06- Association supports Vietnam Vets’ Monument dedication
In this brief episode of the Austin Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, we briefly describe the participation of the chapter members in the re-dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Monument in downtown Austin, Texas, on Monday, 2 June 2008. This event was organized and facilitated by Allen Bergeron. This individual helps employees who are veterans or active in the military to find services, such as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. Below, you can see Allen holding the MIA flag next to the small granite sentinel that holds the plaque of dedication to the fallen troops from the Vietnam War.
Along with Bobby Briscoe, Chapter Commander, were Tony Martinez, Jimmie Salazar and Fred Castaneda to represent the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Austin Chapter. In addition to the involvement of the crowd that gathered to listen to the emcee, Alan Bergeron, the Chapter was one of two organizations that placed the wreath of the CIA organization at the foot of the monument to symbolize the honor, dedication and respect which was given to those Vietnam Veterans who did not catch the ride on the “Freedom bird.” Yes, this monument was originally a project created by the Lions Club of East Austin. It was donated by them initially to honor the memories of so many Hispanic soldiers that were killed in Vietnam–and then the consensus was to honor ALL Vietnam Veterans killed in the Vietnam war, especially from Austin and Texas.
The other organization to place a wreath in memory of the fallen troops was the 82nd Airborne Division Association.
The media coverage for the event was quite surprising, as at least 3 television stations were capturing video footage and interviews. In fact, one such interview was with Bobby Briscoe by Austin’s Channel 42 TV news station. Bobby’s edited comments of respect shown to those who fought and died in the Vietnam War were captured and broadcast on the news that evening. And Bobby’s words were strong, respectful and thankful for any of the veterans that were combat infantrymen in this conflict.
After the event, Bobby Briscoe and Fred Castaneda spent over an hour in conference with Olie L. Pope, Jr., the Director for the Veterans Service Office for Travis County in Texas. The role of the chapter and its outreach programs were the main themes discussed during this fruitful conversation. With Olie Pope’s support, the organization stands poised to make good on its promise to support disadvantaged veterans — the brothers who earned the CIB. Finally, an audio version of Bobby Briscoe’s book, The Jungle Warriors, was given to Olie Pope with thanks for his understanding of the Chapter’s mission and his support of its goals.
Bobby also promised Olie a signed paperback version of the book upon his return to Austin.
In the next episode, we will share with you some of the dialogue from the discussion with Olie Pope about how the Chapter is striving to assist our brothers who have earned the CIB.
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