Tagged News

• Club gifts Quilts of Valor to 22 veterans at Alamo park Play Video

  February 18, 2020 4:49 PM

  ALAMO – Twenty-two veterans at an Alamo RV park received Quilts of Valor from thankful neighbors. The quilts took several days to make. They were made by a team of 25 members from the park’s creative quilters club. It’s the second year they’ve given a Quilt of Valor... more »

• World War II Veteran Killed at Pearl Harbor Laid to Rest in Raymondville Play Video

  December 7, 2019 11:16 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE - A World War Two veteran who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor laid to rest in Raymondville Saturday. Victor Patrick 'Pat' Tumlinson was 19 years old when he died. His niece described the telegrams the family received. "One was saying that he had... more »

• Gone, but Not Forgotten: Friend of San Juan Fire Victim Recounts Moments Together Play Video

  November 14, 2019 5:32 PM

  SAN JUAN – The man killed in a San Juan house fire was identified. People who knew Ralph Brixus say he was a good guy, who served his country and died with his dog by his side. The flames erupted hours after the cold front arrived Tuesday night.... more »

• Valley Native Seeks Answers after Paying $2K for Parents' Missing Burial Monument Play Video

  November 11, 2019 6:00 PM

  WESLACO – An Army veteran says he paid a Rio Grande Valley business more than $2,000 on a burial monument for his parents’ gravesite. Ten months later, he wants to know why his mother's grave is still without a headstone. Hernan Cantu's mother passed away last November. He... more »

• Organization Helping Valley Veterans Properly Fill Out Claims Play Video

  November 11, 2019 5:27 PM

  WESLACO – Veterans are being charged and losing thousands of dollars for assistance services they can get for free. In Hidalgo and Cameron counties, veterans can receive assistance at no cost. They will not get money taken from their benefits or pay up front. The Disabled American Veterans... more »

• Veterans Serve as Role Models for Troubled Valley Students Play Video

  November 11, 2019 4:46 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran who is years removed from serving says his work still isn’t complete. Octaviano Beltran gave 23 years of service to the U.S., in three different branches of the military. Now, he and two other veterans work at Instruction and Guidance Center,... more »

• Program Providing Valley Veterans Lifesaving Services Play Video

  November 8, 2019 6:40 PM

  EDINBURG – A program helping to keep hundreds of veterans’ lights on is also seeking to provide lifesaving services. The Hidalgo County Community Service Agency has helped more than 300 veterans with their utility bills through the Operation Bravo Zulu program. In 2017, the service stopped, then last... more »

• CON MI GENTE: A Lonely Soldier's Grave Play Video

  November 7, 2019 11:15 AM

  RIO HONDO – On Monday the Rio Grande Valley will celebrate Veterans Day. A day to honor all those who served honorably in our military. In Rio Hondo, there is a grave that stands by itself. It's only a group of trees close by that keep this grave... more »

• 2 Valley Veterans Identified Using Mitochondrial DNA Play Video

  October 24, 2019 9:59 PM

  EDINBURG – U.S. Navy sailor Victor Patrick Tumlinson, a Rio Grande Valley native, who died in the attack at Pearl Harbor, was identified using mitochondrial DNA. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to a human genetics professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley about the process used. “Mitochondrial... more »

• Valley Community Pays Respect to Unaccompanied Veteran Play Video

  October 24, 2019 6:29 PM

  MISSION – People all over the Rio Grande Valley gathered for a final salute for a serviceman. An unaccompanied veteran with no known family was laid to rest on Thursday at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. It was a ceremony honoring the life and... more »

• VA Now Using Video Games to Help Rehabilitate Veterans Play Video

  October 23, 2019 5:09 PM

  WESLACO – The Department of Veterans Affairs is now using video games to help rehabilitate veterans. The VA partnered with Microsoft back in May. Microsoft donated more than 170 controllers specifically designed for people with limited mobility, giving disabled veterans a way to play again and help them... more »

• JROTC Cadets Mail 101 Birthday Cards to World War II Veteran Play Video

  September 25, 2019 11:17 PM

  WESLACO - James South is a World War II veteran and for his 100th birthday, he asked the public to send him 100 birthday cards. Air Force Junior ROTC cadets at Harlingen High School South responded to that call. Master Sergeant Armando Tsukano tells CHANNEL FIVE NEWS his... more »

• World War II Veteran Wishes to Receive 100 Cards for his 100th Birthday Play Video

  September 23, 2019 10:34 PM

  WESLACO – James South is a World War II veteran and he's about to celebrate his 100th birthday. All he wants for his big day is 100 birthday cards. His birthday is on October 7. If you want to send him a special birthday message, you can... more »

• Women's Seminars to be Held for Female Veterans in Weslaco Play Video

  September 22, 2019 8:32 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley veteran says females who have served their country are becoming more prevalent than ever before. Nancy Bazan suffered an injury in the service; now, she's adjusting to life outside of the military. Bazan plans to attend a women's seminar for veterans later... more »

• National Nonprofit Provides New Home for Valley Veteran Play Video

  August 22, 2019 6:06 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran was gifted a new home. It was made possible thanks to Operation Finally Home, a non-profit program that provides homes across the country to wounded, ill or injured veterans. Marine corporal veteran Miguel Simental was surprised back in April with the... more »

• CON MI GENTE: Veteran Group Designates Brownsville Restaurant as 'All American' Play Video

  July 3, 2019 11:50 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Rio Grande Valley veterans’ group has designated a Brownsville restaurant as their all-American restaurant. The owners, Miguel Chavez and his family, of La Vaquita Restaurant were honored by the Warriors United in Arms. “He is very pro-veteran and he is known in the veteran community... more »

• Korean War Veteran Entered into Final Resting Place Play Video

  May 25, 2019 8:45 PM

  PEARSALL- A once unidentified soldier is now in his final resting place. Herschel Riggs left Rio Grande City as a teenager. He fought in the Korean War, and was declared dead in 1953. Riggs' remains weren't identified until earlier this year. After a ceremony in the... more »

• Unaccompanied WWII Veteran Laid to Rest in Mission Play Video

  May 16, 2019 4:36 PM

  MISSION – A Rio Grande Valley World War II unaccompanied veteran was laid to rest Thursday with full military honors. Dozens were in attendance for the burial service of David Wilson Tarbell. He was laid to rest at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. ... more »

• Korean War Veteran to be Honored in Hometown Play Video

  May 8, 2019 10:44 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – A Korean War veteran from Starr County whose remains were recently identified will be honored in his hometown. Private First Class Herschel M. Riggs died when he was 18 years old in the Korean War. Organizers are planning a service in Rio Grande City... more »

• Former Police, Veteran Charged for Shooting Repo Man Play Video

  May 2, 2019 5:51 PM

  DONNA - The shooter in the incident that involved a repossession man has been charged. Guadalupe Castillo III has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Castillo was a former war vet and a former Pharr police lieutenant for over 20 years. ... more »

• Valley Community Pay Respects at Unaccompanied Veteran's Burial Play Video

  March 15, 2019 5:10 PM

  MISSION – Members of the community came together to pay respects to a local veteran who was buried with honor. Army veteran Gregory James Sabatke was buried at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. A friend of Sabatke says he was deployed to Germany and worked as... more »

• Nearly 1,000 People Attend Funeral of Unaccompanied Navy Veteran Play Video

  March 12, 2019 5:27 PM

  MISSION – A local Navy sailor was laid to rest without any immediate family. Veteran Ralph Fowler is considered unaccompanied though he had nearly 1,000 people by his side Tuesday. Military brothers and sisters gave their final salute; the family who took care of Fowler was in attendance... more »

• Veteran Impacted after Being Declared 'Financially Incompetent' by VA Play Video

  March 4, 2019 5:41 PM

  WESLACO – A local Army veteran was told he is "financially incompetent" by the Veterans Affairs office after years of receiving a disability check with no issue. Robert Arredondo was diagnosed with PTSD and 100 percent disabled after six years of active service. He says he has received... more »

• Local Man Requesting Correct Information on Uncle's Death Certificate Play Video

  February 27, 2019 10:55 PM

  WESLACO – A local resident says a funeral home recorded the wrong birth date on a death certificate. Roy Cruz says he reached out to the Funeraria del Angel Palm Valley several times to try to fix his uncle’s death certificate. Cruz says his uncle was a veteran... more »

• US Veteran Born in Reynosa Detained by ICE following Trip to Mexico Play Video

  February 26, 2019 4:52 PM

  WESLACO – A local family is working on the release of a veteran detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement. U.S. veteran, Edgar Baltazar, is a legal permanent resident but was born in Reynosa. Two years ago, Baltazar was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and was put on... more »

• VA iPhone App for Veteran Access to Medical Records Play Video

  February 13, 2019 3:56 PM

  HARLINGEN – A local veteran says he wants technological improvement to access his medical records. Simon Muniz served in the U.S. Army in the 1960s. Muniz says he is staying on top of his Veteran Affairs health records and making sure he is getting the care he needs.... more »

• La Joya Fire Department Offering Free Smoke Detectors to Residents Play Video

  February 11, 2019 5:26 PM

  LA JOYA – Fire officials in La Joya are teaming up with American Red Cross to provide homes with free smoke detectors. Fire officials are urging homeowners to make sure they have the life-saving device in their homes. La Joya resident Emilio Tovar says he knows the importance... more »

• Hidalgo Co. Sheriff’s Deputies Searching for Suspect Who Assaulted Veteran Play Video

  February 11, 2019 4:16 PM

  ALAMO – Neighbors are seeking justice for a Rio Grande Valley veteran who was assaulted. The 86-year-old veteran tells us this might be a random act of violence. "He held a gun at me… Well I tried to disarm it. And I think he fired a pellet into... more »

• Local Veterans Organize Ceremony for 2nd Purple Heart Recognition Play Video

  February 7, 2019 11:22 AM

  WESLACO – Several local veterans decided to take matters into their own hands to salute a fellow veteran when he was awarded a Purple Heart. Mel Robinson was simply mailed his second Purple Heart after the Department of Defense realized he was wounded twice in Vietnam. Robinson’s son... more »

• Vietnam Veteran Honored in Purple Heart Pinning Ceremony Play Video

  January 26, 2019 5:05 PM

  WESLACO- A special Purple Heart pinning ceremony honored a veteran who served in the Vietnam War. 72-year-old Melvin Robinson says he's extremely grateful to have received his second Purple Heart Saturday. Click the video above for the full story. more »

• Harlingen Veteran Concerned about VA Wait Times Play Video

  January 21, 2019 4:37 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Harlingen veteran says the wait times at the Veteran Affairs office are getting better, but there is still room for improvement. Antonio Alvarado says he is not prioritized for VA healthcare because he served during peacetime in the late 1970s. "First come, first serve, that's... more »

• Local Veteran Confused about Home Being Sold on Social Media Play Video

  January 18, 2019 6:26 PM

  WESLACO – A local veteran claims the contractor who was building his home is now selling it without his permission. He says he signed the contract to have his custom home built in April and is already approved with a veterans loan and approved by the bank. It’s... more »

• Valley Veterans Speak Out on Pres. Trump's Visit to Border Play Video

  January 9, 2019 4:58 PM

  WESLACO – Rio Grande Valley residents are sounding off about President Trump’s visit to the border. Some residents are excited about this visit; others have opposing views. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke with veterans on both sides of the topic. "We have to have some type of security.... more »

• Volunteers Needed to Clean Christmas Decorations From Veteran Grave Sites Play Video

  January 7, 2019 4:10 PM

  WESLACO – Volunteers are needed to help clean Christmas decorations left at military grave sites. Members of Wreaths Across America left Christmas wreaths at about 900 grave sites last month. Now, the organization says they need help cleaning them up. The collection of the wreaths will take... more »

• Donna Veteran Concerned About Advancing Technology Play Video

  January 7, 2019 12:41 PM

  DONNA – A Donna veteran says he doesn’t understand how to use new technology through the Department of Veterans Affairs. He blames age as a factor to not being able to learn about computers and cellphone apps. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke with veteran Apolonio Uresti, 70, who served... more »

• VA Expanding Technology to Decrease Wait Times for Veterans Play Video

  January 2, 2019 8:47 PM

  WESLACO – Some veterans across the Rio Grande Valley can’t afford the long wait process for an appointment with their doctors and specialists. The interim chief of staff for the local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offices says the department is expanding its technology to get help for veterans... more »

• Virginia Navy Sailor Travels to Edinburg to Meet Fallen Soldier's Mother Play Video

  December 24, 2018 10:07 PM

  EDINBURG – A Virginia Navy Sailor traveled to Edinburg to meet with a fallen soldier’s mother. Dolia Gonzalez lost her son Freddy Gonzalez 50 years ago during the Vietnam War. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Joshua Ogden stopped in Edinburg to pay his respects to Gonzalez. Ogden... more »

• Valley Veteran Concerned Government Shutdown May Affect Benefits Play Video

  December 23, 2018 3:14 PM

  MCALLEN- A valley veteran says he's concerned the government shutdown will affect his monthly payment. Larry Pelton receives monthly disability payments after the VA determined his lung disease was caused by asbestos exposure during his time in the Navy. CHANNEL 5's Frank McCaffrey reached out to a Hidalgo... more »

• RGV Veteran Laid to Rest with Full Military Honors Play Video

  December 20, 2018 11:55 AM

  MISSION – A local unaccompanied veteran was laid to rest with full military honors Wednesday. Retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Lee Elliot Doan was laid to rest at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. His friends and family could not be found in the community that... more »

• Community Attends Funeral of Unaccompanied Veteran in Mission

  November 19, 2018 5:33 PM

  MISSION – A Rio Grande Valley veteran who served his country honorably was laid to rest with full military honors. Private First Class Daniel Baker served in the U.S. Marine Corps and passed away with no family or close friends to mourn him. Still, he was laid to rest at... more »

• Valley Veteran looking for Job, Program Steps in to Help Play Video

  September 2, 2018 8:38 PM

  Unemployed Veteran seeking help, program to aid job search. Watch video for more information. American Legion will host a Job Fair on Sept. 17. For more information, call 956-682-7841. more »

• New USDA Program Offers Loan Assistance for Farmers Play Video

  June 11, 2018 2:54 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley veteran says a new program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture could benefit her community. ‘Battleground to Breaking Ground’ is a new program in which veterans are eligible to receive loan assistance for farming. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke with an agriculture expert about this... more »

• Veteran Stuck with Medical Bills after Being Hit by Uninsured Driver Play Video

  June 8, 2018 10:35 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran is facing high medical bills after being hit by driver without insurance. Her husband says she has a fractured fibula, tibia and a life-threatening blood clot. The veteran believed her insurance policy covered situations like this. KRGV’s Trason Bragg spoke to an insurance... more »

• Valley Veteran Honored with Government-Issued Grave Marker 5 Years Later Play Video

  May 29, 2018 6:43 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran was honored with a government-issued grave marker five years after his passing. Tomas Hernandez served in the navy and was never honored. His friend called 5 ON YOUR SIDE for help. Watch the video above for more information. more »

• Valley Veteran Turned Away from Harlingen Fast Food Restaurant Play Video

  April 6, 2018 7:43 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran who went to war is now fighting to educate. Marine Veteran David Floyd, his son and service dog, Bella, were turned away from a Harlingen restaurant. Floyd says Bella is always next to him. "When she has the vest on, she knows she's... more »

• Valley Veteran Helped Change Outcome in World War II Play Video

  November 10, 2017 7:17 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley World War II veteran was honored in New York this week. The very active 96-year-old Eugene Gutierrez is hard to keep up with. "Until about a year ago or six months ago; I used to do 50, 60, 70 sometimes 100 pushups,” said Gutierrez.... more »

• RGV Veteran Gets Assistance after Years Without Electricity Play Video

  September 22, 2017 6:33 PM

  SAN JUAN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran is finally seeking help years after living without electricity and unaware of the resources around him. Although Ralph Brixius’ home in San Juan has a strong foundation on the outside, the inside is cluttered with years of neglect. "It's embarrassing because I’ve... more »

• Veterans Accountability Report Questioned Play Video

  July 10, 2017 8:35 PM

  DONNA - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is providing the removal, suspensions and demotions of employees as of July 3, 2017 in an online accountability report. The report shows 23 veterans health administrations across the country. According to the Veterans Health Administration, the Rio Grande Valley is under the... more »

• GAO Suggests VA Pharmacy System Overhaul Play Video

  June 15, 2017 10:39 PM

  WESLACO – A probe by a government watchdog group found the VA system isn’t on-par with standard pharmacies. The Government Accountability Office found the Veteran Affairs Department their pharmacy system needs an overhaul . Rio Grande Valley veteran Francisco Belmarez said at times, he’s had to wait so long for... more »