Gil Rodriguez, Author at AGIF of Texas, Inc.

Fall Board of Directors Meeting in San Marcos, Texas October 30, 2021

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. State Commander Ceasar Ruiz has called for the Board of Directors regularly scheduled Fall meeting on Saturday October 30, 2021, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm in San Marcos, Texas. The San Marcos Forum Chapter is hosting the meeting being held at the San Marcos Public Library Meeting Room at 625 East Hopkins Street in San Marcos. For complete information call Jesse Sanchez, meeting coordinator at (512) 665-0881 or Gil Rodriguez at the State Office at: (512) 992-7066. If you plan to arrive Friday, please call Jesse or the State office for hotel information. Some Hotels are close to the library and are on the west side of IH 35. The state did not block off any rooms in any hotel.

Proper Notices were mailed out to all Region and Local Commanders/Chairs. Notice of this meeting has been posted on our website. Any changes of time or location will be sent by email and posted on this site.

National Commander Luis Vazquez Contes have been invited and plan to attend.

The Board meeting will start at 11:30 am Saturday. All State Officers, Region Commanders, Chairwomen and Local Commanders and Chairs must attend. Registration for the meeting is $15.00 per person and includes snacks and refreshments. Lunch will be served, and meeting will conclude at 4:00 pm but not later than 5:00 pm. All local commanders and chairs are urged to attend. The meeting will have a short agenda of important items that must be discussed prior to our next meeting. Items include Finance, Budget, and Corporate Assets, and the election or evaluation of the AGIF Texas CEO. Board travel and some proposed plans are on the agenda.

An agenda will be devoted to addressing our organization’s issues caused by the Pandemic. We will be discussing and finding ways to retain and increase membership, utilize our resources better and how to best continue growing our organization. Of important to all our veterans and families’ new ideas and programs will be introduced for discussion. This short meeting is an in-person meeting and will devote the time to find ways to return to normal after the devastating pandemic.

Everyone present, in good standing and registered, will be permitted to participate in discussions. An agenda will be provided for all attendees.

The next duly called Board meeting is not scheduled until February/March 2022, location TBA before the 2022 the State Conference in June scheduled in Corpus Christi. A National Mid-Year Conference is scheduled for March 2022 in Michigan.

Direction for Meeting site: From I-35S (going south) take exit 205 to Hopkins and go west until you get to Library on right hand side, From I-35N (going north) take exit 205 to Hopkins and go west until you get to Library on right hand side. For more information call:

Jesse Sanchez, Board Meeting Chair

(512) 665-0881

Sergio Dickerson COL (RET) – New President and CEO (NVOP)

Mr. Sergio ‘Serg’ Dickerson COL (RET) USA is the new President and CEO of the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, Headquarters in San Antonio with offices San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, EL Paso, and Fort Worth. Sergio is a 26-year Army Veteran serving in leadership positions from Platoon to Brigade command and with multiple combat tours during his military service. Sergio served as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Client Services while assigned to the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program before being bestowed the honor of serving as the new Company President and CEO.

Mr. Dickerson was selected and hired by the NVOP Board of Directors. He has been heavily involved in a leadership capacity within the organization since he was hired in 2015. Mr. Dickerson will be the leader and steward of the organization and will be responsible for promoting the vision of the organization and understands the role of growing and protecting the AGIF-NVOP and its subsidiary corporations.

The board of directors is confident that Mr. Dickerson will continue to serve our nation’s veterans will continue promote the NVOP as a premier community-based veterans service organization, a legacy, started by Mr. Carlos Martinez past President and CEO, and of interim President/CEO Yolanda Suarez.

Juan Mireles, Board Chairman stated: “From the Board of directors, we congratulate Serge, and we wish him success and luck on his new role of leading and promoting the NVOP.

Mr. Dickerson is married to Ingrida and has 4 grown children, Leah, Mantas, Rachel, and Ryan.

Luis and Patsy Vazquez Contes elected to Lead National AGIF

American GI Forum of Texas Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The 2021 National Conference was held in San Antonio Texas began Wednesday, August 11 and ended on Saturday August 14. The situation regarding the pandemic was significantly improved and everyone seemed pleased to be surrounded by old friends. A reminder that the 2020 conference was postponed and not cancelled so even though we renegotiated with the Hotel we did have a contract was honored.

Our conference scheduled at the Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio was moved, because the hotel was sold, to the historical Sheraton Gunter Hotel downtown which gave us a setting close to the famous Riverwalk and the San Antonio’s downtown business section, the Alamo, and historic attractions such as the Hemis-faire tower, the Alamo Dome Stadium and surrounded with a multitude of restaurants, boutiques, and curious shops. early arrivals assured attendees of seeing San Antonio without missing out on our quality business and educational sessions or visiting with speakers. This hotel is at “the Center of Everything,” and has the highest standards of a first-rate facility and preserving its historical integrity.

The leadership of AGIF Texas deliberated and concluded that this conference could be safely during held the month of August. The end results were that we had good attendance to our safely scheduled events that we wanted including full assemblies at meetings and sit-down luncheons, receptions, and banquets.

We thank everyone who attended with this is a brief reminder land photos of some social events and as a report to those who missed the Conference.

Registration:

Our Registration started the Wednesday afternoon. Executive Meeting session scheduled was postponed and later cancelled by the National Commander Romo.

Breakfast:

Our Conference did get off to a fast and fun start on Thursday with our Annual Technology Breakfast opening the 2021 session. The Breakfast opened with a welcome from San Antonio City Councilmember Mario Bravo District 1. The Keynote for that event was Olga E. Custodio, Lt Col, USAFR (Ret), American Airlines Captain with an inspiration speech. Later a special Presentation of electronic equipment was made to a Corpus Christi elementary school. This presentation was made by the Beatrice Perez Memorial Women’s Chapter from Robstown, Texas.

Special Ceremony

Later that morning the AGIF/Texas scheduled a dedication ceremony at our AGIF National Veterans Outreach Program VET facilities to honor past President and CEO Carlos Martinez at the renaming of the street adjacent to the VET facilities Carlos Martinez Drive in his honor. Both events were well attended.

The Corporate and Legislative Awards Luncheon

Introduced as speakers were Judith Canales, Southside First Economic Development Council and Rodney Geter, Engineer, Solutions Architect and Christian Minister. Corporate Awards were presented by M/C Patsy Vazquez Contes Vice Chairwoman Leona Flores.

General Session:

During the workshops, the Women welcomed Mike Gonzales US Army (Ret.) So. TX Regional Director, Birdwell Foundation, PTSD and Mental Disorders for a very informative seminar complete with a panel.

All business conducted, resolutions and presentation were properly recorded. The minutes of the general session will be presented at the Mid-year Conference. We will not report on issues brought before the assembly because we may have missed some or part of all discussions. The minutes will reflect the important assemblies’ actions.

Texas Style Barbeque and Entertainment

Thursday evening, a Texas style Barbeque hosted by Heroes Lodge gave all attendees a taste of Texas with Rudy’s Texas Barbecue and Tejano and Western music provided by Roy Reyes and his music and very special entertainment featuring Mr. Cosme Barcelo.

Friday General Session:

The next morning a special presentation of Heroes Lodge a New Texas Project was given by Mr. James Andrews, Design Director for WestEast Design Group, and members of the Heroes Lodge Board.

Legends’ Recognition Luncheon:

At noon we paid special tribute to Cristobal Aldrete, an early AGIF pioneer at the Legend Recognition Luncheon. Master of Ceremonies was Past National Commander Juan Mireles and Featured Keynote Speaker Mr. James Aldrete, MAP Communications, and son of Legend Cristobal Aldrete. A historical view of the early AGIF from a son’s perspective and personal experiences. A Special Presentation from State & National Commanders to the family followed.

Commander’s Banquet:

Master of Ceremonies, Ceasar Ruiz, Texas State Commander introduced Guest Speaker: Brent S. Elyea, Merrill Lynch, Austin, Texas speaking on personal finances and later Keynote Speaker, Maj. Gen Juan Ayala USMC (Ret.) with a very inspirational speech.

At the Women’s Leadership Luncheon:

On Friday, Leona Flores, National Vice Chairwoman introduce MC Patsy Vazquez Contes as MC for the Women’s Leadership Luncheon. Keynote Speaker Mrs. Gloria Guillen, because of illness was unable to attend, however a letter from her daughter was read thanking the conference for inviting her mother and honoring her and continuing with her plight for Justice for her daughter. Later a Special Presentation to Gold/Blue Star Mothers by Patsy Vazquez Contes, Leona Flores, National Vice Chairwoman and Commander Larry Romo.

Afternoon General Session

Elections and Selection of Mid-year and 2022 Conference. Detroit Michigan will host midyear and Colorado Springs will host the 2022 National Conference.

Elections were held later that afternoon and the following 2021-22 National Officers were elected:

Forum:

National Commander: Louis Vazquez Contes, Colorado

Vice Commander: Mario Perales, Texas

Secretary, Greg Nichols, California

Treasurer: Ernesto Montoya, Colorado

Sgt.-at-Arms:

Women:

Chairwoman: Patsy Vazquez Contes, Colorado

Vice Chairwoman: Leona Flores, Michigan

Secretary: Nebraska

Treasurer: Colorado

The Conference concluded with Pizza, refreshments, desert, and comradery hosted by the AGIF of Texas.

Honoring Cristobal Aldrete

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Cristobal Aldrete Aldrete an American GI Forum (AGIF) Pioneer ad Legend will be honored at this year’s 2021 National Conference in San Antonio Texas with a tribute Luncheon on Friday, August 13, 2021.

Aldrete, was one of the first pioneers that advocated for equality and school desegregation on behalf of the American GI Forum. Below are some brief accounts and contributions made by Cristobal Aldrete as portrayed Wanda Garcia, daughter of AGIF Founder Dr. Hector P. Garcia.

Our Tejano Legends

We have all heard the expression, “There are no accidents.” The truth is all that we experience is by plan, and so is what we attract to our physical world. I have always believed that God sends special people to this earth to accomplish specific work on this earth and the right people and circumstances turn up to help with the effort.

In the 40s and 50s, the quality of life was dim for Mexican Americans. They attended segregated schools, rarely completed grammar school, could not hope to get a fair trial by jury, and could only aspire to hold menial jobs. The poll tax kept low-income Hispanics from voting.

Even Mexican American students who spoke English were placed in segregated schools.

This is the world my father was born into and these conditions provided him with the impetus to make the world better not only for him but for his people. My Papa was not the only one chosen for this mission. Other men with special skills were needed to meet challenges in the areas of health, education and law. Among these Tejanos was Cristobal ‘Cris’ Aldrete.

Papa always said that Cris single handedly desegregated the Del Rio ISD. In fact, Cris had a long history of being involved in school desegregation cases. In 1949, he lodged a complaint with the Texas Department of Education against the segregated Del Rio school system on behalf of the Alba Club founded by Cris. Ultimately, the state required that public schools in Texas end segregation based on national origin by September of 1949.

Cris was involved in the case of Delgado v. Bastrop Independent School District. Aldrete was one of five attorneys representing Hernandez on behalf of the AGIF and LULAC in Hernández v. State of Texas.

Cris soon found Dr. Hector. In August 1952, he and Dr. Hector P. García, traveled throughout the Southwest promoting the organization to make the organization national in scope. They traveled through four states and organized AGIF chapters in 19 cities in two weeks. Cris served for many elected officials throughout his distinguished public service career.

I became acquainted with Cris while he served in the American G.I. Forum (AGIF), as State Chairman in 1953. Later I had the honor of working with Cris for several years when he worked for U.S. Senator Lloyd M Bentsen Jr. We lost touch when he retired from the Senate office. The last time I saw Cris, he was battling liver cancer. Always the optimist, Cris said he was looking for a job. He died 5 months after I saw him in 1991.

Cris, an early AGIF leader, a Mexica-American Civil Rights leader and a Great American will be honored at the AGIF Annual Tribute Luncheon. We invite you to be a participant and learn more about this great man at this important event.

Memorializing Carlos Martinez, President/CEO Legacy

By Yolanda Suarez, NVOP Interim President and CEO

Please be informed that the NVOP has been successful in having a street named after our long time President/CEO, Carlos Martinez in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to the assistance of Dixie Maddox and Robert Flores assisting in this challenge. This process had to go thru numerous steps with the U.S. Postal Service, and two other departments with the City of SA before it would get to the San Antonio City Council Members for review and approval.

On April 8^th I attended the City Council meeting with other staff and Carlos’s family to wait for the outcome of action item #21-2594 – Ordinance approving the street name change of a portion of South Medina to Carlos Martinez Drive. This area is located between Tampico Street and Chihuahua Street right outside the VETS Box Manufacturing Plant owned by the NVOP. The City Council were very complimentary of the boss’s contributions for the last 48 years and this action item was approved.

This is only a small demonstration of the how grateful I am and we all should be to Carlos Martinez, President/CEO from 1974 to August 4, 2020. Naming the street next to a business he created is most appropriate. I hope that this street will exist for generations to come. He deserved this and many more accolades. He made the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc. what it is today and we all are the benefactors of his visionary accomplishments.

I am in a euphoric state at this very moment for Carlos Martinez’s legacy and his family.