and recently carrying VLT legislation that would have allowed video lottery terminals inside racetracks.

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