(Seguin) — Seguin this week will be host to the 71st Annual American GI Forum State Convention. Close to 100 members and other guests will be arriving in Seguin today for the annual event to be held at the Seguin Elks Lodge (June 6-10). This marks the third year that Seguin has hosted the
The American GI Forum of the U.S. is the nation’s largest Hispanic veterans’ organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. The overall objective for the forum was to create a new entity that would provide “hands on” services to veterans at the community level. That level of service in Seguin is dispensed through the local Manuel Castilla Chapter.
Past Commander JP Amador says although members will gather for individual events, the community is especially encouraged to attend Saturday night’s banquet.
“At 7 p.m., we have the Commander’s Banquet. Our special guest this year is going to be Congressman Vicente Gonzalez who represents our district. So, he is going to come over and speak and there will be a good chance for people to come out, who haven’t met him before in person , to come out and
meet him. Then after the banquet, we are going to have music and dancing till midnight. We are also selling tables for this event which we already have some sold but we have room for more or it’s $25 a person,” said Amador.
Events today include an evening meet and greet at La Quinta Hotel followed by a welcoming ceremony Friday morning at the Seguin Elks Lodge featuring Seguin Mayor Don Keil and other local dignitaries. A Ladies Luncheon will also be hosted at noon Friday. The luncheon will feature Guest Speaker Rebecca Padilla. The author and Texas Lutheran University graduate will speak about the plight of the Latin American women who flee their country seeking a better life. Also addressing the crowd will be Rebeca Martinez of the Texas Fourth District Court of Appeals. A Founder’s Night, Cultural Fun Night will also be held on Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Amador says proceeds from any ticket purchased for any of the events or from table sales go directly back into the group’s mission of supporting others.
“All these funds that are being raised during this conference goes to various programs like the National Veterans Outreach Program they have in San Antonio that puts veterans to work. They provide housing. They provide mental support and guidance and schooling for veterans that are in need especially homeless veterans and this is in San Antonio,” said Amador.
Tickets for the Ladies Luncheon, Cultural Night or Saturday night Commanders Banquet are available from any American GI Forum member or by calling Amador at 830-556-6452.