Honoring Our Heroes: Happy Veterans Day 2023!
Today, we stand united in gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. On this Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, both past and present, in defense of freedom and democracy.
To those who have served, we thank you for your unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice. Your dedication has ensured the liberties we hold dear, and your sacrifices will forever be etched in the heart of our nation.
Let us also remember the families of our veterans, who endure challenges and sacrifices of their own. Your support is an integral part of our nation’s strength, and we appreciate your resilience and patriotism.
As we express our gratitude, let us not only remember our veterans on this day but strive to honor and support them every day. Reach out to a veteran, listen to their stories, and offer a heartfelt thank you. Let’s build a community that recognizes and appreciates the extraordinary individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
To our veterans: your service is a beacon of inspiration. Your dedication to duty, honor, and country is a testament to the best of America. Today, and every day, we salute you.
Happy Veterans Day from all of us at TIPA! 🇺🇸
Paul Catania Sr., Sailor
Navy
2 Years of service
Catania Worldwide
Destiney Lehew, SGT
Marine Corps
9 Years of service
Daughter of Crystal Berry, Fresh Innovations, LLC
Miguel Gallegos, SPC
Army
5 Years of service
Santis Produce
Alondra Rodriguez, E-3
Navy
3 Years of service
Fox Packaging
Kevin Faber, E-6
Navy
14 Years of service
Bay Baby Produce
David Tresnicky, E-4
Navy
6 Years of service
Fox Packaging
Abe Vanegas, Ordnance Specialist
Navy
5 Years of service
GrubMarket
Robert Peterson, Lt Col
Army
24 Years of service
Sissy Cox, A1C
(Gone but not Forgotten)
Air Force
Daughter of Jeff Cox, Avocado Love
Tony Martinez
Operation Iraqi Freedom II – Combat Veteran
Marine Corps
Primo Trading Services
Chris Guzman, PFC
Marine Corps
Primo Trading Services
Bruce Frasier, LTC
Army
21 Years of service
Dixondale Farms
West Point class of 1977. Served in the Army from 1977 to 1998
Marcos Gonzalez, E-4
Army
Veteran Employees of ScanTech Sciences, McAllen ECP Facility
- Mark M. (U.S. Marines)
- Jorge L. (U.S. Marines)
- Matt C. (U.S. Marines)
- Faustino L. (U.S. Army)
- Chris B. (U.S. Marines)
- Felipe R. (U.S. Marines)
- Joe E. (U.S. Marines)
- Randy F. (U.S. Army) * not in photo due to active duty
- Chip Starns (U.S. Navy)
Dan Flores, MSGT
Space Force
Husband to Kim Flores of Pro Citrus Network
Natividad Niño, SGT
Marine Corps
Medrano Produce
Hector Garza, SGT
Marine Corps
Texas International Produce Association
Hector Gonzalez, SGT
Marine Corps
Pratt Industries
John Foster, Lt Col
Air Force
30 Years of service
H-E-B
JC Melara, Sgt.
Marine Corps
6 Years of service
Mega Produce LLC
Pedro (Pete) Torres, Sgt.
Army
6 Years of service
Lone Star Citrus Growers
Herman Colyer (Papa of Courtney Fletcher), Infantry Private First Class
U.S. Army
3 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Korean War – received Bronze Star with 2 clusters and Purple Heart, landed at Inchon with MacArthur, and was one of only a few in his company to survive Outpost Harry
Campbell Donajkowski (Nephew of Scott Fletcher), 2nd Lt.
USMC
Allen Lund Company
Scott Fletcher, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Corporal – Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class, 19D Cavalry Scout.
U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Reserve, Texas Army National Guard, & Texas State Guard
19 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Europe, Africa, Middle East, Central & South America, & Texas
Charles “Jerry” Fletcher (Father of Scott Fletcher, Grandfather to Courtney & Casey), Sergeant
U.S. Air Force
4 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Korean War – He flew in B-29 Bombers as the nose gunner, Korea
Derek Johnson, Infantry
USMC
4 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Served in operation Iraq Freedom as well as Enduring Freedom. The day we declared war he was already on the ground in Kuwait. He was one of the first units to move across the border into Iraq. During that time he earned a combat action ribbon.
Ermilo Leal (Father of David Leal), Master Sergeant
U.S. Army
22 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Proudly served our country for 22 years, Army – March 3 1960 – February 1 1982. He served in Vietnam from May 1966 – May 1967
Patrick Martinez, Food Service Specialist (cook)
USMC
4 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Attached to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion he cooked for 1st Marine division General Bailey, former President Jimmy Carter, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. He also cooked on the USS Peleliu, USS Green Bay, and the USS Makin Island serving over 2500 Marines and Sailors per ship. Outside of cooking he was a competition shooter and represented the 1st marine division accurately shooting from 700 yards.
Larry Brown Shepard (Father of Lisa Melton)
Navy
8 Years of service
Allen Lund Company
Served on USS Penguin a submarine rescue vessel and the USS Sarsfield DD-837 destroyer as a Sonarman
Isaac Imes, Petty Officer 3rd Class
Nvay
4 Years of service
Fresh Texas
Abe Vanegas, Ordinance Specialist
U.S. Army
GrubMarket
Brandon Jamison
U.S. Army
Village Farms Fresh – Director of Quality Assurance
“Picture: Deployment to Iraq in 2008, my second time there, was also there in 2004. The picture is in front of the MRAP (armored vehicle) after just arriving in Iraq at BIAP (Baghdad International Airport), we were about to head to our base where we were stationed, an area of Baghdad called the Green Zone.”
Ryan Malley, E-5
U.S. Navy
Village Farms Fresh – Logistics Manager
“Stationed in Norfolk, VA for 6 years and completed two, 7-month tours in the Mediterranean. Then was stationed in Lakehurst, NJ for 3 years. I was an Operations Specialist and my rank was E-5.”
Mike DeGiglio, Captain
U.S. Navy
Village Farms Fresh – President & CEO
“Served in the United States Navy as an officer and jet aviator, as well as in the Naval Air Reserves, and retired at the rank of Captain.”
Wayne Smith, Senior Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Navy
Village Farms Fresh – Director of Transportation & Logistics
“Served in the United States Navy for 20 years and retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1999
Picture: Touring the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, also known as Old Ironsides in Boston, MA”
