Major General Joyce L. Stevens, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Texas National Guard, greets Serapio de la Rosa at the Veterans Day Ceremony in San Benito on Sunday. The Military Man bronze statue was cast in de la Rosa’s likeness to represent the many men who served in the Armed Forces in defense of their country. (Photo by Martha McClain)
By MARTHA McCLAIN
Special to the NEWS
San Benito High Naval Jr. ROTC carried the colors at the March of Veterans on Sunday through San Benito to the Veterans War Memorial. (Photo by Martha McClain)
The City of San Benito’s March of Veterans and Ceremony was highlighted by the presence of a high-profile general in the Texas National Guard and unveiling of a second bronze statue at the Veterans War Memorial.
The March of Veterans was led by Major General Joyce L. Stevens, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Texas National Guard, and members of the San Benito Catholic War Veterans.
The general addressed the packed Veterans War Memorial, thanking the military personnel and their families for their service and love of country. While acknowledging World War II veterans as the Greatest Generation of military, she acknowledged Korean War veterans as those who served in the sometimes forgotten Korean War, and welcomed home Vietnam-era Veterans for their service in an unpopular war.
Stevens, who also serves as Commander of the Texas Army National Guard, the largest Army Guard Force in the nation, complimented the men and women who have served in the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as having the metal to endure repeated deployments to those foreign lands.
General Stevens began her military service in April 1979. Her assignments included various command and staff positions within the 49th Armored Division, 36th Infantry Division (Light) and the 71st Troop Command. She served as the Commander of the 536th Forward Support Battalion, where she was also the full-time Battalion Administrative Officer; the Assistant Chief of Staff, G4 for the 49th Armored Division (Rear); the 71st Troop Command Assistant Chief of Staff, G3; and the Commander of the 111th Area Support Group. She deployed to combat as a brigade level Task Force Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Her unit was responsible for Base Operations, which included the management and security of Bagram Air Field (the largest US Base in Afghanistan). Additionally, General Stevens was responsible for security and reconstruction projects in the adjacent Kapisa, Parwan and Panjshir Provinces of Afghanistan.
A second highlight of the ceremony was the initial presentation of a bronze statue at the memorial: The Military Man, a soldier in Korean War uniform and duffle bag at his side awaiting a train that will take him off to war. The statue bears the likeness of Korean War veteran Serapio de la Rosa. “The ceremony was an emotional event for all present,” said Veterans War Memorial Chairman Victor Garza.
“Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls…not only to preserve the historical significance of the date, but to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” Garza said.
Read this story in the Nov. 18 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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