Laughlin volunteers help maintain Seminole Cemetery

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Daniel Brand
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
BRACKETVILLE, Texas --  Laughlin volunteers participated in a clean-up and restoration of the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery in Bracketville, Texas, Aug. 31, the final resting place for four Medal of Honor recipients and dozens of military veterans.

"It's not your usual cemetery," said Master Sgt. Angela Avila, chair of the Seminole Cemetery Clean-Up Committee. "Everyone resting here was in the service at one time."

The cemetery, which is managed by the Seminole Indian Scout Association, receives no public funding for its upkeep. That is why Clarence Ward, president of the association, asked for Laughlin's help.

The event was sponsored by the "Top 3" organization at Laughlin, which refers to the top three enlisted ranks, and brought a total of nine volunteers to help perform routine maintenance tasks such as mowing grass, trimming hedges, and removing weeds.

"Being here gives me a lot of pride for those individuals who served before me," said Master Sgt. Abraham Avila, a volunteer working at the cemetery. "But I also want the families to have a good experience when they come here to remember their loved ones."

On Sept. 15, many families will do just that as the city of Bracketville hosts its 140th annual Seminole Day celebration. The event will feature a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. and special ceremonies at the school grounds beginning at 10:30 a.m. A disc jockey will also perform at the school grounds from 9 p.m. to midnight, and the following morning, Sunday services will be held at the cemetery beginning at 11 a.m.

Avila encouraged any available Laughlin Airmen to attend the upcoming event, as well as future volunteer activities.

"The Indian Scouts were military members in the U.S. Army," she said. "They served their country and they can't give anything else. This is a way to honor those who have served before us."