Brownsville’s Warriors United in Arms: Honoring Veterans and Preserving History
In the heart of Brownsville, a dedicated group of veterans known as Warriors United in Arms continues to pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War. Founded by Tony Garcia, a Vietnam veteran, this group safeguards significant historical artifacts, such as a restored “Huey” helicopter and a U.S. flag from the fall of Saigon, to honor fallen service members and preserve their legacy.
Commitment to Preservation and Remembrance
The group’s efforts are centered around commemorating the sacrifices of over 50,000 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. For co-founder Tony Garcia, the initiative is deeply personal. “I look at freedom as an oak tree,” Garcia said. “That oak tree has to be watered with American blood. But when it hits the tree, it grows and blossoms.”
Garcia’s passion for preserving history led him to establish Warriors United in Arms in 2012, a place where veterans can connect and provide support to each other. “You leave the war, but the war doesn’t leave you,” Garcia reflected. “They have seen what my eyes have seen, they have felt what I have felt.”
Safeguarding Historical Artifacts
At the core of this organization’s mission is the preservation of artifacts like the “Huey” helicopter. This Vietnam-era aircraft, which had been shot down twice during the war, was saved from being scrapped for parts in Fort Worth. Now, fully restored, it stands proudly at Brownsville’s Veterans Park, symbolizing resilience and perseverance.
Garcia shares the powerful memories these artifacts evoke, “The aviation fuel, the smell of dry blood, the smell of gunpowder. This helicopter — like our flag — is like the American soldier. It might go down once or twice, but you never stay down.”
Another monumental artifact preserved by the group is a U.S. flag from the fall of Saigon, which serves as a potent reminder of the war’s turbulent end. This flag, described by member Larry Jokl as “the last known soldier to leave Vietnam,” was nearly desecrated by soldiers unable to evacuate but was ultimately saved by Jokl himself.
Local Impact and Community Involvement
For Valley residents, the efforts of Warriors United in Arms resonate deeply, not only as a tribute to veterans but also as a powerful educational tool. These preserved artifacts are not just symbols of the past; they bring history to life for new generations. Larry Jokl expressed the flag’s importance saying, “This is what the 54,000 died for in Vietnam, and that’s why we keep this flag.”
The community’s engagement in these preservation efforts underscores the collective memory and respect for those who served, fostering a shared sense of identity and appreciation for the sacrifice involved in securing freedom.
Future Implications for the Rio Grande Valley
As the Warriors United in Arms continues its mission, the potential for broader outreach and impact grows. There’s an increasing interest in using sites like Veterans Park and the artifacts they exhibit as educational platforms for local schools and institutions around South Texas.
This could foster greater historical awareness among young Valley residents and inspire future initiatives centered on veteran support and commemoration within the community.
Opportunities for Engagement and Support
For anyone wishing to support or learn more about the ongoing efforts of Warriors United in Arms, monthly meetings are held at IBC Bank in Brownsville. Community members, historians, and veterans are encouraged to participate and lend their voices to conversations around military history and veteran affairs.
The group also welcomes donations and volunteers passionate about historical preservation and veteran support, providing opportunities to directly contribute to their mission. Interested individuals can reach out via local resource centers or directly through the group’s meetings.
Conclusion
Brownsville’s Warriors United in Arms exemplify a profound commitment to honoring the past while looking to the future. By preserving the physical embodiments of history, they ensure that the sacrifices and stories of Vietnam veterans remain vividly etched in the collective memory of the Rio Grande Valley community. This initiative not only honors those who served but enriches the community by reinforcing the values of resilience, service, and patriotism, pivotal in shaping the future narratives of South Texas.
