Category Archives: American Legion Cordova Post #13

Run For The Wall runs through Williams

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WILLIAMS — The motorcycle riders of Run For The Wall arrived in Williams May 17 which is their traditional first stop of their ten-day trek to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Their goal is meet up with the riders of Rolling Thunder and participate in Memorial Day events. The goal of the groups is to bring awareness of those who gave their lives for their country and those still missing in action.

The riders were threatened with rain, but the rain held off until about 7 p.m. The group started arriving at about 5:00 p.m. with the main group arriving about twenty-minutes later. They stopped at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 for sustenance and rest provided by the Legion, local citizens and the Route 66 Young Marines.

While many people tend to take extra pains to thank Veterans for their service during the Memorial Day weekend, Northern Arizona Gazette would like to remind everyone that Memorial Day is a solemn day of respect for those who were killed during the many conflicts the United States has been involved in. We would prefer that you go to the local cemetery, find a Veteran’s grave and lay flowers. Veteran Service groups, such as the American Legion and Veterans Of Foreign Wars hold ceremonies that you can attend.


Northern Arizona Gazette has been following Run For The Wall since 2005. It is sad to note that over the years, less of our Vietnam Veteran brothers have been able to make the ride and many have passed. We are happy to report that younger Veterans from recent conflicts, such as Desert Storm and Afghanistan, have taken up the ride. About a hundred motorcycles participated in this leg of Run For The Wall. There are three routes that riders take.

After an overnight stay, the riders left promptly at 8 a.m. May 18. The weather was perfect for their send off.

Moving Wall in place

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WILLIAMS — After almost a year of delay, the Moving Wall is finally set up in Williams. About 25 volunteers assisted in getting the wall set up which took about four-hours. Mayor John Moore came out to look at the Wall. He said that after ten-years of trying to get the wall here, it was difficult to believe that it was actually here.

About 25 volunteers assisted in the contruction of the Moving Wall.


The Moving Wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. which–until recent events–is visited each year on Memorial Day by veterans of Run For The Wall and Rolling Thunder. This memorial means a great deal to the remaining heroes of the Vietnam Era, so we ask that you take your dogs somewhere else to take care of their natural business while the Moving Wall is in place. If your dog has an accident, we ask that you clean it up immediately.

The last piece of the wall being put into place by volunteers.


There will be a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow and there will be displays of military equipment and other military service organizations.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

The components of the wall were not allowed to touch ground. Volunteers, here, hold it up on their feet until it was put into place.

Mayor John Moore of Williams toured the Moving Wall.

Visitors started touring the wall before completion.

Panels of the wall being cleaned of any fingerprints left by volunteers.

Preparations still being made for Vietnam Memorial Wall

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Ground being prepared for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall.

WILLIAMS – They are not in the Army now, but Veterans of Williams are preparing the ground for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Although the wall may be delayed in coming because of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, they hope it is not delayed long.

Williams was already disappointed by the understandable cancellation of Run For the Wall which was to occur in May. They were also disappointed by the cancellation of the Wreath Laying ceremony for Vietnam Veterans on Memorial Day for the safety of possible participants.

John Holst, Randy Baer and Russell Achee prepare the grounds for the moving Vietnam Wall.

Randy Baer, in charge of the project, said that the area will be much nicer even after the Wall is gone.

John Holst added that they intend to add low-water, local shrubbery and trees.

We hope that, while the Vietnam Memorial Wall is here, people will show enough respect to not let their dogs defecate in the area.

Randy said they could use help with labor as the project progresses. Help with digging and landscaping would be appreciated. He can be reached at 928-225-9064. Small monetary donations would be helpful to defray the cost of the project.

It is important to note that they will be trying to stay compliant with current restrictions. So you may have to actually call for an appointment to help.

Veterans get treat in Williams on Halloween

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WILLIAMS — The Veterans in the Williams area received a treat on Halloween morning when the American Legion hosted their first Veteran Stand Down Outreach at the Cordova Post on Grant street.

Volunteers provide a meal at the American Legion Veteran Stand Down Outreach.

The Veteran Stand Down is a program to reach homeless and at-risk Veterans. They hand out warm clothing for the winter, supplies and offer or provide services to help veterans get off of the streets. Every veteran, however, can take advantage of some of the programs and services offered. This was a smaller version of the event held in Flagstaff, but was still packed with useful information. Many of the services are available at offices throughout northern Arizona

Roger Ely, who organized the event, hopes to have some of the other services for the event in the future. Such as veterinary services. At this event, clothing was issued and there was a lunch provided. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation provided a bag with toiletries.

Several volunteer services join together to provide services to veterans at the Stand Down Outreach. Clothing and other personal items were also handed out.

Warrior to Inspector School and Catholic Charities at the Veteran Stand Down Outreach.

For housing assistance, representatives of the Veterans Resource Center and Catholic Charities were available. The Veterans Resource has a 40-year history of assisting homeless and extremely low income veterans and has offices in California and Nevada as well as Arizona. In Arizona they have offices in Flagstaff, Prescott and Bullhead City. You can check their web site at http://www.vetsresource.org. Catholic Charities also has services for homeless veterans and rent assistance. Representing this service agency was Rocky Coronado who works out of the Prescott office. He can be reached at 928-778-2531 extension 54012. The office is at 434 W. Gurley Street in Prescott.

Information on training was provided by the WAR2IN (Warrior to Inspector) vocational school. This is a relatively new program, also available to civilians, to certify you as industry level welding, steel welding and high strength bolt inspector using the latest technology. Some training occurs in the field. Semesters start on January and July 15th. They are currently waiting for approval to accept payments through the GI Bill. There may be other assistance, however, to help you pay the tuition which could land you a good-paying job in industry. You can check out their web site at http://www.war2in.org.

Employment information was provided by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. If you are seeking a job, or a better job, they are located at 1701 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff. Go in and see Workforce Specialist Amanda Harris or call 928-213-3536. You can see their web site for locations throughout Arizona at http://www.azdvs.gov.

Mike Rioux (second from left), Service Officer for the Matthew Broehm VFW in Williams, provides services at the Veteran Stand Down. His services are available any time during the year at the downtown mall in Williams.

Mike Rioux, Service Officer for the local Matthew Broehm VFW Post in the mall, was on hand to provide service for veterans, such as obtaining DD-214s. He provides this and other services to veterans all year. He can be contacted through the Hope For the World ministry also located in the mall.

There were services for the things we do not like to think about. It is estimated that 22 veterans take their own lives each day. If you are contemplating suicide or are experiencing a drug problem, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also text 838255 for help.

Display by Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Representatives were also available from the Camp Navajo Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery inters veterans at no cost and eligible spouses and dependents for a current one-time cost of $734. You can contact Andrew Griffen Administrator at 928-214-3474 or Judy Dillman Cemetery Representative at 928-214-3475 for more information. Information for the Camp Navajo Cemetery can be found at https://dvs.az.gov/arizona-veterans-memorial-cemetery-camp-navajo. General benefit information is available at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/eligible.asp.

The American Legion Cordova Post #13 is, of course, another year-around resource for help. There is, also, an office for the Grand Canyon John Ivens American Legion Post #42 in the mall downtown as well as the office for the Veterans of Foreign Wars post. You can check the DAV web site for a location near you. The Hope For the World ministry is another resource for homeless veterans as well as civilians in Williams and the surrounding area.

The Army National Guard and Bellemont Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery representatives discuss their services.

Perico passed away overnight

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Corrected 8/15; 5:28 a.m.

800-perico-16-05-30-06WILLIAMS — We have learned of the passing of Fedrico “Perico” Avila who passed away at the Peaks in Flagstaff. Mr. Avila had been at the Flagstaff Medical Center for knee surgery and was transferred to the Peaks for rehabilitation. We believe he was 83-years old.

Mr. Avila was a well-known Korean veteran and Chaplain for the American Legion Cordova Post #13. He worked hard to conduct the service for Memorial Day each year in Williams.

He was born in Williams and returned after his service to paint signs around town. During each holiday he was busy painting holiday images on windows adding his unique signature. He was a well-loved person who remained active in the community until his untimely passing.

Our prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow veterans.
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Williams Independence Day parade a smashing success

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640-015-07-04-05WILLIAMS — If Facebook is any gauge, it appears that the historic Route 66 Williams Independence Day parade was a rousing success. Pictures and videos of the parade appeared from Richard Goettel of Phoenix and local resident Brenda Carter. Brenda even caught the Mayor directing traffic.

There was some concern that it might be a wash. Rain came down starting about two hours before the parade, but cleared up. While clouds darkened the city and threatened more rain, it never came.

The parade began with the members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carrying the colors. They were followed by the Vietnam Veterans of America. Smokey the Bear was the parade Grand Marshall.
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The American Legion Post and Vietnam Veterans were joined by the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion and Matthew Broehm VFW Post.
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A new addition is the War Memorial Museum of Arizona in their 1942 WWII half-track.640-15-07-04-16It would not be a Williams parade without the Bill Williams Mountain Men—official ambassadors of the State of Arizona, the tractors and the classic cars.
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640-15-07-04-34It was good to see Bearizona in the parade this year. The were promoting their upcoming Backwoods BBQ July 25.

640-15-07-04-11Save Meant to Rescue had a tremendous float this year. They get our vote for Number 1. They were surrounded by pets rescued by new owners.

Overall the parade was the best we can remember.
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Williams remembers those who passed

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20150525aaWILLIAMS — After the graduations, the parade, the roping and all of the other Memorial weekend activities, Williams ended with a memorial service to honor those who went to serve our country and did not return.
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Veterans and the families of loved ones who have passed gathered in the Williams Cemetery to honor their memory. The solemn occasion was accompanied with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps by Lu Carle. Volunteers assisted in the placing of flags to mark the resting places of veterans. Some with only a small marker to indicate their presence.
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The event was scheduled by “Perico” Avila and the American Legion Cordova Post #13. Father Killian of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church gave the invocation.

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, we could not get the names of all of the participants.

Williams says good-bye to Run for the Wall

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Corrected 5/14/2015, 11:59 p.m.
640-AL-15-05-13-02WILLIAMS — The sun was lower than normal as The Riders of the 2015 Run For The Wall event rolled into town later than usual. They even managed to miss the snow predicted for this weekend.

Run for the Wall has stopped exclusively in Williams in the past. For the last two years, the group has split with some proceeding to Flagstaff as the popularity of the event grows. The Williams group conducted their normal parade down historic Route 66.

After which they formed up at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 where volunteers from the community served dinner and deserts for the riders.

The American Legion dedicated the event to the memory of the late Richard Aguilar. Richard was a member of the post and worked hard every year to make this event successful.
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Rain did come the next morning as they gathered to have breakfast at the Wild West Junction. Mayor John Moore has been supportive of the event since he took office. He even came out in the blizzard of 2011 that met the group when they arrived.

640-RunWall-15-05-14-11The annual event is run to keep the memory of prisoners of war and those missing in action alive. There was some good news in 2014 with the remains of 14 Vietnam Veterans located and returned and their names removed from the Vietnam Veterans memorial.

Walt “Detour” Reichard is a Vietnam Veteran from Virginia and the Virginia State Coordinator for Run For The Wall. His motorcycle reflects the dedication of the rider of this event right down to his license plate. It reads simply “R4TW.”

Walt said that he makes the ride from Virginia to California only to return on this ten-day ride because he appreciates the dedication of this group. He is a seven-time veteran of the ride.

Sadly, many of the Vietnam veterans are either getting too old to ride or are passing away. The event organizers have opened up the event and active-duty military and some civilians have been making the memorial ride.

Run for the Wall motorcade arrives today

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UPDATED 5/13, 9:21 a.m.
WILLIAMS — The motorcycle riders of Run for the Wall will arrive today as their first stop on their ride to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington. The riders goal is to bring attention to the plight of those real prisoners of war and missing in action from all wars. They also honor those active-duty military who carry on the tradition.

On the east coast, Rolling Thunder serves the same function.

Each year the riders plan their journey to reach the Vietnam Memorial in Washington on Memorial Day meeting up with Rolling Thunder.

The riders will stop in Williams tonight to eat at the American Legion Cordova Post #13. They will depart early tomorrow morning after a breakfast provided by Wild West Junction and served by the Kiwanis Club of Williams.

The event was formed by Vietnam Veterans and included them and their families on the ride. The last few years, however, others—including active-duty military—have joined in the ride. The organizers of the event now invite everyone to ride for those who can’t.

Clean and Beautiful campaign good this year

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Volunteers direct the operation at the Williams Visitor Center.

Volunteers direct the operation at the Williams Visitor Center.

WILLIAMS — The Williams Clean and Beautiful campaign seemed to do better this year though they went up against the opening of the Williams little league baseball season.
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Still there were a few more bags lining the streets, this year, and a number of residents took advantage of the extra waste and electronics recycle dump at the Williams transfer station and Rodeo Barn.

American Legion post members man the barbeque.

American Legion post members man the barbeque.

After picking up, the workers enjoyed a lunch provided by the members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13.

Clean and Beautiful workers relax after the event.

Clean and Beautiful workers relax after the event.


It seems they finished just in time as the clouds were moving in and a 30% chance of thunderstorms exist today.