Fall 2013
inside POW/MIA Reunion Celebrations from around the State
Texas VFW Celebrates Women in the Military
TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER 2013 National Publications Contest
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CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
www.texasvfw.org
POWs Meet after 69 Years page 16 Boyd Engle and Manuel Granado were reunited 69 years after their capture by German forces in World War II.
Celebrating Women in the Military page 23 Sylvia Sanches presents Korean War veteran and Desert Storm veteran with Commander’s Coins.
In the News
4 Commander’s Column 6 Community Involvement Spotlight 8,9 Community Involvement Spotlight 10 Texas VFW Foundation 12 Patriot’s Day 14 State Commanders Ride Lester Globstad Memorial
Serving Veterans Since 1899
What Does The Texas VFW Offer You? Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part. Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing. Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us. For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.
16 POW Reunion 18 POW/MIA Remembrances 20 VFW Birthday Celebrations 21 Medal of Honor Awarded 22 Operation Enduring Freedom 23 Women in the Military 25 Texas VFW Member Application 28 Post 856, Austin celebrates POW/MIA Day
Upcoming Events 27 Mid-Winter Convention Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.
Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.
ABOUT THE COVER Texas VFW Post 880 Commander Raul Rodriguez recognized Women in Military Service at the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Texas City, TX for the patriotism, dedication, and sacrifices women have made while serving in all branches of the armed forces on Women In Military Service Day, October 18, 2013.
Fall 2013
insi de POW/MIA Reunion Celebrations from around the State
Texas VFW Celebrates Women in the Mil itary
Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNN er 2013 National Public ations Contest
Texas VFW Fall 2013
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN COMRADES, WOW, HOW TIME PASSES. Here it is November already. What a special time it has been for me. As I stated while on the campaign trail, how great it was to travel around this “Small” state of ours and thank God for GPS, but the best thing was meeting such wonderful people. How I have enjoyed the hospitality that I have received everywhere I go. What an awesome group of comrades and ladies and men’s auxiliaries we have. I tell you if anyone had told me a few years ago that I was going to become a “Motorcycle Mama”, I would have laughed at them. At my first ride in Pampa, I told District 9 Commander Danny Martin, I’m only going to ride the first leg, but guess what, it was so much fun, and I rode the whole 185 miles. To date I have participated in 5 runs. I would like to personally thank all the members of the VFW Motorcycle Groups for the great things they do, and the fun times I have had. I look forward to the upcoming rides. Thanks to Bud and Judy for coordinating everything. Thanks also for all the donations to the Homeless Veterans Program. On a sad note, we recently lost one of our motorcycle riders, Lester Globstad out of Unit 8, San Antonio, and from Post 837, who was hit and killed in a motorcycle accident. His wife, Holly, also a rider, in the midst of her sorrow, asked that in lieu of any flowers, that donations be sent to the Homeless Veterans Program. My thanks to Holly for this great and noble gesture. As always, we must address MEMBERSHIP. On Jan. 1, 2014, National will institute a $10 increase of dues for all continuous members. Take advantage of this and pay your dues before the end of the year. If you choose to pay your dues after January 1, 2014, the dues will be $10 more, and the date you pay will now be your Anniversary Date, which means that will be the day you will have to pay for you dues each year. I am hoping that our continuous members take advantage of this. Our goal this year is to once again reach quota and with YOUR help we can. Please help the Department of Texas shine once again. Besides membership, we must address ‘WHY ARE WE HERE”? We are here, ‘Because WE Care for our veterans, active duty, reserve and national guard personnel, our youth, and our community. Through your dedication, hard work, and generosity, we continue to be visible in the community, showing the great things we do. However, we must report all your community service activities, and PLEASE do not stop reporting once you have completed the required number, please continue. Many out there are doing them, but not reporting. Just a reminder a VPR (Veterans Participation Report) is different from a community service report. A VPR must
Because We Care!
Cont. on p. 23 4
Texas VFW Fall 2013
The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00. Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXVIII, Number 2, © October 2013. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine. Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at dan@texasvfw.org.
Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor www.medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535
2013-2014 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS COMMANDER, Sylvia C. Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 SR VICE, Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 JR VICE, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 JUDGE ADVOCATE, Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494 SURGEON, Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 CHAPLAIN, Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Chaney St., San Antonio, TX 78235 CHIEF OF STAFF, Inge Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346 INSPECTOR, Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494 IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR, Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 COUNCIL MEMBER, Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548 ADJ/QM, Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 ASST ADJ, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 ASST QM, Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Ralph Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 113, Clyde, TX 79510 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Allen Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1013 Soukup Lane, Killeen, TX 76542 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Edward Torres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663 Moursund Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78221 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Wayne Cooley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3615 Birdhouse Dr., Round Rock, TX 78665 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, David Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032 OFFICER OF THE DAY, Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130
DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Service Officer/Waco Sandra Covin . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Service Officer/Houston Julio Harros . . . 3413 . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2013-2014 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205 — Stanley Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1119 Thomas St., Denton, TX 76201 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775 — Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076 — James Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Royal Crest Dr., Garland, TX 75043 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427 — William “Bill” Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 222, Tomball, TX 77377 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12058 — Rick Riel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Engelke Rd., Niederwald, TX 78640 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8786 — Amando Garcia, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 W Richard Cruz, Freer, TX 78357 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278 — Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1657 — Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 2684, Pampa, TX 79066 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .812 — Rod Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3986 — Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 CR 1540, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688 — David Judson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Sage Oaks Trl., Boerne, TX 78006 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008 — Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 76513 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2147 — Preston Leckie . . . . . . . . . . . . 100-B Lincoln St., Wichita Falls, TX 76306 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8551 — Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4692 — Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, TX 77807 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410 — Ramiro Daniel, Sr . . . . . . . . . . . 919 Villa Del Prado Dr., Donna, TX 78537 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10351 — Henry “Paul” Lester . . . . . . . . Rt 1, Box 5965, San Augustine, TX 75972 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 — Cris Vieyra, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Bruni Street, San Antonio, TX 78224 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6872 — David Bowers . . . . . . . . . . . . 12514 J Rendon Road, Burleson, TX 76028 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972 — Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 77954 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284 — Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3377 — Frank Andrada, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2525 Hwy 21 West, Dale, TX 78616 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4819 — Roy “Bobby” Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 76705 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3894 — Richard Neff . . . . . . . . . . . 1319 Culberson Road, Waxahachie, TX 75165
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MEMBERS BREAK OUT THE HAMMER & NAILS
Texas VFW Post 6899, Trinity — Post
members smile for the camera after completing a wheel chair ramp for the wife of a deceased Texas VFW member.
MEMBERS REPAIR KOREAN WAR VETERAN GRAVE MARKER Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne —
Seven Post members repaired the bronze grave marker for Korean War Veteran Leroy Barnett. L to R: James Lyssy, Charlie Wetherbee, Bob Worrall, Tony Spall, Bill Mayo, Jack Mulhollan (WWII), Dave Judson.
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BURLESON POST OFFICE CHANGES NAME TO HONOR SOLDIER (Adapted from Cleburne Times-Review, Cleburne, TX) THE U.S. POST OFFICE IN BURLESON, TEXAS is now known as the “Sgt. William R. Moody Post Office Building,” thanks to efforts by Congressman Roger Williams, R-Austin, Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter and other Burleson City Council members. The building was renamed to honor Moody, a Burleson native who was killed June 18, 2013 in a Taliban rocket attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Moody, 30, is survived by his wife, Lacy Moody of Burleson, and three children. “This was a true collaboration, and there is no better reason for such collaboration than to pay tribute to a soldier who died in service to his country,” Williams said. “He served with honor, and he served with distinction, and we will never forget his service or his sacrifice.” “It is impossible for us to pay the debt we owe Sgt. Moody and you, and we can never measure up to the sacrifice he made. But we are always here, standing with you,” Shetter told Lacy Moody. “We can never do enough, but we can commit to never forget his service.” n
CENTER POST RECEIVES COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center —
Commander Mike Langford receives the National Community Service Award from CIC John Hamilton. 8
Texas VFW Fall 2013
L to R: District 21 President Jan Seaton; Dist 21 Commander David Bowers; Lacy Moody, wife of Sgt. Moody; her mother Cyndi Long; Congressman Roger Williams; Congressman Rob Orr.
SAN ANTONIO POST DONATES FLAG
Texas VFW Post 837, San Antonio —
Southeast Highland Hills Post 837, District 20, San Antonio, Texas presents KCI (Kinetic Concepts Inc.) a 4' x 6' American Flag just in time for the 4th of July. Commander Leo Silva and Jr. Vice Commander Jesse Borroel coordinated the presentation and then the Post hoisted the flag for the group.
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STATE COMMANDER VISITS VA CLINIC IN FORT WORTH State Commander Sylvia Sanchez visited the VA Clinic in Fort Worth with District 21 Commander Dave Bowers, Post 10454 Commander Jon Lunkwicz and Post member Paul Thurman.
RECRUITING DRIVE
TOWN HALL MEETING Texas VFW District 21 Commander and members participated in a town hall meeting with State Representative Bill Zedler and Congressman Joe Barton to discuss veterans healthcare issues.
Texas VFW Post 3377, Manchaca — Members held a recruiting drive at a Yellow Ribbon event hosted by the Texas National Guard in Austin.
Texas VFW Post 8397, San Antonio — Post Commander Paul Rodriguez talks with elementary school students about the events of September 11, 2001 and the sacrifices made by Americans in bringing those responsible to justice.
EDUCATING CHILDREN ABOUT THE EVENTS OF 9/11
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T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
Helping Veterans in Need Your tax deductible donation helps Texas veterans.
David Ramirez Petty Officer 2nd Class, USN Reserve; former LCPL, USMC
“We made several attempts for assistance from various programs only to be turned away. My wife recalled her grandfather (retired Merchant Marine and Air Force) once talking about the VFW and its firm support of veterans and we decided to do some research. After a lot of thought and prayer, we submitted an application for assistance, knowing the benefit it would provide our family if approved. Thank you so much to the Texas VFW Foundation and all who fund it. A life in service is about honor and humility and about the greater good. Your foundation has reminded me of this and I am thankful. This letter of gratitude can’t fully express how deeply appreciative we are for the assistance you have provided. Thank you, again, from the Ramirez family.” • The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served. • Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations. • The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds. • The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if still in the military before application can be processed. • Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw.org; by emailing the Foundation at foundation@texasvfw.org; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.
Your small donation makes a big difference. 10
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PATRIOT’S DAY—SEPTEMBER 11
Texas VFW Post 5400, Santa Fe — Texas VFW Post 2150, McKinney — Post
Post Commander Karl Brown looks better standing next to a Marine in Dress Blues at the District 16 Patriots Day ceremony.
members delivered care boxes of food to 4 fire stations. In addition, an outside ceremony was held and the commander read the history of 9/11.
Texas VFW Post 6380, Jasper — The Post
Texas VFW Post 9213, McQueeney — The Post
held a memorial gathering on the courthouse square in Jasper. The closing speech was given by the Post Commander.
observed Patriot’s Day by holding a breakfast and honoring first responders and veterans.
Texas VFW Post 4818, Hereford — Members met with Chief of Police, 12
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Fire Chief and Sheriff to lay wreaths and remember 9/11.
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State Commanders Ride THE STATE COMMANDERS RIDE was sponsored by VFWMG Unit 8-837. The proceeds benefit VOD, Texas VFW Homeless Veterans Program and Unit 8’s donation to Post 837’s VOD Banquet. The ride was well-planned and the pace led by State Commander Sylvia Sanchez and James Bennett at the handlebars. The ride ended back at Post 837 where a tasty meal was enjoyed by all. n
mgtx.com fw .v w w w : g in it is v get involved by n a c u o y w o h t u ind o DO YOU RIDE? F 14
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POW REUNION H
By Dan West, State Assistant Adjutant
One of the greatest things about the VFW is that you get to meet “real life history” face to face. Such is the case of VFW members Manuel Granado from Portland, Texas and Boyd Engle from Moundsville, West Virginia. In 1944, both men served as part of a five-man tank crew on a Sherman tank with the 755th Tank Battalion. On October 16, 1944, they and another tank were sent on a recon mission into enemy territory along Highway 65 just north of Livergnano, Italy, heading into the Po Valley. Boyd recalled this day in his biography: “After traveling about a mile or so, we came around a sharp curve in the road and ran into a company of Germans and two Tiger tanks. After a short, fierce battle, the rear tank was knocked out, and ours, the lead tank, was hit in the left side. I was wounded in the lower and upper part of my left leg. When we got hit, our hatch was blocked because our gun was facing to the rear…Manuel and I were the last ones out. We couldn’t see the others, so we took off over the mountainside toward our lines. We had gone a couple hundred yards all the time taking small arms fire and took cover behind a downed tree. Manuel put a tourniquet on my leg.” Boyd recalls how Manuel refused to escape and leave him and that because of Boyd’s injuries they decided to surrender. “With Manuel’s help, we got back to the group of Germans that held our other crew members from both tanks. While standing in line with the other prisoners I collapsed. I thought it was from loss of blood but found out later I had been shot – this time in the chest. That was the last time I saw Manuel.” Boyd was taken to a farmhouse that served as a German aid station that was under constant American artillery fire, and later the next day he was loaded onto a horse cart with two German guards and taken to an ambulance, arriving at the hospital in Bologna later that night where his wounds were taken care of. The next night he was put on a boxcar with German wounded and headed north. He was at the hospital in Montova, Italy till January 1945, and then, as the allied advance got closer, he was moved to the German hospital in Merano, Italy and was repatriated on May 5, 1945. 16
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Manuel was taken to Stalag 7a in Moosburg, Bavaria where he was forced to work as a general laborer constructing railroads near Munich, Germany. Manuel said, “It was a year of hard labor with no hot water and one meal a day.” He weighed 98 pounds when he was repatriated on April 29, 1945. Neither Boyd nor Manuel knew if each had survived and they both returned home and built successful careers, never talking much about their ordeals but always wondering about each other over the years. It wasn’t until last year that Boyd Engle’s daughter, Nancy, was able to locate Manuel Granado through internet searches that either knew if the other had survived or was still alive. Boyd Engle, 88, and Manuel Granado, 94, were reunited for the first time on Friday, September 20, 2013, National POW/MIA Day, at the Corpus Christi International Airport, 69 years after their capture by German forces during World War II. “They were both in their wheel chairs, and when they saw each other they both stood up and gave each other a big hug. It was an emotional moment which brought family members and welcoming guests to tears,” said Gene Granado, Manuel’s son. Later the next day, a reception and lunch was held in Sinton, Texas at the community center where several hundred veterans, their families and local citizens watched as city and state elected officials presented each with proclamations. Texas VFW State Commander, Sylvia Sanchez, presented Boyd and Manuel with a special recognition “Challenge Coin” and certificate thanking them for their service and immense sacrifice in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In his closing remarks, Boyd Engle said, “I have been hearing the word hero, and I am not… Manuel is the hero. I like to call myself a survivor more than a hero.” He went on to say thank you to everyone who had made it possible for he and his friend Manuel to be reunited. Those who made this very unique and special reunion possible are the members of Texas VFW Post 8625 in Sinton, Texas and their Ladies Auxiliary; Specifically Post Commander Jose G. Garcia and his wife, Zulema Garcia, the Auxiliary President. Special acknowledgement for their financial donations/contributions for this event: the Texas VFW Foundation; Laura Madden, Manager, Hampton Inn in Portland; West Brazos Ladies Auxiliary 8551; Round Rock VFW Post 9078; Tall City VFW Post Midland; San Antonio VFW Post 4815; George Glasspool, Sr. Post 1514; Dickinson Ladies Auxiliary 6378; Round Rock Ladies Auxiliary 9078; Razzle Dazzle in Corpus Christi; Al Willeford Chevrolet in Portland; Mac’s BBQ in Rockport; The City of Sinton, Mayor Pedro Gonzales & city staff; Ladies Auxiliary 8625; Boy Scout Troop 6; Texas VFW members, Dan Pawlik, Gonzalo Gonzales and Oscar Alvarado. n
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Boyd Engle, 88, and Manuel Granado, 94, were reunited for the first time on Friday, September 20, 2013, National POW/MIA Day, at the Corpus Christi International Airport, 69 years after their capture by German forces during World War II.
Boyd Engle
Manuel Granado
L-R: Back Row—Boyd Engle, Zulema Garcia, Jose Garcia, Sylvia Sanchez. Front Row—Manuel Granado, Hermania Granado.
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POW/MIA—SEPTEMBER 20
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Members participate in POW/MIA
remembrances. Pictured left to right are Tony Spall, Dan Heckler, Jim Peterson, Andrew Camplen, Bob Worrall.
Texas VFW Post 3903, Rosenberg — Approximately 200 attended a POW/
MIA event held for District 16. Two former POWs were in attendance and were honored. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst was the special guest.
Texas VFW Post 9186, San Antonio — Post
Commanders and Boy Scouts Troop 10 pose for group picture at their POW/MIA ceremony.
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Texas VFW Fall 2013
Texas VFW Post 3406, Rusk — Members and the Ladies
Auxiliary set up a missing man table and held a flag raising ceremony.
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Texas VFW Post 7109, Pearland — Members participated in POW/MIA Day with Post 3903 in Rosenberg.
Texas VFW Post 6378, Members hang POW/MIA Wreath remembering Sgt. Bowe Dickinson — Mayor Julie Masters Texas VFW Post 8904, Center —
Bergdahl and the 83,343 Americans still missing in action.
of Dickinson poses with former POW Bobby Russell of VFW Post 6378.
Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills — Members gathered for a POW/MIA
Remembrance Ceremony. Pictured left to right: 1st row—Roy Walker, Don Clotiaux, Ray Pender; 2nd row—Shelton Meaux, Richard Moore, Earl Fletcher; 3rd row—Harold Sherill, Jesse Munoz, George Sanner, Bob Johnson, Harold Woodrom, Pete Gonzales.
Texas VFW Post 8786, Freer — Members gathered in conjunction with Texas VFW Post 8621 in Alice, Texas to remember POW/MIA Day. They gathered at the court house and VFW hall. Approximately twenty members were in attendance.
Texas VFW Fall 2013
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VFW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS—SEPTEMBER 29
Texas VFW Post 2410, Harlingen — VFW Birthday was celebrated with 10 members, Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne —
4 ladies of the Aux and 68 community members. The Post held a dance and served cake and refreshments.
The Post held a VFW Birthday party at a local business for VFW members and the public and passed out birthday cake to over 40 people in attendance.
Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands — At a National Night Safety
Texas VFW Post 3413, San Marcos —
Post members and ladies auxiliary smiled for the camera before indulging in Expo the Post celebrated the VFW’s Birthday by providing a tray of delicious donuts informational pamphlets and offering coloring books, small held by State Junior Vice gifts, and card signings for deployed military. Commander Dan West.
70th Anniversary The Biggest Celebration Ever!
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Be on Normandy for the big 70th anniversary of D-day. Heads of State from many countries, special music, honors for WWII Vets will fill emotional ceremonies. This 13-day WWII tour visits all important sites in France, Luxembourg, Belgium & Germany.
Vietnam
Departs March 25, 2014 Sights include Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta, military bases, Hue, Quang Tri, Former DMZ, DaNang, Hoi An, Hanoi & much more.
Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine — Jr.Vice Commander Mike 20
Texas VFW Fall 2013
Seifert, Member Alan Bellar, Adjutant Paul Thurman, Commander Jon Lunkwicz, Surgeon Steve Cramer, and Member Andrew Michel.
Professional guides---Great Hotels---Many Meals–Economically priced WWII veterans receive Discount–Perhaps get a group together from your VFW or American Legion Post. Everyone welcome on this tour.
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M e d a l
MEDALOFHONOR IT WAS A TENDER MOMENT THAT DEMONSTRATED THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE U.S. SERVICEMEN WHO FOUGHT FOR THEIR LIVES IN A REMOTE AFGHANISTAN PROVINCE FOUR YEARS AGO. In the heat of battle, Army Capt. William Swenson leaned in and kissed the head of a severely wounded comrade while loading him into an evacuation helicopter. On Tuesday, October 15, President Obama cited that moment—captured in a video taken by a medevac crewman—as he presented Swenson, 34, with the Medal of Honor for heroic service in the Ganjgal valley in eastern Afghanistan. Swenson, who has since left the military, is credited with risking his life to help save other U.S. troops and Afghan allies and retrieve the bodies of four Americans who were killed Sept. 8, 2009. “Amidst the whipping wind and the deafening roar of the helicopter blades, he does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses the wounded soldier on the head—a simple act of compassion and loyalty to a brother in arms,” Obama said of Swenson during a ceremony attended by 250 guests, including Vice President Biden, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, first lady Michelle Obama and several previous medal recipients. Obama said that the nation has awarded the Medal of Honor, its highest military decoration, nearly 3,500 times, and that the video of Swenson “may be the first time that we can actually bear witness to a small fraction of those actions for ourselves.” Swenson, who lives in Seattle, did not speak during the White House ceremony. Afterward, an Army spokesman confirmed that Swenson had asked to return to active duty more than two years after he left the service. “We are currently reviewing his request and processing it within established policy,” said the spokesman, George Wright. Swenson would have to undergo a routine drug test and background check.
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David Nakamura, The Washington Post
A return to active service would be a remarkable turnabout. Two other Marines—Ademola Fabayo and Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, who helped Swenson and Meyer in the rescue effort—attended Tuesday’s ceremony. They both have received the Navy Cross for their actions. During an interview with The Washington Post, Swenson said he would accept the medal to honor fellow soldiers and Marines and the family members of those who died. “It does not really belong to me; it belongs to that event and the people I stood with,” he said of the medal. In the interview, he said he had no memory of kissing the head of Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook, who had been shot in the cheek and shoulder, until he saw the video this year.“You could have told me it happened, and I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said. “But it did, and it was captured on film. And it offered a glimpse of the humanity that does occur on battlefields.” Westbrook, the father of three, died about a month after the battle of complications from a blood transfusion. His wife, Charlene Westbrook, was in the audience at the White House on Tuesday. “Charlene will always be grateful for the final days she was able to spend with her husband,” Obama said. Swenson and Westbrook had been working for a year as embedded trainers with the Afghan Border Police in Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border. They were trying to prepare the Afghan forces to patrol remote tribal areas often teeming with insurgents and beyond the control of the Afghan national government.
President Obama awards top honor to ex-Army captain who braved fire to rescue Afghans and recover fallen brothers. Swenson saved at least 12 lives during the fight. Marine gunnery sergeants Edwin Johnson and Aaron Kenefick, First Lt. Michael Johnson and Navy Corpsman James Layton died in the ambush. elders. As soon as they reached the valley, they were ambushed by Taliban fighters hidden on the higher terrain that ringed the valley on three sides. Five Americans, 10 Afghan troops and an Afghan interpreter were slain. Looking back on his last moments with Westbrook, Swenson said of the video: “To see him and to see me in that situation gives me comfort. I would trade anything for that not to be our last moment, but that was our last moment, and I’ll always have that now.” n
On the day of the battle, about 11 U.S. trainers and 80 Afghan troops set out to meet with town
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OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM—OCTOBER 9
Texas VFW Post 2369, McAllen — Pictured L-R: Commander Martinez, Iraqi war veteran and Post The Post held Trustee Gustavo Gonzalez and Quarter Master John West. a ceremony open to members and the general public. Approximately 20 were in attendance. Afterwards refreshments were served.
Texas VFW Post 10802, Donna —
Congratulations! Texas VFW Post 12041, Lytle 1st Place State Small Post Publication Editor—James Bennett
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN CONT. be reported on the VPR form found in the Post SOP (can also get it on line-in Post SOP) and at least (2) pictures must accompany the form. Instructions are on form. Community Service, Americanism, and youth projects are considered Community Service Programs. Keep copies of any community service or VPR for your records for IRS purposes. As a reminder, WE MUST WORK TOGETHER, both at the post and with our auxiliaries. We are all volunteers and are in for the same reason. DO NOT LET PETTY JEALOUSIES OR TRIVIAL PERSONALITIES get in the way of our objectives and completing programs. If this is occurring at your post, please stop- We do not want to lose any more posts or auxiliaries. Comrades, I would like to clarify something, if I personally attend a Post meeting or send someone who is representing me, does not mean we are there to close you down. On the contrary we are there to see if we can help. I will do everything I can to help a Post stay open; however, post members must fulfill the required tasks on the stat sheet. If not done, it is the members fault, not mine or departments’, if your Post fails. Remember it is YOUR Post. In closing, I would like to thank each and every one of your for being a member of the VFW. Congratulations to all the posts that have reached their quota, and thanks for those who are working hard to reach quota. You, as a member of the Department of Texas, make us what we are. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year. n
Sylvia C. Sanchez, State Commander
Because We Care!
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MILITARY SERVICE DAY —OCTOBER 18 Texas VFW Post 837, San Antonio
Commander Leo Silva makes opening remarks at Women in the Service Recognition Ceremony, Post Adjutant Teri Sanchez and Chaplain Sam Cullins stand behind ready for their role in ceremony.
Department of Texas Commander Sylvia Sanchez presents Post Quartermaster Eleanor Johnson, a Korean Conflict veteran and Post Adjutant Teri Sanchez, a Desert Storm veteran the Commander’s Coin.
Quartermaster Eleanor Johnson offered photos from the early fifties during her time of service. Texas VFW Fall 2013
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Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America. Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in, or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.
Lobbying for Veterans & Military Providing Disaster Relief Name: _________________________________________________Email: _________________________________________ Community Volunteerism First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.) Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Funding College Scholarships Phone Cards for Troops City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone:____________________________ Supporting Youth Groups Emergency Financial Assistance Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) Supporting Memorials Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines
Current Status: I served in:
p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/Reserve p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)
Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay
p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*
*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service). I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($35)
p Life Member*
p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($35 Initial payment)
Because We Care!
LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE Attained age on 12/31
Through age 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 61 – 70 71 – 80 81 and over
One Time Payment
Life 12 Month Payment Plan
$425.00 $410.00 $375.00 $335.00 $290.00 $225.00 $170.00
$40.39 $39.02 $35.84 $32.20 $28.11 $22.20 $17.20
Installment Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making either 11 or 23 monthly installments after an initial payment of $35.00. The member/applicant will be issued a “Provisional Life” membership card and can elect, upon receipt of first monthly invoice, to pay via check, credit card or ACH Debit. The monthly fee (Shown in the payment schedule above) includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. The applicable Life Membership fee is to be determined from the schedule using the applicants age on December 31 of the installment plan year in which the application is submitted, regardless of actual date of birth. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon completion of this agreement. No refund of any portion of current year annual dues will be made. A “Payoff amount” will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full at anytime during the installment plan, thereby avoiding additional service fees. If the member pays off early, no additional monies will be collected.
I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund. Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: ______________________________________________ Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.
p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express
Credit Card Number:_________________________________________________________
Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________ Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761
For questions call: (512) 834-8535
Texas VFW Post 856, Austin Texas VFW Post 856, Austin Post members participated in the POW/MIA ceremony at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g