The Sons of the American Legion (SAL), Squadron 11, will host the annual Veterans Day parade and observance on Sunday, November 11, 2007.  

The parade will commence at 9 a.m., with the line-up at 3rd Street and G Avenue.  The observance will begin after the parade at 10:45 a.m. at the Douglas Veterans Memorial, located by the visitor center.  

The theme for this year is “Pride and Gratitude.”  The emphasis is being placed on encouraging the entire Douglas and surrounding community to demonstrate the pride we have in our veterans and the gratitude we owe them for our freedom.  From World War I to Iraqi Freedom and every conflict in between, local area men and women have answered the call to serve in every part of the globe.  

The honored guest and speaker will be Master Sergeant Pamela J. Anderson.  MSG Anderson deployed as First Sergeant with the Arizona National Guard 2222 Transportation Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The “Four Deuces” includes personnel from Douglas.    

The grand marshals for this year’s parade provide insight to the many theaters our veterans have served in.   Jorge “Shorty” Reyes served in the Marine Corps during World War II, Delfino Perez served in the Army during the Korean conflict, Julius “Mac” MacLary served in the Army in Vietnam, Jose Esqueda served in the Army with the National Guard during Desert Storm, and Jose Luis Coronado and Salvador Monje served in the Army during Iraqi Freedom.  Florencio “Sam” Arciniega Sr. had also been selected as a grand marshal prior to his passing.  He served in the Navy during World War II.  

There will be an open house after the observance at the American Legion hall.  Contact Johnnie Galvez at 805-2778 for further information.  There is also a dance and open house at the Bushmaster club starting at 4pm with music provided by Bully Gutierrez.  If you want to help spread the word or need flyers for your location, contact Stevie Quinonez at 364-4966.

Honored soldiers

GUEST OF HONOR AND GUEST SPEAKER

PAMELA J. ANDERSON

Master Sergeant Pamela J. Anderson of the Arizona Army National Guard entered basic training in 1986 and her awards to date include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and various other medals, decorations, awards, and certificates.  She deployed as First Sergeant with 2222nd Transportation Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm during the Gulf War.  

WORLD WAR II

JORGE “SHORTY” REYES

Staff Sergeant Jorge Reyes joined the Marines in February 1942.  He saw action in Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine division and thereafter was stationed in Melbourne, Australia, then on to Bougainville and New Britain, Cape Gloucester.  He was involved in heavy action in Peleliu in September 1944.  While on special operations assignment in the Philippines, he met the 158th Bushmasters, including men from Douglas.  In February 1945, he fought in Iwo Jima with the 3rd Marine Division.  

WORLD WAR II

FLORENCIO “SAM” ARCINIEGA (deceased)

Sammy joined the Navy in September 1942.  After aviation school he was stationed onboard the USS Midway (CVA-41).  He was assigned to Fighter Squadron 5 as a rear gunner on an SBD5 Dauntless Single Wing Aircraft.  He took part in the battles of Siapan and Okinawa.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal, Air Medal with Gold Star, 3 Wing Medals, and 3 Battle Medals with stars.  He was discharged in October 1945 as an E-6 Aviation Machine Gunner.   

KOREA

DELFINO PEREZ

Private First Class Delfino Perez served from December 1950 to September 1952 in the Army with the 3rd Platoon KG 3 BM 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.  He received the Combat Infantry badge, Korean Campaign medal, and the Purple Heart.  

VIETNAM

JULIUS “MAC’ MACLARY

Julius “Mac” MacLary served in the northeast region of Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 and in the southern region from 1969 to 1970.  His primary mission was as an advisor to a Vietnam army company around the clock.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.  

DESERT STORM

JOSE A. ESQUEDA

Sergeant Jose Esqueda enlisted in the Army in 1958.  He re-enlisted in the Arizona National Guard and served with the 2222nd Transportation Company.  He served in various locations and in 1990 served several months in Operation Desert Storm.  He received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and various other medals, decorations, awards, and certificates.  

JOSE LUIS CORONADO

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

Specialist Jose Luis Coronado enlisted in the Army Reserves in November 2000 and then joined the 489th Maintenance Company in Fort Huachuca.  The was then attached to Charlie Company 246 2nd Platoon Highlanders.  After training he transferred to the 950th Maintenance Company.

After further training in Kuwait, he went in country to Iraq from July 2006 to June 2007 where he accomplished 94 combat logistical patrols escorting third country nationals.  He was involved in several Improvised Explosive Device encounters, small arms fire conflicts, and other complex attacks.  He received the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Driver/Mechanic Badge.

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

SALVADOR MONJE

Salvador Monje served in the Army from February 2002 to February 2005.  He was deployed to Iraq from November 2003 to May 2004.  He was awarded the Purple Heart.