American Legion embraces people of Uvalde

This message is not about the pure evil that occurred in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. Those details can be found elsewhere. This is about the love and support being provided by the American Legion Family for those impacted by the horrific event.

At least four members of Tomas Valle American Legion Post 479 in Uvalde have lost relatives. Post Commander Jose Saucedo did not lose a family member, but his granddaughter was in the school and his son-in-law was at the scene as a law enforcement officer. They will likely have to deal with these horrible memories for a lifetime.

It would have been understandable if Post 479 skipped Memorial Day this year given the circumstances. Yet, members of the post still took time to place flags at the graves of veterans and held an observance featuring a bugler at the post flagpole.

“Memorial Day is important and we would never forget that,” Saucedo said. “At the same time, we will continue to be there for the families affected by what occurred. We are about community. We have heard from Legionnaires across the country, including Oklahoma, Minnesota and California. Veterans need to be there for each other.”

Four funeral meals and family gatherings have been scheduled at the post. Last week, the mobile VA Vet Center used the Post 479 parking lot to assist and offer counseling for any veteran or nonveteran.  The Post 479 Facebook group has been an information resource for those wanting funeral details and other assistance announcements.

Dolly Shultz is a Navy veteran and administrator for the Post 479 Facebook group. On May 27, she posted about Marine Private First Class Cristian Garcia, who lost his mother in the shooting and his father to a heart attack as he was preparing for his wife’s funeral.

“Let’s stand behind our little brother. PFC Garcia, we are here for you, Devil Dog. You have a big extended family in Uvalde. Semper Fi,” Schultz wrote.

Both Saucedo and Schultz have asked for prayers, something that they are no doubt receiving anyway.

“We want to thank all the American Legion posts that have been reaching out throughout the country and offering your condolences and assistance,” Shultz posted on May 25. “Those of you that have offered monetary donations or are already fundraising in your posts, please keep doing that. We will set up an account where you can send your donations, when complete, so that we can present to the city for medical expenses incurred by the families on behalf of all of our Brothers and Sisters. Thank you all and please keep our community in your prayers.”

The account has since been set up. Donors can contribute here.