For the third consecutive year, the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 11, is sponsoring Veterans Day activities which include a parade, observance, and open house.  The entire community has the unique opportunity to honor all our servicemen and servicewomen.  Everyone is urged to set this day aside and be present at the activities to be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.   

SSG Heriberto “Eddie” Gracia

The parade starts at 10 am, with lineup at  2nd Street and G Avenue for parade participants who are asked to lineup by 8am due to the numerous entries expected.  An observance will be held at the Veterans Memorial by the visitor center after the parade, and an open house will be held at the American Legion post home after the observance.  The Bushmasters Club will also be open to receive guests. 

The Grand Marshals for this year are SSG Heriberto “Eddie” Gracia and former WAC Yolanda Gastelum Nora. 

SSG Heriberto “Eddie” Gracia was born to  Heriberto Sr and the late Honora Gracia. SSG Gracia attended local schools graduating from Douglas High School in 1995, SSG Gracia joined the US Army in 1996 as an artillery crew member, In 1999 SSG Gracia enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard, the 2222nd Transportation Company, the four deuce.  In 2003 SSG Gracia was deployed with the four deuces to Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He served as convoy security NCOIC and motor transport operator. Upon returning SSG Gracia served as the National Guard recruiter for Cochise County until 2008. SSG Gracia then returned to the 2222nd as a Detachment SGT. When the 2222nd was deactivated, SSG Gracia stayed as the Detachment SGT for the 2220th in Douglas, where he is the current Training NCO for the company.  SSG Gracia is married to Veronica Gracia and they have two kids Carlos and Laira.

Yolanda Gastelum Nora was born in el Tajo, Sonora, Mexico.  She served in the Women’s Army Corps from 1961 to 1963.  She received basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama and Medical Corpsman Training at Fort Sam Houston.  She was stationed at Fitzsimmons General Hospital, Denver Colorado.  She sang with the USO at several bases.  She was a volunteer at VA hospitals in Iron Mountain, Michigan and has spoke at several schools about patriotism and veterans.  She worked at SEAMC and retired from the Cochise County Health Department.  She has 4 children, Theresa, Carmen, Miguel, and Paul, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great granchildren. 

The guest speak is Carl Armbruster, State Vice Commander of the Sons of the American Legion. 

All veterans, citizens, government agencies, businesses, schools, church organizations, public servants, athletic teams, and all are encouraged to make the day’s events a truly memorable one.  This is an opportunity for us to come together and express our true appreciation to all Veterans on this special day.