Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – San Angeloans could not have asked for more perfect weather--sunny skies, temperatures in the upper 60s, as a community turned out in droves to watch the 16th annual San Angelo Veterans Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The parade was hosted by the Three Rivers Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol.
Grand Marshal, Colonel Andres "Naz" Nazario, Goodfellow’s 17th Training Wing Commander, and 16 veterans from wars: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan were honored by families who came out to show their patriotism and appreciation. Col. Nazario is riding in a 1966 Ford Mustang.
The Perez familia. Adrian Perez with his four children, among them twins and his parents.
KLST-TV’s news anchor, Caroline McEnrue, Jay Martin, weatherman and David Harvatin, IT, announced the 11 a.m. parade route which started downtown on West Concho Avenue. The parade then proceeded down South Irving Street, traveled east turned left onto Oakes Street then left on Twohig Avenue. It continued north, then left onto Harris Avenue, left onto Irving, right on Beauregard Avenue, left turn onto Randolph Street, continued south before wrapping up back at the staging area.
Mr. Harvatin, former Sr. Master Sgt EA, served in the Gulf War: Operation Freedom Iraqi. He was in the United States Air Force for 26 years. Harvatin has been with KLST-TV as their IT person for the past eight months. Thanks David for serving our country and for your service; also to all of our military personnel.
Richard Florez, who served in Vietnam, was awarded the Purple Heart. Florez drove his 1948 Dodge Coupe accompanied by his wife, Olga. The Florez recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
The following veterans from six wars riding in the parade are as follows.
1. Gilbert Flores, Vietnam
2. John Boykin, World War II
3. Ludwig Haviak, World War II
4. Sgt. Maj. Robert Holtz, Sr., Korea
5. Raymond Florez, Vietnam.
6. Richard Cochran, Vietnam
7. Albert Serrano, Vietnam; awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
8. Lorenzo Chappa, Vietnam. SSgt. Chappa was KIA (Killed in Action) in 1968.
9. Anthony P. Edmund, Vietnam/ Desert Storm
10. Don Musselwhite, Gulf War
11. Randy Lecompte, Gulf War and a Bronze recipient.
12. Lance Hartman, Gulf War
13. Mike Esparza, Iraq War
14. Leandra Hernandez, Afghanistan War
15. Thomas Jones, Iraq War
16. Terry Burt, Afghanistan War
Among other parade float entries were the following three winners. First place was awarded to Ambleside School of San Angelo. Second place went to Combat Vets Motorcycle Association. And third place winner was Angelo Catholic School.
Other parade entries included: Angelo State University Vets, the San Angelo Central and Lake View High School Marching Bands, Disable American Veterans, etc.