Fred Brock Post 828 hosts Live Jazz for Vietnam Veterans, Families
Story By: Legionnaire Edward Jones
In recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828 hosted renown Saxophonist Chris Mitchell who traveled from Houston to honor Vietnam Veterans with a special jazz performance.
The free event was open to members of the Post family, Veterans, active duty/reservists, and their adult family members which included complimentary food.
“Tonight’s performance was absolutely outstanding, inspiring, and emotional,” said Gloria Ray, widow of Vietnam Veteran U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Howard Ray, past commander of Post 828 and Prisoner of War (POW) during the Korean Conflict. “It is so good to be with family of Post 828 honoring our Vietnam Veterans. They deserve the recognition, the love, and the honor for serving our country.”
For Mitchell, this was his first time performing at an American Legion Post.
“Performing for these Veterans was fantastic and a great opportunity for me,” said Mitchell, whose sister served in the U.S. Air Force. “Everyone had a great time; you can see the love flowing throughout the room. Our Veterans are well deserving for their service and dedication to our country.”
Special thanks to Post Historian John Quarells, Executive Placement 1 David Harris, and Post volunteers for making this event a huge success.
“On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor a generation of service members, and their families, who served and sacrificed greatly,” said 1st Vice Cmdr. Burrell Parmer. “It was an honor having Mr. Mitchell come to Military City USA and spend some time with us. He could have been anywhere in the world, but he chose to be with us and deliver some great Jazz for our Veterans and their families.”
Fred Brock Post No. 828 mission is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s Veterans, their families, the military, and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.
The Post, which received a Temporary Charter as Post 420-A on Jan. 1, 1946, is named in honor of San Antonio native, U.S. Army Sgt. Fred Brock of the 598th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Infantry Division, who died in the line of duty at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., on Aug. 18, 1943. On. Aug. 23, 1950, Fred Brock Post No. 420-A was granted a Full Charter and was redesignated as Post No. 828. The Post is currently celebrating its 75th Diamond Anniversary which will culminate with an anniversary dinner in October.
Follow Chris Mitchell on Facebook or visit his website: www.chrismitchelljazz.com.
