(Photographs & Captions by Jose Luis Torres CWV Historian)
This Veterans Day November 11th 2013 is a special day for all veterans. We must remember and honor them. They all fulfilled their duties in their own capacities in times of war and peace. All veterans are brothers at heart because when they joined the military they pledged an oath of allegiance to defend the Constitution of the United States of America in order to protect our way of life. When they signed on the dotted line they pledged to defend this great nation giving of themselves their soul, their body, up to and including their life. We are the greatest nation in the world because throughout our history regular men and women have stepped up when our country called. If you know a veteran please tell him or her thank you for their service. We must never forget that they put their civilian lives on hold while they courageously served our country. Some gave the ultimate sacrifice and because of them we are blessed with the freedoms we enjoy today.
16 Million veterans participated in WW2, approximately 1 million are alive today. They are dieing at a rate of about 600 a day. Here at the Catholic War Veterans Post 770 Weslaco, Texas we are attempting to pay tribute to them one at a time. Below is a great patriot, PFC Jessie Arriaga of Progreso, Texas. Right after the Germans surrendered ending WW2 he participated in the occupation of Germany for a tour of duty. He was with Co. 'C' 357th Military Police Battalion. What follows is a small narrative of his life.
He was born in Donna, Texas on June 11, 1926. Before joining the Army he worked for Western Union in Donna delivering telegrams on his bicycle. He also worked as a house to house salesman selling Chester shoes.
Then in 1945 his draft number came up. He immediately reported for duty and was inducted into the Army. He went through basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, did further training at Fort Ord, California before being shipped overseas to Germany.
Russia occupied eastern Germany and the U.S., France and Great Britain occupied the western part of Germany. Their mission was to help in the reconstruction of Germany. They helped in getting the manufacturing base back up and running, reconnecting vital utilities such as water and electricity. Re-opening hospitals, helping displaced people settle back in and helping city governments organize and try to get back to normal. PFC Arriagas Unit would guard supply trains as they transported necessary food and equipment between military posts.
After his enlistment was up he studied under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. He then worked in California in a furniture repair company, then he worked in Alvin, Texas as an oil pipeline worker. He finally returned to the Rio Grande Valley got a job at Sears & Roebuck and worked there for 34 years until he retired. Presently he lives in Progreso, Texas.
16 Million veterans participated in WW2, approximately 1 million are alive today. They are dieing at a rate of about 600 a day. Here at the Catholic War Veterans Post 770 Weslaco, Texas we are attempting to pay tribute to them one at a time. Below is a great patriot, PFC Jessie Arriaga of Progreso, Texas. Right after the Germans surrendered ending WW2 he participated in the occupation of Germany for a tour of duty. He was with Co. 'C' 357th Military Police Battalion. What follows is a small narrative of his life.
He was born in Donna, Texas on June 11, 1926. Before joining the Army he worked for Western Union in Donna delivering telegrams on his bicycle. He also worked as a house to house salesman selling Chester shoes.
Then in 1945 his draft number came up. He immediately reported for duty and was inducted into the Army. He went through basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, did further training at Fort Ord, California before being shipped overseas to Germany.
Russia occupied eastern Germany and the U.S., France and Great Britain occupied the western part of Germany. Their mission was to help in the reconstruction of Germany. They helped in getting the manufacturing base back up and running, reconnecting vital utilities such as water and electricity. Re-opening hospitals, helping displaced people settle back in and helping city governments organize and try to get back to normal. PFC Arriagas Unit would guard supply trains as they transported necessary food and equipment between military posts.
After his enlistment was up he studied under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. He then worked in California in a furniture repair company, then he worked in Alvin, Texas as an oil pipeline worker. He finally returned to the Rio Grande Valley got a job at Sears & Roebuck and worked there for 34 years until he retired. Presently he lives in Progreso, Texas.
Portrait of Mr. Jessie Arriaga as a Catholic War Veteran.
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| In Mr. Arriagas front yard he proudly displays the American flag. |
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| He also has the Texas flag flying. |
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| Walking into his covered patio he has the Texas flag. |
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| Inside his covered patio he also has the American and Texas flags. |
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| By the front door to his home he has a small shrine. |
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| Inside his home Mr. Arriaga greets me with a smile. |
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| A little under the weather because of a recent fall, his spirits are still up. |
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| His west wall is decorated with patriotic memorabilia. |
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| The kitchen counter also displays a patriotic setting. |
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| A proud American his east wall is also Red, White & Blue. |
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| His south wall also displays love of country. |
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| Mr. Arriaga gave back to his community as a Knapp Medical Center volunteer for 50 years. |
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| Knapp Medical Center Awards Mr. Arriaga a plaque for 50 years as a volunteer. |
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| Mr. Arriaga worked for Sears & Roebuck for 34 years, this is his 30 year pin. |
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| Catholic War Veterans of Weslaco recognize Mr. Arriaga for his military service. |
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| PFC Jessie Arriaga 1945. Remember that the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of brave men and women who answered the call of duty yesterday, those who answer the call of duty today and those who will answer the call of duty tomorrow! |
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| PFC Jessie Arriaga with comrades in 1945. |
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| PFC Jessie Arriaga Germany 1945. |
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| Weslaco Catholic War Veterans commander Richard Lopez presents Mr. Arriaga with a copy of his mini pictorial biography. |
