By Joel Langton
The Val Verde County Veterans Services Officer, his staff and some friends saluted Del Rio’s last three World War II veterans Saturday.
Adrian Bitela, VVCVSO; members of FOB Del Rio, De Rio VFW 8522 and a few others teamed up to honor three WWII veterans.
FOB Del Rio is a local organization trying to find housing for homeless veterans.
During the ceremony, Bitela pointed out that by some estimates, 16 million men and women served in World War II.
“Today, we are losing 245 of these heroes per day,” Bitela said.
Wednesday, when Bitela was coordinating details for the ceremony, he said it was critical the Del Rio community honored these veterans. “They did so much for us,” Bitela said. “We can’t miss a chance to honor them while they are still with us.”
Honorees Saturday were Raymond Brooks, Alfonso Moncibias and Paul Smith, all were teenagers when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and kicked the war to end all wars off. However, they all raised their right hand and joined at the first opportunity.
While the three’s contributions to the military were immeasurable, their greatest legacy may be in their children.
Smith had a daughter that became a one star general and a son who was one of the first to fly the X-35, now known as the F-35, the Air Force’s premiere fighter. Moncibais has 10 kids and not sure how many grandkids. When asked, he shrugs his shoulders and just says, “immeasurable”.
The three men have lived very different lives, yet they all agree with Moncibais. “Thank you so much for remembering us,” Moncibais told the 18 people gathered with that solitary purpose. “God bless America, God Bless America,” he said, as he paused. “God Bless America.”
