SAN ANTONIO – (March 29, 2022) – In recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 hosted renowned saxophonist Chris Mitchell who traveled from Houston to honor Vietnam veterans with a special jazz performance.

The free event was open to members of the post family, veterans, active duty/reservists, and their adult family members, and included complimentary food.

“Tonight’s performance was absolutely outstanding, inspiring and emotional,” said Gloria Ray, widow of Vietnam veteran U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Howard Ray, past commander of Post 828 and a prisoner of war (POW) during the Korean conflict. “It is so good to be with family of Post 828 honoring our Vietnam veterans. They deserve the recognition, the love and the honor for serving our country.”

Ray, who serves on the Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees, District 2, continued, “So many of our sons, husbands and fathers died to serve this country during the Vietnam War and they never got the recognition. They went where they were ordered to go and were disrespected when they came home. We can never stop praising and honoring those who signed a blank check with their lives to serve this country.”

For Mitchell, this was his first time performing at an American Legion post.

“Performing for these veterans was fantastic and a great opportunity for me,” said Mitchell, whose sister served in the U.S. Air Force. “Everyone had a great time; you can see the love flowing throughout the room. Our veterans are well deserving for their service and dedication to our country.”

Special thanks to Post Historian John Quarells, Executive Placement 1 David Harris, and post volunteers for making this event a huge success.

“On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor a generation of servicemembers, and their families, who served and sacrificed greatly,” said 1st Vice Cmdr. Burrell Parmer. “It was an honor having Mr. Mitchell come to Military City USA and spend some time with us. He could have been anywhere in the world, but he chose to be with us and deliver some great Jazz for our veterans and their families.”

Fred Brock Post 828's mission is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.

The post is currently celebrating its 75th Diamond Anniversary, which will culminate with an anniversary dinner in October.