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We Honor You, PFC Sal Hernandez

PFC Sal Hernandez is our Grand Marshall for our Veteran’s Day Parade, 2019, here in Modesto, California. We are so honored to have him be our Grand Marshall! He was born in Madrid, New Mexico in 1933. PFC Hernandez entered basic training in the Army in 1950″ at Fort Ord, California. He was then sent to Yokohama, Japan for advanced combat training and was assigned to the 31st., Infantry Regiment, 7th. Division. In September of 1950, he went into action as the 3rd. wave of the invasion force, Inchon, Korea. He was also in the battle of the ,” Frozen Chosin” Reservoir when the Chinese attacked the American and Allied Forces. PFC Hernandez ended up in a medical evacuation unit, but he had no recollection of how he got there as he was unconscious. He suffered from severely frozen feet and was shipped to Kyoto, Japan for rehabilitation. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries during the battle. PFC Hernandez came to Camp Carson , Colorado where he was honorably discharged. He came to Modesto, California in 1960 and married Rachel Montez and together they raised one Daughter and two Sons. His two Sons proudly served in the Marine Corps. PFC Hernandez is now retired and very involved with his Church and also with his fellow veterans at the American GI Forum, PFC Oscar Sanchez Chapter, Modesto, California. We thank you for your Service and Sacrifice to your Country, PFC Sal Hernandez! You are a True Hero and we will always Honor you!

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A Hero Of Great Courage, Navy Seal, Charles Keating IV

Navy Seal, First Class Charles Keating IV, joined the Navy in 2007. He graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL training in 2008. He served two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as the leading petty officer of the West Coast sniper/ reconnaissance training cell. He returned to the West Coast-based Seal team as a platoon leading officer in February 2015. He was deployed a third time in support of Operation Inherent Resolve when he was killed. He was part of the quick reaction force(QRF), that responded to a request for help from a small group of U.S. Forces near the town of Tel Askuf, two miles away from the front lines between Peshmerga and ISIS forces. The ISIS breach of the Peshmerga line punched through the forward lines and moved into Tel Askuf, and our forces quickly called for the quick reaction force to help them with the ensuing battle. The fighting continued for two more hours between the U.S., Peshmerga forces and ISIS fighters. When the QRF enter the fight, First Class Keating was struck by direct fire and his wound was not survivable, as he died on May 3, 2016. First Class Keating received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal and Rifle and Pistol Expert Ribbons. First Class Keating was also awarded Posthumously to Chief on May 12, 2016. We will honor you, Chief Keating for your Service and Sacrifice to our Country! You are a True Hero and we will always remember you!

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A Brave Hero, Chief Petty Officer(SEAL) , Kevin Houston

Chief Petty Officer, Kevin Houston was. born on September 20, 1975 in West Hyannisport, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Navy on January 18,1995 and became a Navy Seal on May of 1999. He reported to Naval Special Warfare Group Two in December of 2008 and joined his East Coast-based SEAL Team in January of 2008. On August 6, 2011, serving during Operation Enduring Freedom, in Wardak province of Afghanistan, they came under fire from opposition forces. A team of U.S. Army and Afghanistan military members along with twenty-two members of the Naval Special Warfare community, help suppress the opposition forces and assist with the evacuation of the high value target. When they were retiring to base, the CH-47 Chinok Helicopter carrying the team was struck by a rocket propelled grenade , killing Chief Petty Officer Houston and all the members on board. Chief Petty Officer Houston was thirty-five years old. “He was doing what he always wanted to do, defending the Country as a SEAL. He achieved his dream,” said Christopher Kelly. His numerous awards include two Bronze Stars with Valor and the Purple Heart. He is survived by his Wife and three Children, his Mother, Jan Brown and Brother, Craig. Thank you for your Service and protecting our freedoms, Chief Petty Officer, Kevin Houston! You are a True Hero and we will always honor you!

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Forever Grateful For Your Service, Petty Officer First Class, Luis A. Souffront

Petty Officer First Class, Luis A. Souffront enlisted in the Navy on July 24, 2000. He was then assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five through November 2005. While serving in combat operations in Iraq, was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group Two, SEAL Team. He suffered wounds from an improvised explosive device and died on February 7, 2008. He was twenty-five years old and from Miami, Florida. His numerous awards include the Purple Heart and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. “The water was his life and joining the Navy was his passion,” said Rosanna Tejeda, one of his Cousins. He is survived by his Mother and Father. Thank you for answering the call to Serve our Country, Chief Petty Officer First Class Luis A. Souffront! You are a True Hero and we will always remember you!

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Honoring Eddy Jones of the United States Army

Eddy Jones was born on April 3, 1930, in Waltham, Massachusetts. Eddy did his basic training at Fort Ord, California and is a Fourteen year Veteran of the Army. His rank was E-5, which is an electronics specialist, who specialized in ” precise power,” which means that all the buttons were powered and ready to be pushed at any time! Eddy Jones was honorably discharged in 1964. Eddy then moved to Riverbank in 1969 and is a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans. His hobby includes repairing scooters for disabled individuals. What a wonderful service you are giving to these disabled individuals ! We are thankful for your Service and Sacrifice to our Country! You are a True Hero and we will always honor you!