The San Jose and East Valley AGIF/CA Chapters combined their efforts and resources to host their 50th Anniversary of existence and serving Veterans and families of San Jose and nearby communities.

Mr. Mario Sanchez, Commander of the San Jose Chapter and Mr. Jesse Rizzo, Commander of the East Valley Chapter, and their membership, were the hosts for the well-attended 50th Anniversary Gala event on Saturday, November 7th. Mr. Francisco Ivarra, National AGIF Commander, attended and spoke at the event.

The event, as per the program, was "An evening dedicated to all Veterans who answered the call and to those who gave their tomorrows for our todays and to the countless volunteers who have sacrificied endless hours of dedication to the success of the American GI Forum."

The above, is as related to me by Mr. Augie Lerma, member of the San Jose Chapter. I congratulate both chapters for honoring Veterans and for such a fine event.

The AGIF Alexandro R. Ruiz MOH, Sacramento Chapter also presented their 7th Annual Gala event on Saturday, November 7th.  The theme was "Recognizing our Veterans Past and Present."  Six Veterans from different wars were honored and presented with award cerificates.

The classy and fine Gala event was under the direction of General Cervantes, local Chapter Commander, and his membership. The AGIF Capital City Women with Elaine Cummings as Chairperson and their membership, assisted wih ticket sales, as well as with escorting the honorees.

The POW/MIA Toast "'In Remembrance' with a small table, is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst."  The remembrance was read and presented by Bob Ruiz.  This one, as all are, was a solemn and dignified remembrance that brings tears to most present.

The guest speaker, a Veteran, Attorney, Professor of Law and former State Supreme Court Justice - Honorable Cruz Reynoso - was the guest speaker.  He spoke well of the plight of Veterans and urged those in attendance to coninue the civil rights struggle for those less fortunate in our communities.

The event was attended by over 240 persons with many community Veterans and families, as well as dignitaries present. I was fortunate to have been able to attend this event and spoke a few words about the AGIF/CA and congratulated the Sacramento and Capital City Women Chapters for a most memorable event, "Honoring Veterans."

The Oceanside, Lompoc, El Camino Real, Modesto and the Santa Maria Chapters are all having events on their own or combining efforts with other Veteran groups to also honor Veterans and families on this very important date - Veterans' Day.

Willie Galvan, State Commander
American GI Forum of California
805-714-6015