Sylvia Garza of San Marcos, holds the award recently presented to her at a 75th Anniversary Luncheon sponsored by the American GI Forum, in honor of her decades of service to the American GI Forum, including serving as Texas State Chairwoman. The AGIF is a congressionally chartered Hispanic veterans and civil rights organization founded in 1948 in Texas. Its motto is “Education is Our Freedom and Freedom should be Everybody’s Business,” and it operates chapters throughout the U.S., with a focus on veterans’ issues, education, and civil rights. A mural honoring some of San Marcos’ veterans and heroes decorates the side of the AGIF building located in the area off South Mitchell Street in San Marcos.

Daily Record photo by Barbara Audet

In her quaint home on south Mitchell Street, one woman lives a life that continues to excerpt a dynamic force for good in all matters that seek to benefit veterans in this community and the state.

In her home, resplendent with water fountains and a healthy magnolia tree she and her husband, Freddie, planted years ago, Sylvia Garza, in her 80s, is not a bragging woman, and yet, she could be. Her husband is known to many in the community as the proprietor of Freddie’s Auto Repair. Both were born and raised in this community and share a love for the people and the life they have built here.

Recently, she was honored by her organization, the American GI Forum, during its 75th Anniversary Luncheon, held in Corpus Christi, with its Years of Service Award The award was presented to her in recognition of her recent contributions as state chairwoman, but also for her lifelong commitment to the organization and its work with veterans and students.

She said the AGIF was established in March 1948, in Cor pus Christi, by Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a man who sought to address issues affecting the large population of Mexican American veterans, many of whom had returned from serving in World War II and found segregation in their home state, Texas. Often denied medical services and even burials with military honors, the first veteran championed by the new AGIF was Felix Longoria, a Mexican-American U.S. Army private who was killed in the Philippines in World War II.

Three years after the war ended, his family had his remains brought home to Texas, and they were denied funeral services by a white-owned funeral home, Garza explained. Garcia requested the intercession of then-U.S. Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, who arranged for Longoria to be buried with full military honors at the nation’s most cherished military cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This action brought Garza’s organization into prominence across the country, and chapters would be started as a result. Longoria’s services at Arlington brought the AGIF to national attention, and chapters were opened throughout the country. Soon, a women’s and youth auxiliary were formed, and Garza said she saw this as a place where she could make a difference. Though she did not serve in the military, as a mother and now grandmother, she said her commitment to advancing civil rights was strong. ‘I’m very patriotic,” Garza said.

Maria ‘Mary’ Ramirez passed away in Corpus Christi, Texas on April 28, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born the third of six children to Josefina and Ruben Rosales on August 18, 1942, in Raymondville, Texas.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many has been called to her heavenly home. She exemplified the definition of beauty, elegance, and love. This beautiful legacy lives on in our hearts forever.

Maria, was a long-time, very active member of the American GI Forum and served the organization in many capacities beginning as a Junior GI Forum member, selected as Miss Texas GI Forum, Mary never stopped. We will always be grateful for her dedication and accomplishments:

Mary began as a member of the Jr. GI Forum Group in Corpus Christi, Texas; Represented the AGIF of Texas in the Queen Competition at the American GI Forum of the United States in Omaha, Nebraska; was a Board Member for the Nueces County Community Action Board; Board Member of the of the American GI Forum National Archives; Founder of the Coastal Bend Women’s Chapter in Corpus; was State Chairwoman of the American GI Forum of Texas; National Chairwoman of the America GI Forum of the U.S.; Served on the SER Board of Directors under the umbrella of National SER; Member of the Hispanic Education Foundation of the American GI Forum of the U.S.

Our condolences, prayers, and thoughts to her husband of 63 years, Tom, her daughters Pearl Trevino and husband Rick Trevino, Dina Ramirez, Heather, and husband Zubby O’Gene, and Laura Ramirez, all her Grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and to her many friends. We and all who knew her shall miss her. May she rest in Eternal Peace in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

The American GI Forum lost a member and a dear friend, Guillerma (Ramirez) Morales who passed away on October 9, 2022. Guillerma was born February 8, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. Guillerma was a past American GI Forum of Texas State Chairwoman and National Officer. She and her husband Tony dedicated a great part of her adult life helping and addressing the needs of others.

She is survived by her husband, Antonio Gil Morales, AGIF past National Commander; her son, Antonio F. Morales, and his wife, Ana Sanchez-Morales; Rachel Johnson, sister; Robert Ramirez, brother; Thomas Jeffery Johnson, nephew; Ana Maria Diaz, niece; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and Diego, her beloved Jack Russell Terrier.

Guillerma grew up in the Diamond Hill area of Fort Worth. A graduate of Tremble Tech High School, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington. She also earned dual master’s degrees from Texas Woman’s University and North Texas University. Guillerma held a lifelong career as a teacher and an administrator in the Fort Worth Independent School District. She retired in 2002, but she continued to work as a substitute administer and hearing officer for the FWISD administration for years thereafter.

On behalf of the AGIF across the country we shared our condolences and those of our members with her husband, Past National Commander Tony Morales, her son Tony Jr., and to her entire family, we humbly offered our prayers and sympathies knowing that she rests in the Everlasting Peace of Christ Almighty.