Hometown Heroes

 

?Air Force Airman Antonio Rodriguez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Maria Rodriguez of Mission, and a 2006 graduate of Mission High School.

 

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Army Pfc. Josue Rodriguez Jr. has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, Rodriguez received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the son of Josue Rodriguez of Mission, and is a 2003 graduate of Mission High School.

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Air Force Major Byron T. Brunson began his service in June, 1990 when he first reported to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1996.

Major Brunson has been deployed to Qattar serving as TET Chief out of his temporary duty station at Nellis AFB, NV over the past year. As a B-52 pilot, Brunson has been assigned to Minot AFB, ND and was selected to attend Weapons School at Barksdale. He was later assigned to Barksdale as a Weapons School instructor. He has been selected as Officer of the Year for his squadron at both Minot and Barksdale. He returns to his new assignment at Barksdale AFB, LA as CAG Chief for the Global Strike Command this week.

Brunson is the son of Jim and Mendi Brunson of Mission, and a 1990 graduate of Mission High School.

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Army Pfc. Michael A. Garcia has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Garcia studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He earned distinction as an honor graduate.

Garcia is the son of Debra Chavez of Sullivan City, and a 2008 graduate of La Joya High School.

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?Air Force Master Sergeant Rudy J. Morales retired from active duty on 01 October 2008 after 20 years of faithful service to his country.

Morales served his final assignment as Chief, Quality Assurance, 37th Logistics Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base Texas.

Morales is a 1987 graduate of Mission High School and the son of Rudy and Mary Morales of Mission.

 

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Air Force Airman 1st Class Anna Y. Perez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airman Perez, upon completion of basic training, also received credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Martha Guerrero of Mission, and a 2008 graduate of La Joya High School.

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Air Force Airman Jacqueline M. Jensen graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airman Jensen, upon completion of basic training, also received credit toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Jensen is the daughter of William Jensen of Mission, Texas.

 

 

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Staff Sergeant Anthony Chapa enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September, 2001. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Chapa received his training as an aircraft mechanic. Chapa is now a B-1 bomber crew chief stationed out of Dyess AFB in Abilene, and is currently serving overseas on deployment with his crew and aircraft in Qatar.

SSgt Chapa has continued his education during his service. Nearing the completion of his first degree, he plans to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. In addition to his education, Chapa has twice been nominated for Crew Chief of the Year, and received multiple meritorious promotions.

SSgt Chapa is the son of Theresa Chapa of Mission, and is a 2001 graduate of Mission High School.

 

 

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Mission honors fallen soldier

By Ricky Reynoso

A little over one year after being killed in action while serving in Iraq, the City of Mission honored U.S. Army Cpl. Jose A. Rubio with a street dedication on Wednesday, April 8.

The corner of 1st Street and Conway Avenue was packed with City Council members, news crews, residents and city employees Wednesday morning. Mission Public Relations Officer Aida Lerma said it was a special opportunity for the City of Mission to honor one of its own heroes.

“It was just a year ago when, for the Rubio family, time stopped,” said Lerma. “That was when they learned that Cpl. Jose A. Rubio was killed in action. Today we’re here to honor him, the Rubio and Guerra families. He sacrificed his life so that today we could have our freedom. On behalf of the City of Mission, we would like to express our thanks to the Rubio family.”

The Mission City Council chose to name 1st Street because that was where Rubio’s wife, Jennifer, son, Nikolai and parents lived. Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said it was important to honor one of Mission’s heroes.

“It’s an honor for us to be able to do this,” said Salinas. “It’s well deserved. I’ve known this family for many years and I’ve known his grandfather for 30 years. We are very proud of Jose and of what he did for us.”

Father Roy Snipes, priest of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission, was also present to bless the event. Afterward, Rubio’s wife, Jennifer, spoke of her late husband.

“It’s a great honor for me, my family and especially my son,” said Rubio as she held Nikolai. “It’s especially an honor since he didn’t know him that well, he’ll always have this street here to remind him of his father.”