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 birth–place, 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 Chair–woman, 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 Lun–cheon 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 Anni–versary 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
American GI Forum of Texas Inc. Report: SAN MARCOS, Texas – In celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the Hays County Historical Commission-His- panic Heritage Committee has chosen to recognize the achievements and contributions of The American GI Forum. The American GI Forum was established in San Marcos in 1948. While the GI Forum did not directly involve itself in partisan politics, it was very involved in community affairs and registering Hispanics to register to vote. One of the obstacles facing the community was the existence of the poll tax which forced people to pay $1.75 for the right to register to vote. The GI Forum came up with a creative strategy that was highly effective. They sponsored dances at the Woodmen of the World Hall and Cuauhtémoc Hall. Admission was $1.75 and all proceed were used to pay the poll tax and register Hispanics to vote. The GI Forum succeeded in registering hundreds of new voters. Among the first Hispanic American individuals elected to public office in HAYS County were all members of the American GI Forum:
School Board 1964-1991
Because the Hotel’s restaurant is closed, it was arranged to have our meals catered. The Conference Committee headed by Lupe Rodriguez did a good job in selecting a caterer who provided the scheduled meals and reception food. The hotel allowed off-site refreshments besides the meals by the caterer provided iced tea.
Other speakers included, Past National Commander Juan Mireles, Texas CEO Gil Rodriguez and local chapter members. He was honored and mentioned throughout the conference. A good members, community leader, Husband, Father and Friend. He will be missed.