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Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 1 The American GI Forum Texas State Conference was held in Seguin at the Holiday Inn under the leadership of Seguin Manuel Castilla Chap- ter Commander J. P. Amador and his hardworking Confer- ence Committee. The 60 th Anniversary Con- ference was officially dedicat- ed to all Veterans from WWII thru the present. The official Conference Theme chosen by J.P. and his Committee was “Unity Conference 2008” and is intended to remind us how Seguin Hosts 60th State Conference, June 5-8 Volume 6 No. 3 Education is Our Freedom. . .and Freedom Should Be Everybody’s Business Fall, 2008 the early GI Forum persevered due to the unity of its members pursuing many worthwhile goals that were achieved by working together. In keeping with the official dedication to our Veterans , the Seguin Chapter officially rec- ognized one of their longtime members, Mr. Demetrio L. Ra- mos. Mr. Ramos served in the US Army during WWII and re- turned home and became a role model to his community thru Continued on Page 3. his many years of dedicated service to veterans, his family as well as the City, State, and County. Also officially recog- nized were two AGIF Charter Members: Mr. Bob Sanchez, McAllen AGIF and Mr. Augus- tin Lucio, San Marcos AGIF. The both served with valor and distinction during WWII. Special recognition was giv- en to Past State and National Chairwoman and long-time Texas Executive Secretary- Treasurer, Mrs. Dominga Coronado. Mrs. Coronado was Texas longest serving Execu- tive Secretary-Treasurer who also served for many years on the NVOP Board. She retired from service in 2005. Mrs. Coronado passed away in April 17, 2008. The Seguin Chapter also paid Special Tribute to Mr. Daniel C. Rodriguez, a hard- working civic and community volunteer whose young life was tragically cut short by an unfortunate automobile acci- dent on May 10, 2005. Convention Highlights in- Inside: National Convention: McCain Addresses Conference; Morales is Re-Elected McCain Address National Conference in Colorado cluded presentations by Major General Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas and son of Medal of Honor recipi- ent Colonel Joseph Rodriguez, Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Chairman, Texas Veterans Land Board and Marine Corps Viet Nam Veteran and State Representative Frank Corte, Clockwise, top: Representative Frank Corte speaks at the AGIF State Conference; GOP Presidential Candidate John McCain addresses National Conference in Colorado; Commander, JP Amador, r. and State Commander Paul Herrera, l. with Commissioner Mr. Roger Benzinger

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Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 1

The American GI Forum Texas State Conference was held in Seguin at the Holiday Inn under the leadership of Seguin Manuel Castilla Chap-ter Commander J. P. Amador and his hardworking Confer-ence Committee.

The 60th Anniversary Con-ference was officially dedicat-ed to all Veterans from WWII thru the present. The official Conference Theme chosen by J.P. and his Committee was “Unity Conference 2008” and is intended to remind us how

Seguin Hosts 60th State Conference, June 5-8

Volume 6 No. 3 Education is Our Freedom. . .and Freedom Should Be Everybody’s Business Fall, 2008

the early GI Forum persevered due to the unity of its members pursuing many worthwhile goals that were achieved by working together.

In keeping with the official dedication to our Veterans , the Seguin Chapter officially rec-ognized one of their longtime members, Mr. Demetrio L. Ra-mos. Mr. Ramos served in the US Army during WWII and re-turned home and became a role model to his community thru Continued on Page 3.

his many years of dedicated service to veterans, his family as well as the City, State, and County. Also officially recog-nized were two AGIF Charter Members: Mr. Bob Sanchez, McAllen AGIF and Mr. Augus-tin Lucio, San Marcos AGIF. The both served with valor and distinction during WWII.

Special recognition was giv-en to Past State and National Chairwoman and long-time Texas Executive Secretary-

Treasurer, Mrs. Dominga Coronado. Mrs. Coronado was Texas longest serving Execu-tive Secretary-Treasurer who also served for many years on the NVOP Board. She retired from service in 2005. Mrs. Coronado passed away in April 17, 2008.

The Seguin Chapter also paid Special Tribute to Mr. Daniel C. Rodriguez, a hard-working civic and community volunteer whose young life was tragically cut short by an unfortunate automobile acci-dent on May 10, 2005.

Convention Highlights in-

Inside:

National Convention:

McCain Addresses

Conference; Morales is

Re-Elected

McCain Address National Conference in Colorado

cluded presentations by Major General Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas and son of Medal of Honor recipi-ent Colonel Joseph Rodriguez, Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Chairman, Texas Veterans Land Board and Marine Corps Viet Nam Veteran and State Representative Frank Corte,

Clockwise, top: Representative Frank Corte speaks at the AGIF State Conference; GOP Presidential Candidate John McCain addresses National Conference in Colorado; Commander, JP Amador, r. and State Commander Paul Herrera, l. with Commissioner Mr. Roger Benzinger

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 2

From AGIF Commander Paul Herrera

These past few months have been busy as I have continued to communi-cate with our local Chap-ters both by telephone and in person. Accom-panied by State Execu-tive Secretary-Treasurer

Gil Rodriguez I traveled first to Lubbock to meet and greet Forumeers and then to Sweetwater to visit and confer with their officers and members. Gil and I had sev-eral trips to Seguin to assist 2008 State Conference Chair J.P. Amador and his hardworking Committee. As many of you know the Conference was a big success.

Gil and I also traveled to San Antonio to attend to NVOP business which included hosting Texas State Senator from El Paso Elliot Shapleigh and his staff as they toured the NVOP Residential Center. The NVOP has become the national model for Veterans Outreach and Transition Housing and Training Programs. Many high Gov-

ernment officials have toured the NVOP and have been impressed and inspired by the quality of the work and services the NVOP provides our veterans.

Because of concerns that the AGIF Rob-stown Housing Project had been sold, we did some investigating by communicating with the HUD Office in San Antonio and the Project Management Company that runs the Project, also in San Antonio. The Project has not changed ownership and the Board, currently with five members still holds the Project. The last appointment was made by Ram Chavez when he was State Commander.

According to HUD, the Management Company, and the City Council, The pro-gram is operational and is providing the needed housing for the area, according to an article published in the Robstown Newspaper.

We are still working on this matter and we are being kept informed and the state organization will continue to monitor all

entities under its jurisdiction.I have successfully secured commit-

ments from some dedicated Forumeers to chair key committees. These include:

Commander, Richard Perez, Houston, Veterans Affairs Officer; Israel Tamez, Victoria, Assistant Veterans Affairs Of-ficer; Amador Garcia Corpus Christi, Legal Advisor; Robert Ramirez, Dallas, Civil Rights Director; Tina Cruz, Corpus Christi, Parliamentarian and Constitution and By-Laws, Sharon Manchego, Waco, Youth Co-ordinator; Jerry Soto, Austin, Legislative Committee; John Marti-nez, Houston Resolutions; J.P. Amador, Seguin, Awards Chair; and Rey Candia, Harlingen as Commander, Region 2

If you need to communicate with any of the above volunteers or have any ques-tions, you may contact Gil Rodriguez at the State Office, (512) 225-5888 to secure addresses and phone numbers for each of these volunteers.

Robert P. Sanchez, age 46, beloved son of Texas Forumeer R.P. (Bob) Sanchez, lost an intense battle with cancer on June 15, 2008, in Austin, Texas. Born in McAl-

len, attended St. John’s Episcopal Primary School and graduated from McAllen High School. He received a B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary’s University in San Anto-nio. He worked for the House Sergeant’s Office in the Capitol Building at Austin, then for the Austin PD as a counselor in its Victim Services office.

He married Karin Wied of Austin in the ancestral house of his grandfather, Trini-dad P. Sanchez, Casa Trinidad at Busta-mante, N.L., Mexico on October 14, 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Karin W. Sanchez, and his children, Josef, Christian and Jacob Robert P. Sanchez, his mother-in-law, Verline Wied, brother-in-law, Michael Wied, his parents, R.P. (Bob) and Tula Barrera Sanchez, sister, Sonia and brothers, Richard P. and Edward P. (Dahlia) Sanchez.

From all Forumeers, our prayers and condolences to Bob and his family.

Leo Avila, my good friend and long-time California Forumeer, passed away Septem-ber, 15th, in Fremont, CA. at the age of 83. He was born in El Paso, Texas and resided

in Fremont and Oakdale. His parents were Leocadio Avila Sr. and Rumalda Garcia Avila. He proudly served in the Air force during WWII. Leo is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Eliza Anita Avila. He is survived by his children Diana Hernan-dez (Alfred), Jacob Avila (Joanie), Robert Avila, Terry Galvan (Daniel).

Leo served as California State Com-mander and National Vice Commander of the American GI Forum; NVOP Chair; SER Board; Greenlining Institute; Latino Issues Forum; HACR; Latino Institute for Cooperate Inclusion; Housing Authority of Stanislaus County; and was a Fremont Planning Commissioner.

Leo was a personal friend of many years to me, my wife Lupe and my family. I will miss him. We offer our prayers and condo-lences on our behalf and on behalf of all Texas Forumeers to his family.

--Gil Rodriguez

Wanda Fusillo Garcia, widow of our founder, Dr. Hector Perez Garcia, passed away Saturday, Sep-tember 20, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas after a brief illness. During

World War II, she was employed by The U.S. Army as a Secretary and met Major Hector P. Garcia, who at that time was an Army Physician stationed in Italy. They were married in 1945 in Naples, Italy, in 1946, she and Dr. Hector moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he practiced medi-cine and founded the American GI Forum, a Veteran’s Family Organization.

She was instrumental in the success of her husband, by caring for her family so that Dr. Garcia could complete his work.

She is survived by her daughter, Daisy Wanda Garcia of Austin; daughter, Ceci-lia Garcia Akers and husband Jim Akers of San Antonio; and daughter Susanna Patricia Garcia and partner Ellen Hahn of Lafayette, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Hector Perez Garcia and her son, Hector Garcia Jr.

On behalf of all Forumeers, our condo-lences and prayers to the Garcia Family.

In Memorium

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 3

Continued from Page 1.

Jr., Chairman, Defense Affairs & State-Federal Relations Committee, and Marine Corps Gulf War Veteran, Mr. Ignacio Leija, NVOP Vice President for Service & Operations, Seguin Mayor Betty Ann Mat-thies, and Mr. Roger Benzinger represent-ing the County Judge.

Election of State Officers were held Sat-urday afternoon, June 7 following a report by Nominations Chair Jesse Aguilera, Ft. Worth, and Vice Chair Anna Ramirez. Forum State Officers elected by the Con-ference Delegates were: Paul Herrera, Austin, State Commander, Larry Perez, Waco, First Vice Commander, Placido Salazar, San Antonio, Second Vice Com-mander, Justo “Howdy” Leal, Port Lavaca, Secretary and Rey Candia, Harlingen, Sgt.-At-Arms. Dr. C.P. Garcia remains on the Board as Immediate Past State Com-

mander and Father Richard Pena will con-tinue as State Chaplain.

Women’s Forum State Officers are as follows: Patsy Vazquez, Corpus Christi, elected State Chairwoman, Jeanne Ale-man, Houston, Vice-Chair, Tina Cruz, Corpus Christi, Secretary and Betty Man-chego, Waco, Treasurer.

Resolutions Committee Chair John Mar-tinez, Houston, presented the following Resolutions:

1. Upgrade WWII Veteran Guy Gabal-don’s Award to the Medal of Honor.

2. Pledging AGIF support or the creation of Supportive Housing Programs to provide services and housing for the homeless veterans by using local, state, and federal funding.

3. Upgrade Viet Nam Marine Corps Veteran Richard Perez’s Bronze Star Award to the Navy Cross.

State Executive Gil Rodriguez presented the State Office and Financial Reports.

The 2010 Conference was awarded to Austin. The 2009 Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Waco Texas next June.

The 2008 State Conference was a big success and the Seguin Manuel Castilla Chapter deserves our sincere gratitude and thanks from all of us for their hard work.Congratulations to Chapter Commander and Conference Chair J.P. Amador, Do-mingo Cepeda, Paul Soto, Roy Aguirre, Jose Palomo, Ramiro Aguirre, Orlando Cepeda, Demetrio Ramos, Javier Cuevas, and Louis R. Ramirez for a job well done. Thanks to State Executive Secretary-Treasurer Gil Rodriguez and Mrs. Lupe Rodriguez for their outstanding efforts and expertise in support of J.P. and his Com-mittee.

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 4

The American GI Forum of the United States 60th Annual National Conference and Training Exposi-tion was held July 23-26 in Denver Colorado. Hosted by the Colorado Chapters under the leadership of Confer-ence Chair John Padilla and his Hosting

American GI Forum, to honor Founder, Dr. Hector P. Garcia and all of the Ameri-can GI Forum members past and present who worked diligently through the years to make our Organization an important voice in our great nation.

The Luncheon on Thursday July 24 hon-ored our Iraq and Afganistan Veterans and a Wednesday session honored our Women Veterans and their service to our Country.

The Friday July 25 Women’s Luncheon featured Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain as the main speaker. Sena-tor McCain received a warm welcome from his fellow Veterans and responded by meeting and greeting Forumeers who had gathered in front of the podium.

Other distinguished speakers and attend-ees included Lt. General Edward D. Baca, US Army Retired, Kevin B. Secor, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Af-fairs, Carlos Martinez, President and CEO of the National Veterans Outreach Pro-gram (NVOP) and John Travisna, Presi-dent and General Counsel of MALDEF. Mr. Travisna presented AGIF’s response to the American Legion’s Report on illegal immigration. According to Travisna, the Legion’s published report contains many myths and untruths and “is a disservice to the members of the American Legion.”

This years speakers focused on several of our Community Issues regarding Veter-ans, Education, Civil Rights, Immigration, Economic Empowerment, Energy Secu-

rity, Health Care, and Accountability. Resolutions were still being worked on

and distributed by Resolution Chair Jake Alarid, California. The should be on the National Website as soon as they are com-pleted.

National Officer Elections were con-ducted on Saturday July 28 with the fol-lowing results:

National Commander Antonio Gil Morales, TexasVice Commander: Cipriano Griego Colorado Secretary: Albert Gonzales, Colorado Treasurer: Danny Morales, California Sgt-At-Arms Greg Nichols, California

National Chairwoman Alicia Rodriguez Kansas Vice Chair Helen Galvan, California Secretary Guillerma Morales, Texas Treasurer Dora Gonzales, Colorado

Youth Chair Elizabeth Trevino Kansas Vice Chair Xavier Rodriguez, Kansas Secretary Maritza Castilleja, Kansas Treasurer Kirsten Benyshek, Kansas Seargent-At-Arms Robert Roybal, New Mexico Chaplain: Eva Martinez, Michigan

National Commander Antonio Morales has stated: “ We should be proud that our organization has played a lead role in the national debate surrounding efforts to improve mental health services to our

Senator McCain, Gov. Richardson Address 2008 National Conference

Senator McCain Addresses 2008 Conference

committee this year’s Conference featured a two-day training and leadership pro-gram conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs through its Community Prosperity Partnership Program and the Department of Labor.

The VA training sessions included Vet-erans Readjustment, Veterans Business Enterprise, Disabled Veteran Employment, Homeless programs, Women Veterans, and Veteran Transition Programs for returning Iraq and Afganistan Veterans. An Inter Agency Plenary Session included Federal Government Agencies training sessions on Loans, Contracts, Community Grants, En-trepreneurship, Employment, and Veterans & the Housing Market.

A Job Fair and Health Fair were held in conjunction with the VA Sessions and in-cluded Educational Information provided by Colorado Department of Public Health.

This year’s Conference Theme was “The Spirit of ‘48” in honor of the Found-er, Dr. Hector P. Garcia and the 700 Vet-erans who answered his call to action on March 26, 1948 in Corpus Christi, Texas which led to the Founding of the American GI Forum. The dedication, commitment, and ongoing efforts of the initial 700 to resolve the issues facing our Veterans and our Community is “the Spirit of ‘48”.

It is fitting that we pause on this, the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the

Continued on Page 8.

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 5

nation’s veterans and their families. We are working closely with more than a dozen national veterans ser-vice organizations and key Congressional leaders to make sure that the mental health

crisis among those serving in Iraq and Af-ganistan is addressed in the most effective manner possible. There is a tremendous amount of work that lies ahead, especially when a new White House Administration takes over in 2009. I have the greatest confidence the American GI Forum of the United States will rise to the challenge”.

Congratulations to Conference Chair John Padilla and his Committee and to our own Gil and Lupe Rodriguez for their con-tributions to a productive and successful Conference.

Make your plans now to attend next year’s Conference in Corpus Christi.

Attention!The Next State Board Meeting:

Saturday, October 25, Austin, Texas. All State Officers, Region Commanders and Chairs plus all local commanders

and chairs are urged to attend. For more information call (512) 225-5888

The Heart of Texas ForumNews is published by the AGIF of Texas Inc.Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the American GI Forum of Texas or its officers.

Readers may submit materials to:• Editor,1000Brazos,Ste.100 Austin,TX78701, Phone:(512)225-5888, Fax:(512)476-5909 E-mail:[email protected]• Editorreservestherighttoeditforclarityandspaceandmayaddeditor’snotestoanarticlesubmittediforwhennecessary.

PhotosbyPaulHerrera&JPAmador

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc.

StateCommander............PaulHerreraEditor............................. GilRodriguezDistribution..................LupeRodriguez

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 6

Betty Manchego Chairwoman for the McLennan County Women’s Chapter an-nounced that four students were awarded scholarships at their Second Annual Schol-arship Awards Reception, Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 2:30 in the afternoon at El Tapatio’s Restaurant.

In May the Women held their First An-nual Golf Tournament at the James Con-nally Golf Course, in Waco. The proceeds went to their Scholarship Fund.

The McLennan County Women’s Chap-ter was named the Outstanding Women’s Chapter for 2008 at the Annual AGIF State Conference in Seguin last June. They proudly competed for the Outstanding Women’s Chapter at the National Confer-ence in Colorado later in June.

Waco’s McLennan County Women’s 2nd Annual Scholarship Reception

The four recipients are from left: Jacqueline Cordova a senior at Texas A&M, Felicia Cor-dova a junior at North Texas University, Franz Hutter a sophomore at MCC, and Alicia Pesina also a sophomore at MCC.

Memorial Day in Fort Stockton a Lasting Tradition Continues...

Thirty five years ago a member of the Fort Stockton Chapter hand crafted a flag pole for the St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Cemetery. Each year the Chapter would donate a 4x6 ft. flag that had been flown over the nation’s Capitol.

As Mr. Manuel Nunez, one of the original members recalls, “ We used to get them free, but the last 5 years, they cost us $21 plus $1.75 to have them flown over the Capitol. Three years ago on Memorial Day we provided the last flag.”

“When the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Cemetery Committee no longer had anyone to raise and lower the colors every morning and evening they needed to have the flag displayed 24-hours so they asked the AGIF chapter to provide them with a solar light. The chapter secured the light and set it up obsorbing the cost of over $250. We still have our Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day Ceremonies every year here.”

State Board Meeting Moved to Austin

Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ike the Lucian Adams Chapter of Houston will not be able to host the State Board of Directors meeting in October.

State Commander Paul Herrera and State Executive Secretary Treasurer de-cided that instead of postponing the meet-ing or asking another chapter to undertake such a task with little time limited to plan, that it would be easier for the State to as-sume the responsibility and host the meet-ing in Austin.

The Clarion Hotel on I-35 and Oltorf has been selected as the site. Rooms are available for $89.00 per night, single or double. The date will remain the same. Registration with Lunch on your own will be $15.00 per person. A memo has already been sent to all Board members as well as chapter commanders and chairs. Further information is contained in the memo. Questions please call the state office at (5412) 225-5888

2008 State Conference to be Held in Waco

State Conference Chair, Manny Sustaita and his committees have informed us that the conference this year is at the Hilton Hotel in Waco on June 05-07, 2008. reg-istration has not yet been decided and the Hotel will be at $135.00 single and dou-ble. Chairman Sustaita is still working on many of the details, and plans to get infor-mation out very soon. Mark you calendars be on the lookout for information.

Second Wind Lung Walk

The Lung Walk is sponsored by the St. Louis Chapter of the Second Wind Lung Transplant Association. Mr. Rey Candia a McAllen Forumeer and a happy lung transplant recipient urges members to par-ticipate in this very important walk. “The Lung Walk provides an opportunity to unite our community while raising funds to help improve the lives of some of the nearly 3,000 children and adults in need of a lung transplant,” says Rey.

“The walk will be on October 18, 2008 in Historic Forest Park in St. Louis with a group of family and friends.Collectively we would like to raise $25,000 to assist patients with the burden of the mounting cost that accompany transplantation.Please make a donation to this important cause.Send you check made payable to Second Wind Lung Walk to me at 320 N. Oscar St., Harlingen, texas 78552.

“Over 90 cents of every dollar raised by Second Wind Lung Walk is used to pro-vide assistance to transplant patients.

“Your donation will ensure that children and adults with lung diseases live more comfortable while they wait to receive the gift of life,” Rey concluded.

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 7

AGIF NVOP Residential Center ExpandsIn 2005 the American GI Forum Na-

tional Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP) responded to a tremendous need for hous-ing homeless veterans by founding the American GI Forum Residential Center for Homeless Veterans in San Antonio. The facility, formerly a paper company warehouse, was converted into a state of the art facility that has gained national attention and fame as a national model for serving the homeless veterans.

Carlos Martinez, President and CEO of the American GI Forum NVOP says “that this facility is not a warehousing system, where homeless veterans are given a warm bed and a meal.” “Everyone that enters the facility is fully committed to pursuing a plan of action that will lead them to self-sufficiency.”

Martinez goes on to describe this center as “a transformational center” that strong-ly believes in the homeless clients making a strong commitment to better themselves by following a case-managed Individual Service Strategy Plan. The facility pro-vides exceptional accommodations, but all residents must abide by the rules and show advancement toward self-sufficiency.

The AGIF Residential Center currently occupies 35,000 square feet of space with 80 beds for transitional housing services, and 30 single room occupancy apartments for longer term “permanent” housing. It also provides 24 hour security, a full service cafeteria serving three meals daily, an exercise facility, a library, a meditation center, and several relaxation and recre-ational areas. The facility is open 365 days a year.

The Center has drawn much attention and has attracted many special visitors including several U.S. Congressmen, two State Senators and two State Represen-tatives, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Barack Obama, Secretary of the VA James Peake, and the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homeless-ness.

This tremendous success of the AGIF Residential Center will be enhanced further by expanding the operation in two phases. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the NVOP plans to “break-ground” by mid-Septem-ber, 2008, to construct a new Work Center in the basement of the facility. “We are

“A Transformational Center for Homeless Veterans”

very appreciative of the confidence the U.S. Department of Commerce has in us and in the veterans that we serve. This new Work Center will help us train vet-erans back into the regimen and respon-sibilities of employment so that they may eventually compete once again in the open job market”. Martinez went on to explain that many residents have been living in the streets for years, and need “refresher” training on work ethic.

The second phase of construction expected to start late in 2008 will add a new wing on the building that will create 30 new apartments for permanent hous-ing of disabled homeless veterans. The $2.3 million new construction is funded by Haven for Hope of Bexar County, and additionally supported by land donation from the City of San Antonio. “This is a tremendous need, and we are happy to partner with Haven for Hope and City of San Antonio to bring this additional service to those veterans that served our country and now find themselves home-less and disabled. The new apartments are projected to be opened in August, 2009.

New Wing

Existing Building

Existing Side Elevation With New Wing

Location of New Wing

New Wing

Front Elevation

Entire Complex when completed

Heart of Texas ForumNews • Page 8

American GI Forum of TexasHeart of Texas Forum News1000 Brazos, Suite 100Austin, Texas 78701

National Commander Antonio G. Mo-rales and Conference Chair, Tina Cruz and her committees, informed us that the 2009 conference will be at the Omni Hotel Corpus Christi, Bayfront & Marina Tow-ers, 900 North Shoreline Blvd., August 4-9, 2009.

Rooms will be available at $129.00 single-quads. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-THE OMNI. Cut-off date is July 10, 2009. You must identify yourself as an AGIF attendee to get this special rate. After the deadline, you must make your reservations at the normal hotel rates. The committee is still working on a fair regis-tration package. This and other information will be published as it becomes available.

There will be complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Parking is complementary and valet parking is avail-able for $12.

Corpus Christi 2009 National Conference

Members of the S.Sgt.. J.P. Nevares Memorial Women’s Chapter Sylvia Garza, Chairwoman, Belinda Weber, Secretary and member Vera Lopez, were on hand to present Scholarships Awards to Ashley Falcon, $1,000; Natalie Garcia, $1,000; Ryan Albright, $500; Gaby Espinoza, $500; Belinda Victor Zavala, $500; and Leticia Guerrero, $500. The Scholar-ship given to Falcon was in honor of the September 17 celebration of Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day.

Four of the recipients will be attending Texas State University in San Marcos, one will attend the University of Texas in Arlington and one will be attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Greater San Marcos Ssgt. J.P. Nevares Memorial Women’s Chapter Awards Scholarships

More from Seguin. . . Honoring Dr. Hector P. Garcia

Texas Recognition Day, Wednesday September 17, 2008

Forumeers and dignitaries gathered in Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center to honor Dr. Hector P. Garcia on the occa-sion of the official State Recognition Day honoring Dr. Hector and the American GI Forum.

A festive luncheon hosted by the Corpus Christi Caller Times’ Patrick Birmingham and emceed by KIII-TV’s Rudy Trevino featured Guest Speaker Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa who spoke eloquently of Dr. Hector’s many accomplishments and achievements in the service of his Country and his Community.

M.C. Rudy Trevino also called on Dr. Hector’s daughters Cecila Garcia Akers and Daisy Wanda Garcia for personal testimonials about their illustrious father. Both spoke movingly about their memo-ries of their father and of the on-going efforts to secure an official State holiday honoring Dr. Hector. Following their remarks the audience were treated to a Special Video Presentation featuring many of Dr. Hector’s friends and contemporaries sharing anecdotes and experiences recall-ing the beloved Founder of the American GI Forum.

Forumeers from around the State were in attendance including State Commander Paul Herrera , Austin; State Chairwoman Patsy Vasquez, Corpus Christi; State Exec-utive Secretary-Treasurer Gil Rodriguez, Austin, as well as Dr. C.P. Garcia and Mrs. Garcia. Dr. Dalia Garcia and other mem-bers of the Garcia family.