Del Rio dedicates memorial

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, stands with Mike Fernandez, Val Verde County Judge, (right of Colonel Frankel) and members of the Alamo Chapter 1836 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the new Purple Heart Monument in Del Rio. The monument was dedicated at a ceremony Sunday, August 8 at the Del Rio Civic Center; honoring all Veterans from Del Rio who have earned a Purple Heart, which is awarded to U.S. armed forces members who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. U.S. Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, Texas State Representative Pete Gallego, Del Rio Mayor Bobby Fernandez and guest speaker Bobby Barrera, along with a number of elected officials, were also present for the dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree Economides)