Tagged News

• Traveling memorial honoring fallen Vietnam troops makes stop in Valley Play Video

  March 11, 2020 10:08 PM

  MISSION – Rio Grande Valley veterans salute as a traveling memorial arrived in Mission. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall was set up at the Mission Events Center and will be on display this week. The wall traveling the country stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the... more »

• Valley veterans remember Battle of Iwo Jima on 75th anniversary Play Video

  February 19, 2020 9:51 PM

  HARLINGEN – On this day 75 years ago, U.S. troops stormed a Japanese island marking the beginning of what was to be a major World War II battle. On Wednesday, more than 100 veterans gathered at the Iwo Jima monument at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen to pay their... more »

• 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 »

• Valley community pay their respects at visitation for fallen soldier Play Video

  January 24, 2020 7:15 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – On Friday, hundreds of people gathered throughout the day at the Brownsville Event Center to pay their respects to U.S. Army Spc. Miguel A. Villalon. He lost his life earlier this month in Afghanistan. Veterans of all branches, some in uniform, made their way into the center... more »

• American Legion Holds Meetings for Valley Veterans Coping with Loneliness Play Video

  December 26, 2019 6:08 PM

  MERCEDES – For some veterans who have served and now live alone, the holiday season may be a struggle. According to the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs, suicide is a concern for veterans and it only gets worse this time of year. With 104 members, the J.... more »

• Valley Vietnam Veterans Honored at 50th Anniversary Ceremony in Donna Play Video

  December 16, 2019 8:07 PM

  DONNA – More than 100 veterans from the Rio Grande Valley were honored for the service during the Vietnam War. A ceremony was held at the oldest American Legion hall in the world. Congressman Filemon Vela led the event at American Legion Post 107 in Donna. Veterans were... more »

• Wreaths Across American Honor Valley Veterans Play Video

  December 14, 2019 10:13 PM

  HARLINGEN - Hundreds gathered Saturday to lay wreaths on the graves of Valley veterans. Wreaths Across of America Organizer Lenore Combs say their goal is to honor fallen veterans and teach children the value of freedom. "This year we had a spectacular amount of youth showing up," Combs... more »

• McAllen American Legion Preserving World War I Artifact Play Video

  November 11, 2019 7:11 PM

  MCALLEN – A group of veterans from an American Legion felt they had a responsibility to preserve one of the Rio Grande Valley’s own historical artifacts from World War I. It’s a relic of a gun believed to have possibly been used by Pancho Villa himself. After two... 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• Annual Veterans Fair Held in Edinburg   Play Video

  October 19, 2019 9:32 PM

  EDINBURG - Hundreds of veterans received important information Saturday at the 6th annual Veterans Health, Education and Benefits Fair at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Missouri veteran Burt Anderson who moved to Donna in July said the event was a good chance for him to find out where he... more »

• Event to Provide Resources for Veterans in Need Play Video

  September 8, 2019 8:13 PM

  MCALLEN- On Tuesday, a veterans' coalition meeting will provide resources to veterans in need. From 10:30 until noon, veterans are welcomed to stop by Workforce Solutions on Business 83 in McAllen. Several groups will be there to provide help for homeless vets and assistance with job placement. ... more »

• Community Shows Support as Fallen Trooper Laid to Rest Play Video

  September 6, 2019 6:02 PM

  MISSION - Trooper Moises Sanchez spent parts of his life serving in both the Marine Corps and Texas Department of Public Safety. Outside the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, there was an outpouring of support for the fallen trooper this Friday. The entire road was... more »

• CON MI GENTE: Donna American Legion Post 107 Undergoes Renovation Play Video

  August 13, 2019 9:25 AM

  DONNA – This November, the American Legion Post 107 in Donna will turn 100 years old. A group of volunteers have come to the rescue of, what some refer to as, the Historic Lady of Donna. The Home Depot of Weslaco has given the veterans a $5,000 grant... more »

• Veterans Gather for Iwo Jima Sculpture Reveal in McAllen Play Video

  July 4, 2019 4:25 PM

  MCALLEN – Over 20 veterans gathered for the revealing ceremony of a sculpture carved by a local World War II veteran. Harry James has lived in the Rio Grande Valley since 1975; he carved a sculpture of an iconic moment in American History – Iwo Jima. James donated... 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 »

• Report Finds Incomplete ICE Data on Deported Veterans Play Video

  June 9, 2019 9:13 PM

  WESLACO- Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesn't know how many non-citizen veterans it's deported. A new report by the Government Accountability Office found over the past five years, ICE failed to consistently follow its own policies when it comes to deporting non-citizen veterans. While the agency isn't keeping that... more »

• Assistance Available for Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes Play Video

  May 20, 2019 12:36 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs is offering treatments to veterans with type two diabetes. The organization will provide diabetes care for up to one year at no cost. For information, visit www.VA.gov/Health . Watch the video above for further details. more »

• Quilts of Valor Honors 2 Valley World War II Veterans Play Video

  April 9, 2019 8:10 AM

  RAYMONDVILLE – There were no marching bands or big political speeches. That didn’t stop a group of veterans from honoring two of their own in a special way. Guadalupe Espinosa of Raymondville is 98 years old and Juan Cantu Jr. is 99 from nearby Lasara; they are both... more »

• VA to Host Town Hall for Veterans to Discuss Health Benefits Play Video

  March 20, 2019 4:06 PM

  MCALLEN – Leaders from the Veterans Affairs are hosting a town hall for veterans to discuss health benefits in McAllen. Veterans are invited, along with their family members and others who are associated. It will take place at the VA McAllen Outpatient Clinic on March 28 from 6... 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 »

• New VA Law to Help Veteran Appeals Process Play Video

  February 20, 2019 5:30 PM

  WESLACO – The Veteran Affairs office has implemented the Veterans Appeals Improvement and the Modernization Act signed into law in August 2017. Veterans can now use a higher-level review option to appeal a claims decision, which means a more experienced adjudicator will conduct a review of the previous decision.... 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 »

• Number of Veterans Charged for Free Services Increasing Play Video

  February 1, 2019 6:14 PM

  WESLACO – The Cameron County Veterans Services Director says there’s an increase of veterans paying for services when they should be free. Army and World War II veteran Edgar Hummert says he received his first claims check from Veteran’s Affairs this year. Hummert says he was denied benefits,... more »

• Local Blue Water Navy Veteran Concerned Over Benefits Play Video

  January 30, 2019 11:09 PM

  WESLACO – Thousands of Blue Water Navy veterans say they haven’t been eligible for certain benefits. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke to Rey Sandoval, a Blue Water veteran who served during the Vietnam era. He says he has dealt with a number of health issues since he returned from... more »

• Weslaco is Proclaimed a Purple Heart City Play Video

  January 15, 2019 9:53 PM

  WESLACO – Weslaco is now a “Purple Heart City” after a military son’s efforts. Mario Ybarra Junior dedicates his life to honoring his father who was killed while serving in Vietnam. After serving four years in the Marines, Mario Ybarra Senior was killed while trying to provide medical... 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 »

• Fireworks May Trigger Relapse for Veterans Battling PTSD Play Video

  December 31, 2018 6:15 PM

  WESLACO – Fireworks displays on New Year’s could trigger a relapse for some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A Rio Grande Valley veteran says at any time a loud noise can become a trigger for this illness. KRGV’s Trason Bragg spoke with VA telemental health program manager... more »

• Body of Deported Veteran Returned to US Play Video

  December 13, 2018 7:12 PM

  WESLACO – The family of a deported veteran is welcoming him back home. His family says it's not the kind of homecoming any of them wanted. For years, U.S. Army Veteran Carlos Torres waged a silent legal war. On Saturday, he lost that battle. His family hopes other deported... more »

• New Veteran’s Post to Open in Weslaco Play Video

  December 4, 2018 12:08 PM

  WESLACO – A new veteran’s post has just opened in the Rio Grande Valley. This new post is a beneficial way local veterans can gather and receive their benefits. The post doesn’t have a permanent building yet. The veterans are meeting at The Daily Grind, a Weslaco coffee shop owned... more »

• Third-Annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing Honors Veterans and First Responders Play Video

  November 10, 2018 5:56 PM

  SAN JUAN – A group of high school students are doing their part in giving back to the community. On Saturday, students at PSJA Early College High School provided meals to veterans and first responders. It was all a part of their third-annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing. "It's about inviting... more »

• New Veterans Center in Weslaco Caters to Women Play Video

  August 16, 2018 8:38 PM

  WESLACO – A new veterans center in Weslaco is catering to women who served in the military. The services offered are tailored to women. “We're going to be providing mental health services as well as recreational activities within that same center,” says Anna Castillo, Veterans Program Supervisor at Texas Tropical... more »

• Veterans Service Center to Open in Mercedes Play Video

  August 13, 2018 8:43 PM

  WESLACO – Since the Veterans Services Center in Weslaco closed, many mid-Valley veterans have struggled to find nearby help. A solution for the problem is now in sight with the plan to open a center in Mercedes. A local Army veteran tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS that many veterans are disabled... more »

• Department of Veterans Affairs Expanding Services for Spanish Speaking Veterans Play Video

  August 12, 2018 2:35 PM

  The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding services for Spanish speaking veterans. The V.A. describes the move as part of its effort to simplify and improve the health care enrollment process for veterans. The agency adds the new language choice implements the V.A. Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans' recommendation to... more »

• McAllen Veteran Says New Veterans Office Needs Sign Play Video

  August 9, 2018 5:57 PM

  MCALLEN – Free services for veterans are going unclaimed because there isn’t a sign at the new veterans office in McAllen. McAllen veteran Homero Gomez says his fellow service members have a hard time finding the Hidalgo County’s Veterans Office. He called 5 On Your Side because he doesn’t want... more »

• Late Veteran's Widow Won't Have to Pay Medical Bills Play Video

  August 6, 2018 5:58 PM

  UPDATE (8/9): A veteran's widow who received his medical bills won't have to pay them. Guillermina Lorenzana's husband passed away in February. She received a statement showing she owed $18,000. The VA tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS they are working with her to have the bills paid. ----- WESLACO – Veterans... more »

• Several Ceremonies Held Across Valley to Honor Veterans Play Video

  May 28, 2018 5:35 PM

  WESLACO – Several ceremonies were held across the Rio Grande Valley to honor those who gave their life fighting for our country. For many, every day is Memorial Day. KRGV’s Steven Sarabia spoke with Gold Star family members on what today means to them. Watch the video above for the... more »

• VA Adds Online Feature to Easily Access Medical Files Play Video

  May 2, 2018 5:06 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs added a feature online to make it easier for veterans to access their medical files. The new addition allows users to download their radiology studies on the My Health Vet Portal section of the website. This means veterans can obtain their x-rays,... more »

• Weslaco Veteran to Donate Shelter for Homeless Veterans Play Video

  October 5, 2017 10:16 AM

  WESLACO - A five-acre lot is an empty landscape behind a small church. Navy reserve veteran John Johansen saw the grass, space and it became his opportunity. "I live right down the block and I see this property back here, and one day I stopped and talked to the pastor,”... more »

• Organization Working to Improve Health Care for Veterans Play Video

  October 3, 2017 4:54 PM

  EDINBURG – Receiving quality health care in a timely manner is a challenge most veterans face. However, Rio Grande Valley VA clinics are working to improve the situation. The Freddy Gonzalez American Legion Post 408 in Edinburg is where many veterans spend their time. They come to share stories, work... more »

• New Program to Offer Help to More Veterans Play Video

  June 28, 2017 6:59 PM

  EDINBURG - Veterans who commit a crime can get the charges dropped if they follow the Hidalgo County Veterans Treatment Court Program. U.S. Marine veteran Ace Netro is currently going through the program. ''[I] found myself in a very compromising situation. Unfortunately, at the time it wasn't good thing,” said... more »

• VA Expects Changes to Better Maintain Records Play Video

  June 12, 2017 6:29 PM

  WESLACO – The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon move to a new system to store electronic medical records. The change is expected to streamline access between the military and the VA. Veteran advocates in the Rio Grande Valley are anticipating the change will make it easier for veterans to... more »

• Veterans Can Still Apply for Help with Utility Bills in Hidalgo Co. Play Video

  April 18, 2017 5:11 PM

  EDINBURG – The deadline for veterans to apply for grant money to pay for utility bills is fast approaching. Jaime Longoria, the executive director of the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency, said 403 veterans have qualified for the Bravo Zulu grant money. Each veteran who qualifies can receive up to... more »

• Program Helping Veterans with Utility Bills Ending June 30

  March 28, 2017 5:04 PM

  WESLACO – A program to help veterans pay their utility bills is ending soon. The Bravo Zulu Program helps veterans in Hidalgo County pay their utility bills. A veteran can receive up to $600 in aid. Enough funds are available to help more than 400 veterans. To quality, a veteran... more »

• RGV Veterans, Volunteers Pay Respect to Fallen Heroes during Holiday Season Play Video

  December 24, 2016 10:37 AM

  MISSION - A group of Rio Grande Valley volunteers are bringing Christmas cheer to families of fallen heroes this holiday season. U.S. Army veteran Antonio Hernandez helped organize their 10th annual event at the Rio Grande Valley State Veteran’s Cemetery in Mission. “A lot of brothers and sisters out here,... more »

• Wreaths Placed on Veterans' Tombstones Around the Nation Play Video

  December 17, 2016 9:29 PM

  MISSION-More than a million tombstones of veterans around the nation were decorated with Christmas wreaths. It's all apart of the annual Wreaths Across America campaign. The event honors the fallen men and women who served our country. Volunteers around the country are laying wreaths at about 1200 memorials and cemeteries... more »