You kind of expect VFW Post 2035 Commander Luis Lucio to have a small message for those attending events at the post behind the Hygeia distributor on Veterans Drive.
Whether it's an announcement that the Ladies VFW Auxiliary still has tickets for the weekly 50-50 drawings, or to announce that the meeting hall is available for quinceañeras or dances, Louie doesn't miss a chance to promote the local post.
The other day, when Joe Lucio, his nephew, was still doing his thing as DJ during karaoke night and had finished the standard "God Bless the USA," Lucio stood up and – after a few shouts from the crowd for quiet – asked that those present remember that South Texas has more than answered the call to service from this nation.He reminded those present that the dictator Moammar Qaddafi had just fallen in Lybia and reminded them that two South Texans – Generals Mark Cisneros and Richard Sanchez – had also been at the head of American armies who ousted two dictators.
"When The United States removed the dictator Manuel Noriega from Panama, it was Mark Cisneros, with family in Brownsville, who was in charge," he thundered. "And when Saddam Hussein was toppled and captured in Iraq, it was general Richard Sanchez who was in charge of the Army. The people of South Texas have always answered the nation's call and have contributed to preserve our freedoms," said Lucio to raucous applause.
Amid such patriotism no one dared mention that at one time, both these dictators were our dictators and that previous U.S. administrations propped them to fulfill the country's geopolitical aims. Yet, this probably wasn't the venue for such trivial issues such as those.
When Joe Lucio plays the Lee Greenwood song everyone at the canteen stands and many veterans remove their caps or hats as the case may be. Even if you're not a super patriot, it is still a touching moment to see these men and women who actually served in combat overseas pay their respect to the songs and symbols of their country.
"It almost makes one want to invade a small foreign nation," quipped a visitor. "You can't argue with Louie that the veterans of South Texas have contributed far more than their fair share to the nation's defense. Now all we need is a veterans hospital so they won't have to travel so far for medical care."
5 comments:
happy to hear great news from veterans in south texas. congratulations and thank you for your service. you will not be forgotten!!!!!!!!
hoooah
"...Even if you're not a super patriot, it is still a touching moment to see these men and women who actually served in combat overseas pay their respect to the songs and symbols of their country..."
IS IT NOT YOUR COUNTRY TOO MR. MONTOYA????????
PUBLIC WELCOME!!!!
VFW HAS HOUSE COMMITTE MEETINGS EVERY THURS FROM 6-8PM.
NFL GAME SPECIALS (SUN, MON, THUR) WHILE GAME ARE ON
10.50 THE BUCKET OF BEER,
1.75 DOMESTIC BEER.
When Noriega decided to give up, he would only give up to Mark Cisneros....not to General Max Thurmond, who had usurped the command of his officers in Panama. Mark Cisneros is a Brownsville native, raised in Premont by his mother and her family...the Canales family. Mark, as CEO of the Kenedy Foundation in in Brownsville regularly in support of community activites and non-profit organizations. Mark is an officer and a gentleman, who has a deep love for the RGV and the USA. He was also the President of Texas A&M-Kingsville prior to moving to the Kenedy Foundation. His roots are deep in South Texas and he is a hero.
Great article Juan! I recall driving a close friend of mine, who is now deceased, to and from San Antonio in order that he could receive the medical attention he required and which was not available in the valley. As you mentioned, a veteran's hospital is sorely needed in the valley. Unfortunately, you have a bufoon like a certain "Col. Ray" who host a local radio talk show in the late afternoon who is vehemently opposed to a local Vet Hospital. He feels the services available are "adequate" and there is no need for said hospital. The vets who call in to disagree are met with vilification and humiliation if they disagree with whatever his agenda may be. If you have the time, tune in one day and listen to this idiot. I hope one day you will be able to write an article on the crap he bloviates on daily. I'm sure you will have many blogger comment on this matter. Thanks!
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