Page 6 - Mid Valley Times 11-14-19 E-edition
P. 6
Thursday, November 14, 2019 | A6 | Mid Valley TiMes
A birthday celebration at Sanger's Marine Corps Ball
By Rick Curiel
Mid Valley Times
For the 15th year in a row, the Sanger Recreation Hall was filled to capacity as ma- ny celebrated the annual Ma- rine Corps Ball on Nov. 10. The event marked the 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and dress blues and shiny medals could be seen throughout.
This year’s guest of honor was Sanger native, Marine Sergeant Tanis Ybarra. Born in Texas, Ybarra moved to Sanger in 1952 and graduated from Sanger High School in 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October of 1965 and, after receiving his infantry training at Camp Pendleton, was deployed to Vietnam in May of 1967. During his tour in Vietnam, Ybarra was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing as a helicopter door gunner and was
subsequently promoted to Cor- poral and then Sergeant.
After completing his tour in June of 1968 and being re- assigned to the 3rd Marine Air Wing in Camp Pendleton and later the same wing in Santa Ana, Ca., he was honorably discharged in October of 1969.
After returning to civilian life, Ybarra completed his un- dergraduate work in history from California State Univer- sity, Sacramento and the re- ceived his secondary teach- ing credential. He then went to work for the United Farm Workers of America as a Na- tional Representative from 1973 to 1996. And in 1996 he was elected the National Vice- President of UFW.
Ybarra has served on the Sanger City Council and was city mayor from 1980 to 1982. He and his wife, Martha, cur- rently own and operate Ybarra Business Services in Sanger,
Rick Curiel / Mid Valley Times
Sanger Marine Ball committee member Miguel Calderon assists Guest of Honor Tanis Ybarra with the ceremonial cutting of the cake at the annual Marine Corps Ball in Sanger on Nov. 10.
“There’s was the ultimate in devotion,” said Ybarra. “No honor or tribute will ever re- pay their loss to their loved ones or the community.”
As he recalled the 22 Ma- rines and friends from his Vietnam squadron who didn’t make it back with him, Ybarra choked back the tears as he pushed forward in his speech.
“When our country sum- mons, our young men and women will continue to answer the call,” Ybarra added. “Just as they have done in the past.”
The event was highlighted by the ceremonial cutting of the cake, in which Ybarra was honored with cutting it with a Marine issued sword. In keep- ing with Marine tradition, the first piece of cake was then given to the oldest and young- est Marine in attendance.
Sunday’s event was well attended, and it was report- ed that $1,300 was raised for Toys for Tots that evening.
VETERANS Continued from page A1
but he always had a good heart,” she said.
Madrid said he needed to get Chavez’s DD 214, a document of the United States Department of De- fense, issued upon a mili- tary service member’s retirement, separation or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces.
Madrid encountered
a problem when he dis- covered that Chavez’s DD 214 was lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center.
“All his records and millions of others were burned,” Madrid said.
However, Madrid ob- tained his service papers from the U.S. Armed Forces division and dis- covered that Chavez served in the U.S. Army from 1944 and was dis-
charged in 1946.
After the successful
search to find Chavez’s burial site out of state, the family said there were no details, just a stone with a number.
That too will change as Lupercio and her hus- band, George, are work- ing on a headstone and place it on the grave, said Madrid.
“And we will have a flag for him to fly,” Ma- drid added.
Albert Chavez's son,
Ruben Chavez, thanked Madrid.
“We’re happy, and thank you for everything.” Alice added, “He’s no longer a number and has
a name, praise God.” Musical selections were played by the Cit- rus Middle School band. Col. David Meals wel- comed everyone to the event and then Pastor Jim Susee of Dinuba Christian Church per-
formed the invocation. The Path Finders
posted the colors and the singing of the national anthem by 2019 Miss Di- nuba Katelyn Oyetvidez, who later presented the Dinuba Chamber of Com- merce Proclamation.
The Dinuba High School Madrigals also performed a few selec- tions. Miss Dinuba con- testant Haley Kennedy played “Amazing Grace” on a flute. Also singing a musical selection was Ron Jefferson, a retired Dinuba High principal.
Proclamations were given by Dinuba Mayor Kuldip Thusu and Tulare
County Board of Supervi- sor Eddie Valero.
Giving the Veterans Salute was Veteran Jorge Lozoya and his daughter, Viclaire.
Pastor Susee made a special dedication read- ing for Harry Phillips, a pastor and veteran who passed away last month.
The Vietnam Veterans chapter did a gun salute. Echo “Taps” was played by Nick Martin.
Susee then led the au- dience in singing "God Bless America" and per- formed the benediction to end the program.
Come Join Sal’s for
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS
between 11:00am and 4:00pm
Monday:
Enchilada & lunch size
tostada a la carte 76.49
Dine-In Only
Tuesday:
Lunch size chili verde quesadilla
beans and rice
Wednesday:
Lunch size our enchilada
beans and rice
Thursday:
Hand held burrito (choice of two llings) served with beans and
rice 6.49 7.49
76.49 Friday:
Antonio AndradeDuarte 2-13-88
5’ 7, 180 lbs. Criminal Threats Wart# F17902894
Glen Atterberry 8-10-62
5’ 10, 190 lbs. Own/Operate Chop Shop Wart# F17905196
Antonio Cruz 1-17-92
5’ 7, 165 lbs. Assault Wart# F19905991
George Flores 7-9-67
5’ 2, 160 lbs. Possession of Controlled Substance Wart# F19907070
Jose Garcia 7-7-57
5’ 7, 175 lbs. DUI Wart# F19907393
Ryan James 10-24-77
5’ 9, 245 lbs. Domestic Violence Wart# F18900302
Antonio Martinez 9-30-79
5’ 6, 130 lbs. Prohibited Person Own Firearm/Ammo Wart# F19904627
Michael Mendez 7-12-85
5’ 4, 130 lbs. Assault Wart# F19905984
Angel Ortiz 7-11-73
5’ 4, 145 lbs. Assault Wart# F19904398
Juan Ramos- DeLosSantos 4-30-80
5’ 4, 150 lbs. Bringing Controlled Substance/Jail Wart# F19904875
76.99
served with beans and
Selma Location Only
2163 Park Street, 559-896-SALS (7257 facebook.com/pages/Sals-Mexican-Restaurant
Lunch size our taco rice 67.49
Fresno County Area
where they currently live.
In his address at Sunday’s Marine Ball, Ybarra shared, “As has been stated many times, all gave some but some
gave all.”
He went on to read the
names of Sanger Veterans who died during the line of service. While many attend- ees sat and listened patient- ly, a few Marine Veterans, dressed in their blues, stood in respect for the fallen.
If you know where any of these fugitives are located,
you can remain anonymous, and if your information leads to an arrest... you will receive a REWARD of up to $1,000.
Call Fresno Area Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP or 498-7867
This information is brought to you by Mid Valley Publishing Company
06999
06641
6897