SECOND ANNUAL LATINO VETERANS BANQUET
2002

The second annual Latino Veterans Banquet was held at the KVIE Studios on November 6. A social hour began at 6PM and was followed by a Mexican Food Buffet dinner. Attendees were serenaded before dinner by "Trio Vale". The annual banquet honors Latino veterans and is a fund raiser for the California Mexican American Veterans Memorial.
The group was honored to have two distinguished Latino guest speakers who have given lifetime service to their country. Brigadier General Robert Cervantes told stories of his family who also have served their country and about those in his family that are presently serving.
Guy Gabaldon, USMC, was a young Marine during WWII. He single handedly captured overall 1000 Japanese on the island of Saipan. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions. Mr. Gabaldon related many interesting stories about his experiences and all enjoyed his humorous quips. Check out the old movie "Hell to Eternity". It's about Guy Gabaldon. Some clips of it were shown at the banquet.
VVA500 was represented by Secretary Gregory McNeill and E.D. Mary Lou McNeill.
You can see photos of the Mexican American Veterans Memorial here .

VETERANS DAY PARADE
2002

All Photos in this Gallery were taken by Amy Wagner, AVVA Member

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2002, VVA Chapter 500 members marched in the second annual Veterans Day Parade hosted by the city of Elk Grove, CA. The Elk Grove parade is one of the, if not the largest Veterans Day Parade in the Northern Sacramento area. The city of Elk Grove has consistently supported Veterans. There is always a large turnout to see the Parade. When the city of Sacramento balked at supporting Veterans with a parade on Veterans Day, Elk Grove began to take up the slack and provided their first Veterans Day Parade in 2001. Thank you Elk Grove!

As per tradition, members of VVA Chapter 500 gathered at The Torch Club, otherwise known as "The Bunker" on Veteran holidays. It's great to visit old friends and make new ones.