VETERAN continued from page A1
Once he finished, his family came to come see him in San Diego where he graduated from boot camp. DeLeon said this was one of the happiest moments of his life. His father agreed. “It had been three months since we had seen him,” his father said emotionally. “I was proud. I was real proud that he had made it through and I knew that he had the same will I had, strong-willed.” DeLeon started as a private and became a radio operator. He finished the rest of his training in California by conducting schooling for his position and Marine Combat training. After training, he was deployed to Okinawa for humanitarian work for seven months. After that, he was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2010. DeLeon said he was nervous and excited, but he did the training and was prepared to do his job. He was a part of the 3rd battalion first Marines, which was considered one of the most decorated units at the time. Their battalion conducted three major missions and was stationed in the Garmsir district. Their main duty was to protect the people from Al-Qaeda and Taliban groups. During that time, he said he went through a lot of ups and downs but remembers specific moments that stick with him to this day. ‘I remember saving people and the guys that got hurt,” he said while wiping tears from his eyes. “Just being able to help save someone’s life and the good that comes from that.” He served six months and his deployment ended in November. DeLeon considered deploying again but because of the death of his mother, he decided to go home in March 2011. Along with his sister and a brand new car he bought, they took turns driving about 21 hours from California to Victoria. He didn’t know this family was planning a surprise when he was back home “When I knew he was coming back, I had a homecoming party for him,” his father said. “I had some friends who conduct motorcycle rides for servicemen. There were 25-30 motorcycles waiting there for him. The local sheriff at the time gave him an escort to the house.” DeLeon said he was happy to be home to see his family after being away for so long. “It was nice seeing everybody,” he said. ‘When I was over there, I didn’t think that I would make it back sometimes.” Nowadays, he works for the GuadalupeBlanco River Authority as a water tender. He was a first generation college student to receive a degree in process technology from Victoria College in May. When he isn’t working, he spends time with his 2-year-old son. He also plays the guitar. DeLeon said he enjoys his new position and he would redo his service again with no regrets. He’ll be celebrating the Marine Corps’
248th birthday Friday and Veterans Day this weekend by cracking open a beer and reminiscing on his time served with his fellow soldiers. His father talked about how much his son means to him and how much of an honor it
was to see him serve his country. “I feel proud that he was a soldier and that he served his country,” he said while holding back his emotions. “I’m glad that he went over there to fight for our freedom. That makes me really proud. I look up to him.”
WE HONOR OUR VETERANS 11 11 2023
This Veterans Day, we are ever grateful for your sacrifice and service to this great nation. Thank you. Pol. Ad Paid for by Geanie Morrison Campaign P.O. Box 4642 Victoria
Manuel Villareal, Jr. Army, Corporal 1952-1953
Corporal Manuel Villareal, Jr., served in the U.S. Army in Kunsan, Korea, from 1952 to 1953 during the Korean War. He was a member of the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion that was attached to the Fifth Air Force. He served as a switchboard operator in Headquarters Company and was honorably discharged on November 11, 1953.
Thank You For Your Service
Clemente F. Rivera Army 1961-1981 Clemente served 20 years in the US Army. He retired after his service to go home to wife, Alice. He is missed is dearly by Alice.... “Still in my heart...still Love You”
Fernando M. Fernandez U.S. Marines Served from 1983-1991 Thank You For Your Service
Aubrey Housworth U.S. Army SPEC 4 Years of Service 1963 -1965
Thank You For Your Service
Fernando Rojas Jr. U.S. Marines Master Sergeant E-8
Thank You For Your Service
THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS
Johnny G. Grahmann
U.S. Army, Korean War Years of Service: 1953 Thru 1954
Thank You For Your Service
Rev. John R. Fisher U.S. Navy
Duty Station, Naval Mine Defense Labatory Panama City, Florida
Thank You For Your Service
We remember and honor those who’ve served.
Paul Narvaiz Jr.
Antonio J. Vasquez
U.S. Army
U.S. Marines
with Respect, Honor, and Gratitude Thank You
Thank You For Your Service
In Memory Of
Baldemar G. Pina
Peter Marinos
07/04/1920 - 11/03/1943 U.S. Air Force First Lieutenant
U.S. Army
Combat Organization: 368th Bomber Squadron 306th Bomber Monument: Cambridge, England Last Known Status: Missing U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal - Air Medal Was a B-17 navigator during WWII, assigned to 306th BG 368th BS, killed in action on 3 Nov 1943, flying aboard 42-3533. 1st LT Peter Marinos, missing in action. Awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal
Thank You For Your Service
Thank You For Your Service
In Memory Of
Cpl. Frank J. Targac
Jackie Dean Powell
12/09/1927 - 08/31/2021
Army, 1st Air Cavalry Division The First Team Specialist E-5 1966-1968 Jackie Dean Powell served in the Vietnam War from December 1966 - December 1968 in the Medic Corp. He received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement In Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. He was Honorably Discharged in December 1968.
U.S. Army
Cpl. Frank J. Targac served in the Untied States Army, 40th Infantry Division, 115th Medical Battalion from 1950-1952.
Thank You For Your Service
Thank You For Your Service
In Memory Of
Thomas Francis Vatter 12/15/1945 - 10/03/2023 U.S. Navy Chief Retired Years of Service: 1963 - 1989
P-3 Orion Flight Engineer who touched down on every continent, over 15K flight hours. Life Member VFW Post 4146 and Fleet Reserve Assn Branch 94. Tom was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Thank You For Your Service
Happy Veterans Day
Rosewood Funeral Chapel 3304 E Mockingbird Ln, Victoria, TX 77904 (361) 573-4546
361-575-1009 www.hartmansautosales.com
Family Owned & Operated • Since 1964
In Honor of
Harold F. HARTMAN
Colonial Funeral Home 1801 E Red River St, Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 578-3535
August 10, 1925 to Sept. 20, 2004
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home 123 Newlin St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-2988
Founder of Hartman’s Auto Sales U U.S. Army y World orld War II Veteran Battle of the Bulge ulge 1944 Awarded Awa arded The Bronze Star ∙ Purple Heart
Honoring All Who Served
Thank You
Veterans Day Honoring All Who Served
308 E. Circle St. Victoria, TX 77901 361-576-0739
5803 John Stockbauer Dr, Ste I, Victoria, Texas (361) 894-6416
Celebrate Honor Remember
All Who Served Freund Funeral Home
4703 N Navarro St. | 361-576-3447
Honoring All Who Served 90 Years of Quality Service Service • Sales • Parts 201 E. 16th • Shiner, Texas • 361-594-3200
213 N Gonzales St, Cuero, TX 77954 (361) 275-2343
VETERANS DAY EVENTS The Victoria County Veterans Council Ceremony 11 a.m. Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post home, 2001 Lova Drive. Placing of wreaths, the singing of the national anthem, honor guards’ rifle volleys and taps will be held during the ceremony.
PAGA Crue Time Veteran’s Event 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Pan American Golf Association, 1205 E. North St., Victoria. PAGA holds a Veterans Day event to honor vets. Cover charge $7.
Port Lavaca Veterans Day 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Lighthouse Beach Park. Live music by Charlie Alstrom, food by H-E-B, and games. All veterans who attend will receive a door prize.
Paul Guerra U.S. Marines Forever thankful for you and your service.
TO OUR VETERANS... “Thank you for serving our country & protecting our freedoms” RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICE
Thank You For Your Service
361-578-3846
Honoring
Captain Bob Ozmont 33 Years in the Navy
Appliance Pro
Superior Service is Our Goal! 2401 E. Mockingbird, Victoria, Tx. 77904 361-570-5009
Honoring All Who Served Kubena Funeral Home
1302 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 578-0043 • www.fishersautovictoria.com
Honoring Those Who Served Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 1477 Carl Ramert Dr, Yoakum, TX 77995 361-293-5656
Veterans Grace Funeral Home Victoria | 361-573-4341
Grace Memorial Chapel Victoria | 361-578-3611
Grace Funeral Home of Goliad 361-573-4341
Grace Funeral Chapel Port Lavaca | 361-552-1705
Thank You
Moore Funeral Home 402 S Alamo St, Refugio, TX 78377 (361) 526-4334
Thank You
507 S Main St, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (361) 798-3271
VETERANS Honoring All Who Served
Cuero Livestock Commission Co. 1817 Bridge St. Cuero, TX 77954 361-275-2329
Honoring All Those Who Served
Happy Veterans Day! 2204 E Airline Rd. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-6001 | www.gregspearsrealty.com
Happy Veterans Day!
502 N Green G St., CCaldwell, St ld ll TX 7783 77836 keith@mareshequipment.com | (979) 567-4606
(361) 578-4646 1505 La Valliere St, Victoria, TX 77901