SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 10, 2019) Fred Brock American Post 828, located on the city’s Eastside, hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the post’s event center.
Keynote speakers included District 2 Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan and former District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse, both of whom are veterans.
Special recognition was given to the post’s living WWII Veterans Johnie Hubert and Willie Foster. Additionally, the post recognized U.S. Army Pvt. Penn Franks Jr. for his service and sacrifice.
In February 1945, Franks was a member of Company G, 371st Infantry Regiment 92nd Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle on the Gothic line in the northern Apennine Mountains near Strettoia, Italy, when he was killed in action on February 10, 1945. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. On Aug. 16, 2019, Franks was buried with military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In honor of Franks, his name was placed on the post’s Veteran’s Wall of Honor during the ceremony and he was made posthumously an honorary member of Post 828. Representing Franks were his sister, Daisy Lewis, and niece, Yvonne Lewis.
Post Commander Al Alford thanked all for taking the time out of their day to honor veterans, and to especially honor the last of the “Greatest Generation.”
“Veterans Day is a well-known holiday, but there are some misconceptions regarding it,” said Alford. “Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day. Memorial Day is to honor those who gave their lives for their country. Veterans Day honors those who have served during wartime or peacetime.”
After the ceremony, guests were served lunch sponsored by USAA, First Command, Noble Gentlemen of San Antonio, and San Antonio Lodge No. 1 (F.&A.M.).
Additional supporters included Walmart, Sam’s Club and Alamo Liquor Distributors.
Special thanks to the post’s Auxiliary, Legionnaires, and Sons of the American Legion who volunteered to set up, cook and serve over 150 guests who visited the post.
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Post Cmdr. Al Alford and Post Auxiliary President Ethel Washington presents a Certificate of Recognition to U.S. Army WWII Veteran Johnie Hubert during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. Hubert, 98, is a retired master sergeant who is one of the Post’s eldest members. He was born in Brenham, Texas in 1920 and enlisted in the Army in 1939 as a military policeman. Hubert served in WWII and in the Korean War. He retired in 1960 and became a real estate investor, a city park ranger, and civil service worker employed at Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
American Legion Post 828 hosts annual Veterans Day Ceremony
San Antonio, TX
November 17, 2019
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Post Cmdr. Al Alford presents a Certificate of Appreciation to U.S. Air Force Veteran and former District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. Brockhouse served as one of the ceremony’s keynote speakers. His name was added to the Post’s Veteran’s Wall of Honor. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Post Cmdr. Al Alford presents a Certificate of Appreciation to U.S. Army Veteran and District 2 Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. Andrews-Sullivan served as one of the ceremony’s keynote speakers. Her name was added to the Post’s Veteran’s Wall of Honor. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Post Cmdr. Al Alford presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Renee Watson, director, Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department, during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. Watson, a member of the Post’s Auxiliary, was presented the award for her continued support of the Post. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Post Cmdr. Al Alford and Post Auxiliary President Ethel Washington presents a Certificate of Recognition to U.S. Army WWII Veteran Willie Foster during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. Foster, 97, was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1922 and served in the U.S. Army from 1942 – 1946. After his discharge from the Army at the rank of sergeant (quartermaster), he worked on Fort Sam Houston Army Base as a furniture mover. He then began working at Kelly Air Field in 1952. He then began working as a male nurse at the Fort Sam Houston Hospital. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
SAN ANTONIO – (Nov. 11, 2019) Daisy Lewis, the sister of U.S. Army Pvt. Penn Franks, Jr., joined by her daughter, Yvonne Lewis and Post 828 Cmdr. Al Alford, was presented with Franks’ certificate of honorary membership (posthumously) during Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828’s Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Post’s event center. In February 1945, Franks was a member of Company G, 371st Infantry Regiment 92nd Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle on the Gothic line in the northern Apennine Mountains near Strettoia, Italy, when he was killed in action on February 10, 1945. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. On Aug. 16, 2019, Franks was buried with military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. (Photo by Burrell Parmer, Post 828 Judge Advocate)
Submitted by:
Burrell Parmer, Post 828 judge advocate
