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AGIF Conference Celebrated its 75th Anniversary at its Birthplace in Corpus Christi, Texas

AGIF Conference Celebrated its 75th Anniversary at its Birthplace in Corpus Christi, Texas

The American GI Forum of Texas, Inc Report: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The American GI Forum of Texas and host Beatrice T. Perez Womens Robstown Chapter, delegates and members of the American GI Forum, Celebrated the 75th anniversary of the American GI Forum at its birthplace, Corpus Christi, Texas, June 19-21, 2023. Corpus Christi is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the nation. It is the county seat of Nueces County, it extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties.

This year the annual conference gave us an opportunity to welcome and thank Corporate America as we offered them an opportunity to network with our leadership by attending our luncheons and banquets as well as our VIP receptions and visit with our leadership, membership and invited guests.

Our advocacy work at the State Capitols and our partnership with Corporate America allows us to exchange ideas on how we can mutually benefit and help our veterans and communities.We were honored to have the Honorable Paulette Guajardo, Mayor of Corpus Christi present for the opening of celebration luncheon and welcomed us to this beautiful city. Ms. Barbi Leo, 3News Co-Anchor served as AGIF Event Mistress of Ceremonies.

We were honored to have the 4 members of the County Commissioners Court, representatives from the Texas State Senate and House of Representatives. We also honored some very special guests and outstanding AGIF members. Among them our National Commander, Luis Vazquez Contes as well as Presidential Medal of Freedom Nominees, LeRoy and Rosie Torres, Founders of the Burn Pits 360 Group, advocates helping veterans suffering from injuries caused by the massive disposal sites on overseas bases, the PACT ACT.

The American GI Forum Conference Honored 3 outstanding Volunteer Women for their hard work, their dedication and commitment to their communities. They are Sylvia Amaro, HR Manager, American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP); Sylvia Garza, State Chairwoman, Greater San Marcos SSGT J.P. Nevares Memorial Women’s Chapter and Jeanie Aleman, State Vice Chairwoman Greater Houston Women’s Chapter.

The conference, beside our own AGIF business sessions, Mr. J. J. De La Cerda, Nueces County Director of Veterans Services and Veterans Service Officer conducted a Special Veterans Benefits Workshop. President and CEO of the National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP), Mr. Sergio Dickerson who did an outstanding job as speaker at our 75th Luncheon and Commanders’ Dinner. All Luncheons, and Dinners were well attended. A very special treat at the 75th Anniversary Luncheon hosted Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi on Tuesday.

As an Appreciative gesture, the American GI Forum of Texas Commander, the Board of directors, members, and Conference Committee wish to thank President and CEO, Dr. Kelly Miller, Texas A&M-CC and her staff for their Hospitality, continued support, for making this Historic 75th Anniversary Celebration at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

We also appreciated and enjoyed the wonderful Corpus Christi weather, sunny beaches, the beautiful sites, the camaraderie with friends from around the state and the great South Texas Hospitality. Again, thanks to the host, the Beatrice T. Perez Women’s Robstown Chapter and Chair Leslie Cristan for providing this conference attendees a memorable stay

American GI Forum is Celebrating its 75th Anniversary at this 2023 Conference in Historic Dodge City Kansas

American GI Forum is Celebrating its 75th Anniversary at this 2023 Conference in Historic Dodge City Kansas

On March 26, 1948, Young 34-year-old Dr. Hector P. Garcia along with 700 Veterans endeavored to form an organization that would stand up for the rights of Hispanic veterans, their families, and the rights of all Americans. We are forever in their debt! Three quarters of a century later we diligently continue to stand for the ideals of our noble founders and remain committed to helping our fellow Veterans and their families in need. We look forward to a fun, productive conference.

We invite all delegates from every state in our network to join us at this Historic Celebration.  Without the States this conference may not have been possible. Please never forget to thank our host State and Chapters. This conference could not have happened without them.

Please register as soon as possible, reserve your rooms, and fill out the Veterans information forms attached. Once again, we hope to find our time in Kansas productive. Let’s get excited and renew comraderies once again. In true brother and sister fashion let us celebrate our times together, remember our loved ones that have left us, respect each other’s views, and stand together as a family.  God Bless you all and God Bless the American GI Forum and our Great Nation, the United States of America

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Celebrates 75th Anniversary in its Birthplace, Corpus Christi, Texas, June 19-21, 2023

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Celebrates 75th Anniversary in its Birthplace, Corpus Christi, Texas, June 19-21, 2023

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Report: AUSTIN, Texas – State Commander Mario Perales and the State Office will begin its annual conference with the Executive Board of Directors meeting to the opening session of the State Conference on Monday, June 19 at 1;30 pm. The Conference will be hosted by the State Office and the Beatrice T. Perez Robstown Women’s Chapter.

We are happy to have the Beatrice T. Perez Robstown Women’s Chapter headed by Chairwoman Leslie Cristan agreeing to help host and help celebrate this 75th Anniversary of the Forum and appropriately at the Birthplace of the American GI Forum.

Information on registration and Hotel reservations has been sent but is now posted on this site. (Registration Form) It will be an event worthy of attendance. Most local and state dignitaries that have been invited to this celebration have confirmed to be in attendance. We have met with State and local officials and sponsors. A coordinator to assist the Local Chapter and the State Office will be selected. The event is posted, has been emailed, and sent by USPS to all Chapter Commanders and Chairs in good standing.

Plans for business sessions, workshops, luncheons, and banquets are in progress. The Executive Board of Directors and the State Office will meet prior to the meeting and full State Office and Financial Reports will be presented to the Executive Board and later to the General Assembly. We will be discussing other business, resolutions, future meeting, we have copies of the National Constitution that will be distributed to all Commanders and Chairs present. There will not be copies for individual members. Resolutions, membership, Bingos, and programs of importance to veterans and families will be on the agenda.

Everyone present, must be in good standing and registered to be permitted to participate in discussions and voting. Voting strength of each chapter has been prepared and will be mailed to commanders and chairs. An agenda will be provided for all attendees. Committee chairs are being selected and breakouts of the Forum and Women will be scheduled if necessary. Some items such as resolutions discussed and passed will be referred to the National Conference in July.

All nominations for officers and Awards will be done through committee. Registration closes at noon Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

We need Chapters volunteer to host meetings and conferences in the future. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

 

2022 NVOP Veterans Day Golf Classic

2022 NVOP Veterans Day Golf Classic

 

American GI Forum of Texas Inc. Report: (SAN ANTONIO, Texas) – Sergio “Serg” Dickerson, COL (RET} USA, NVOP President/Chief Executive Officer: Veterans Day is November 11, 2022; you are invited to be part of a greatly impactful and meaningful event: the American GI Forum-National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc. Annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary and this event benefits one of the most deeply rooted and hardest working Veteran Service Organization in the State of Texas.

Our only fundraiser, this tournament will be held at Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio, Texas where Hill Country charm meets Country Club elegance! Golf Club of Texas is the perfect place to host our Annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament providing challenging fairways, atmosphere of relaxation and plenty of camaraderie.

I encourage you to visit our website (www.agif-nvop.org) or Facebook page (National Veterans Outreach Program} to get a better picture of the good we do every day! The American GI Forum-National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc. (NVOP}, founded in 1972, is a Veteran Service 501-C-3 (charitable} non-profit organization that provides transitional services to Veterans and their families with employment, job training, housing and wellness services including mental health.

Enclosed, please find a sponsorship guide providing ample opportunities for your corporate brand to be shared amongst attendees. Please, will you consider joining us? Call or email Robert Flores @ (210} 223-4088 or [email protected]

If you prefer to do it all online: enroll, register or donate at www.nvopveteransdayclassic.org our tax-deductible contribution will allow us to continue to provide assistance and relief to our Veterans and their families!

Hope to see you on the greens!

 

2022 American GI Forum of U.S. National Conference Held in Colorado Springs, CO

2022 American GI Forum of U.S. National Conference Held in Colorado Springs, CO

“Honoring a National Hero’s Legacy”, Justice for my People!

American GI Forum of the U.S. – (AUSTIN, Texas) The 2022 National Conference was held at the Embassy Suites in Colorado Springs, Monday thru Wednesday, July 24-27, 2022. The Conference attendance had enough States present to have a quorum declared. Honoring a National Hero’s Legacy”, Justice for my People! Uniting to meet the challenges of the future and honoring all who served was the theme carried out throughout the Conference.

Official Business Sessions began on the second day. Convention rules, credentials, and committee appointments made, read, rules and credentials were read and presented after a quorum was established.

The 3-day event began with Meetings i.e., NVOP and HEF s well as opening of Exhibits and Workshops. The Youth Education and Leadership Luncheon was Key noted by State Senator Nic Hinrichsen and Master of Ceremonies was Rudy Trevino, Anchor and Journalist at KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, Texas. After the Luncheon Workshops by AARP, Commanders and Chairwoman’s report followed by the constitutional committee presentation.

Tuesday was highlighted with a VA Roundtable Discussion featuring Sergio Dickerson, President/CEO AGIF-NVOP, Honorable Donald M. Remy, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Pete Jeffries, National Director for AARP’s Veterans and Families Initiative, Jose R. Ramos Vice President Wounded Warrior Project Government and Community Relations, and Michelle Aguirre, GM Assistant Manager, DEI External Partners Global Diversity and ERG. The Roundtable was moderated by Rudy Trevino who was part of all the events and did an outstanding job with all events.

The Roundtable was followed by the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia and featuring  Mariachi Lobos. Keynote Speaker was Major Nicole Torres, Chief Training for Admissions Directorate, U.S, Air Force Academy, Colorado. Presentation by Chairwoman Patsy Vazquez Contes recognizing Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers with flag presentations. After the luncheon, business session reconvened and Breakouts, Workshops, and 2nd readings of Rules and Credentials were followed by VA Workshops.

The Commander’s Banquet was preceded with a reception with Mariachi Lobos. Presentation and retiring of colors by Doherty Navy JROTC, Greg Thomas Ret. Caption, The Dinner with Rudy Trevino as Master of Ceremonies led the program featuring Loginos Gonzalez, Jr., Board of County Commissioners, District 4 as Keynote Speaker and featuring a Video presentation by Colorado Governor Jared Polis who was unable to be present. Music and dance followed the dinner and program. Several Awards were presented by National Commander Luis Vazquez Contes.

Wednesday, general Assembly included Final Treasurer’s Report, Final readings of resolutions, constitution amendments, Approval of Constitution and Bids for the 2023 National Conference and Midyear Conference.

The Youth Leadership Luncheon Highlighting original essays by Youth participants. An laptop was awarded to the best three essays by National Chairwoman Patsy M. Vazquez Contes, Dr. Sonia Esquivel, and Youth Chair Marina Duran-Vega. Mr. Rudy Trevino, also awarded $100.00 each to all other participants.

The afternoon session included the Election of Officers preceded with the final credential report, Nomination and Election rules followed by Elections conducted by Nominations Chair and AGIF Texas CEO Gil Rodriguez. The following members were elected to lead the AGIF National for 2022-23

National Commander, Luis Vazquez Contes, Colorado
Vice Commander, Frank Archuleta, Texas
Secretary, Greg Nichols, California
treasurer, Ernesto Montoya, Colorado
Sargent-at-arms, Fernando Rodriguez, Wisconsin
Past National Commander, Larry Romo, Texas

National Chairwoman, Leona Flores, Michigan
Vice Chairwoman, Angela Lopez, Colorado
Secretary, Laura Flores, Colorado
Treasurer, Ruth Sanchez, Colorado
Past Chairwoman, Patsy Vazquez Contes, Colorado

The Youth Reported that Angel Lopez had been elected National Youth Chair. All officers were sworn-in by Past National Commander David Rodriguez.

Bids were opened for the 2023 Mid-year and National Conference resulting in the 2023 National Mid-year will be in Michigan and the 2023 National Conference will convene in Kansas. Both sites were betted and found qualified.

After Good and Welfare, Announcement and Ending Prayer the Conference was adjourned.

The Founder’s Farewell Reception with Dancing to the music of DJ Rambo and Karoke concluded the 3-day event.

Congratulations to Patsy Vazquez Contes for a very successful Conference. We also thank the past officers for their service and wish the new officers the best for a successful venture in their new or renewed roles.