Calderon-Daily Post 12178

06/02/2026

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Comrades Salvador Chavez and Micaela Reyes on a very successful year leading the Bobcat Battalion! Their dedication, mentorship, and commitment to developing young leaders have inspired cadets to become better citizens and active members of the community.

Throughout the year, Bobcat Battalion cadets proudly supported our veterans at numerous events, demonstrating respect, service, and patriotism. As many of these outstanding graduates prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives—including answering the call to serve in the military—we wish them continued success and fulfillment.

Best of luck to all graduates. Your future is bright, and we are proud of all you have accomplished! 🇺🇸🎓🐾

05/27/2026

Comrades Eddie Albert, Eloy Cuevas, and Freddy Valdez proudly escorted the Weslaco High School JROTC Cadets to Fiesta Texas and served as chaperones for their end-of-year trip. The cadets enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun, fellowship, and excitement after a year of dedication, hard work, and commitment both in the classroom and through their JROTC activities.

The outing provided an opportunity to celebrate the cadets’ accomplishments and recognize their efforts throughout the school year. Post members were honored to support these outstanding young leaders and help make the experience a memorable reward for their perseverance and achievements.

05/25/2026

Friday’s Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium was a heartfelt tribute honoring the 90 service members from Edinburg who gave their lives for our continued freedom.

Comrade Micaela Reyes proudly served on the planning committee and coordinated the participation of her JROTC cadets during the ceremony. The cadets presented the meaning of the Battlefield Cross and respectfully displayed the Battlefield Cross in honor of our fallen heroes.

Her cadets, along with Commander Clarice De La Fuente and comrades Salvador Chavez and April Garza, also participated in the moving 90-second candle ceremony to honor and remember the 90 Edinburg service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Their legacy of courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/25/2026

The Alfredo Gonzalez Legacy 5K was a great success, and we are proud to support such a meaningful event honoring a lasting legacy in our community.

Members of Post 12178 proudly sponsored the Edinburg High School JROTC cadets who participated in the 5K run. We would also like to recognize Comrades Micaela Reyes and April Garza for taking part in the event alongside the cadets.

A special congratulations goes out to Comrade Reyes and her students who earned placements in their respective age categories. Comrade Reyes dedicated many early mornings training and preparing the cadets for this 5K, and their success reflects her commitment, leadership, and encouragement. Their hard work and determination truly paid off!

In addition, members of Post 12178 were honored to contribute to the scholarship funds that will be awarded to ECISD graduating seniors. Investing in the future of our students and supporting our youth remains one of our greatest priorities.

Great job to everyone who participated and represented our community with pride!

05/25/2026

Comrades Eloy Cuevas and Freddy Valdez, accompanied by the Weslaco High School JROTC Cadets, attended the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

During the ceremony, Comrades Cuevas and Valdez spoke with the cadets about the true meaning and importance of Memorial Day. They emphasized the significance of honoring and remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, as well as recognizing the enduring sacrifices of the families left behind who must continue without their loved ones.

As part of the remembrance observance, twenty American flags were placed by the Marine Corps League in honor of the twenty service members buried at the cemetery who were killed in action. This solemn tribute served as a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifice of these heroes and ensured that their service and legacy will never be forgotten.

The participation of the Weslaco High School JROTC Cadets provided a valuable opportunity for the next generation to learn firsthand about the importance of remembrance, patriotism, and honoring those who gave their lives defending the freedoms we enjoy today. Through events such as this, the cadets gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation’s fallen heroes and the responsibility to preserve their memory for future generations.

05/25/2026

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12178 joined the Gold Star Family of GM1 Noe Hernandez, including his widow Dora Hernandez, his mother Virginia Lozano, his son, the Weslaco High School JROTC, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and members of the community to honor our nation’s veterans by placing American flags at their gravesites.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer by Comrade Xochitl Cruz. Comrade Clarice De La Fuente solemnly read the names of the service members killed in action who are buried at the cemetery, as well as the names of the many other veterans laid to rest there, ensuring their sacrifices and service were remembered.

Comrade Eloy Cuevas performed TAPS, continuing a proud family tradition established by his late father, Elias Cuevas, who faithfully played TAPS at military funerals, Memorial Day observances, and Veterans Day ceremonies for many years. The moving tribute served as a reminder of the respect and gratitude owed to those who have served our nation.

Mrs. Dora Hernandez and Mrs. Virginia Lozano shared heartfelt reflections on the loss of GM1 Noe Hernandez and spoke about the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their words reminded all in attendance that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost and that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes must never be forgotten.

The ceremony was a meaningful tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation and a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving their legacy for future generations.

05/25/2026

Today, the Texas VFW honors Memorial Day and encourages mindfulness, recognizing that this long weekend carries a significant national responsibility.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance established in 1868 to honor fallen soldiers. For Veterans, this day carries profound significance, a reflection on the sacrifices of fallen comrades.

Veteran supporters can be mindful in observance of this day:
🔴Wear a Buddy Poppy as a symbol of remembrance and support.
⚪Take a moment at 3:00 PM to pause and honor those who have laid down their lives for our freedom.
🔵Remembering that Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day, the former honors those who have died in service, while the latter celebrates all who have served.

Let’s ensure we observe this day with the dignity and respect it deserves.

05/23/2026

Comrades April Garza, Lionel Martinez, Lupe Rodriguez, and Micaela Reyes proudly attended and participated in the Freddy Gonzalez Memorial 5K alongside the Edinburg High School JROTC Cadets, the American Legion Post 408, and members of the local community.

During the event, our Post members distributed Buddy Poppies and shared the rich history and significance of the Buddy Poppy program, which honors the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and serves as a reminder of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom. The Edinburg High School JROTC Cadets enthusiastically assisted in distributing Buddy Poppies and engaging with participants, helping educate the community about this important Veterans of Foreign Wars tradition.

This event provided an excellent opportunity to honor the legacy of Marine Sergeant Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez, a Medal of Honor recipient, while promoting patriotism, remembrance, and community involvement. The participation of our members and the cadets helped strengthen community awareness of veterans’ service and sacrifice while fostering the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Together, we continue to serve our veterans, educate our youth, and keep alive the memory of America’s heroes.

05/23/2026

Comrade Eloy Salinas, a Purple Heart Recipient, and Comrade Ismael Garcia volunteered their time and talents to support the Harlingen Purple Heart Post Chicken Plate Fundraiser held at Golden Corral in Harlingen. They worked diligently preparing and cooking chicken quarters to help ensure the success of the event.

Their dedication and willingness to serve exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and commitment that Veterans continue to demonstrate in their communities. Through their hard work, they helped raise funds that will support the mission and programs of the Purple Heart Post, benefiting fellow Veterans and their families.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud of Comrades Salinas and Garcia for their continued service and unwavering commitment to helping others. Their efforts reflect the values of duty, sacrifice, and community service that make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.