New Location STARR VISION
CENTER
487-2440 302 E. 2nd St., R.G.C.
Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist
CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds
488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.
Office (956) 487-6544 • E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com • issuu.com/starrcountytowncrier Vol. 40, No. 28
487-2596 4350 E. US HWY 83 R.G.C.
Installment Loans 668 E. Grant St. Ste A&B Roma TX 78584-5312
Phone (956) 849-4497
Dr. Raymond Cruz Best
WEEKLY - WEDNESDAY • JULY 9, 2025
Rio Grande City’s last surviving World War II veteran passes Rio Grande City high school Alumni Arturo M. Garza passed away on June 16, 2025 Arturo was the city’s last surviving WWII veteran. He was active in his community and was surrounded by family and friends at his celebration of life service held at Sanchez funeral home. He was laid to rest at the Starr County/ City Cemetery on fairground road. A luncheon followed for family and friends was held at the Olde Towne Public house located in the historic district. Arturo M. Garza was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Simon and Jesusa B. Garza. In November of 1940, when Arturo was just 14 years old, his father tragically passed away. This sudden loss placed a heavy responsibility on Arturo’s young shoulders, as he became the primary caregiver for his mother and five younger brothers. This early experience of responsibility and sacrifice would shape his character for the rest of his life.
Military Service:WorldWarII At the age of 18, Arturo was called to serve in the United States Army during World War II. He enlisted on March 27, 1944, and began his military training at Camp Hood in Killeen, Texas, where he underwent specialized training as part of the Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center. Later, he was transferred to Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, a key site for combat infantry training during the war. In December 1945, following his basic training, Garza was sent to Camp Stoneman in California. This U.S. Army facility, located in Pittsburg, California, was a major staging area for troops headed to the Pacific theater. Arturo’s service took him to the Southern Philippines during the campaign for the liberation of the Philippines, a crucial part of the Pacific War.
He was awarded several military honors, including the AsiaticPacific Campaign Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Ribbon, and two Overseas Service Bars. Arturo’s marksmanship skills were also recognized, earning him the qualification of Carbine Marksman (also known as “Gunner”). He received an honorable discharge on June 8, 1946, having served his country with distinction during a pivotal time in history. Post-WarLife After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, Arturo returned to civilian life and embarked on a career as a welder. He became self-employed and established General Welding Service in the 1950s, working locally and on projects such
as the construction of the Falcon Dam. That same month, Arturo married the love of his life, Imelda “Jimmie” Alvarez. Together, they welcomed three children over the next six years – Arturo “Javier”, Melba, and Melissa Yvonne Garza. Arturo’s legacy extends beyond his career and military service; it lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He was the proud father of three children, and over the years, his family has grown to include grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. His children and grandchildren have carried forward the lessons he imparted: the values of hard work, service,
loyalty, and resilience. These lessons have shaped their lives and careers. His influence is felt in the dedication and commitment to their work, and his life story remains a testament to the enduring power of family, service, and perseverance.
Roma High School unveiled the new Mighty Diego Barrera and Eliseo Navarro participated at the 2025 Texas A&M Lady Gladiator Softball Dressing Rooms University-Kingsville Summer Band Camp
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted
487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.
Roma High School proudly unveiled the new Mighty Lady Gladiator Softball Dressing Rooms with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! This beautiful new facility is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our Lady Gladiators — providing them with a space that matches their spirit and pride. A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this dream a reality for our student athletes, especially the Roma ISD School Board and the voters of the community who passed the May 2023 Bond that funded the project. The future is bright for Lady Gladiator Softball!
• Individual • Partnership • Corporations • LLC’s • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Financial Statements • Form 2290 • IRS Audit Representation
Mario A. Méndez, EA Licensed to practice before the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
(NEW LOCATION)
201 S. San Antonio. St. Rio Grande City, TX (956)
317-1124
Congratulations to Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Band Trumpet students Diego Barrera and Eliseo Navarro for participating at the 2025 Texas A&M University-Kingsville Summer Band Camp. Eliseo and Diego were placed among the top three chairs in their section and participated in the Marching Band Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Band 1. Way to go Diego and Eliseo for an outstanding job representing Roma ISD! (Report courtesy Band Director Jaime Ochoa.)