Members of VVA Chapter #1069 attended the Highway Naming Ceremony for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War Veteran, Roy P. Benavidez. The Ceremony was held on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, at the El Campo, Civic Center.
Above photo shows (left to right standing behind the hwy sign) Wo & Msgt from the 5th Group, CW5 Tony Goble and Msgt Juan Barocio - they both represent the active Army 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, stationed at Ft. Campbell Kentucky. Next is the Mayor of El Campo and finally far right is State Representative, Phil Stevenson. Click on photo for a larger image.
A 15 mile portion of State Highway 71 leading North out of El Campo, was dedicated in memory of Msgt Roy P. Benevedez. The portion of SH 71 between its intersection with the Colorado County line and Farm-to-Market Road 2765 (also know as the North Loop in El Campo) was dedicated as the "Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway". The roadway is commonly known as Highway 71 North. The dedication started at 10:00 AM and lasted till 2:00 PM.
CLICK HERE to View a Map Showing the 15 mile length of State Higway 71 that has been dedicated as the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway.
Benavidez served in Vietnam in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) 1st Special Forces in 1968. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1981 by President Regan. The ceremony was hosted by a retired Sgt Major (name unknown). Members of the Green Berets attended the event. Also, many Former Special Forces Personnel were in attendance.
The guest speakers included the following:
Also present was the Mayor of El Campo and the El Campo Police Chief.
VVA Chapter 1069 members that attended the ceremony included Augie Limas, Philip Castro, Leroy Bacak and Paul Francoeur. Much thanks to those VVA Chapter 1069 members who attended the ceremony, and to Paul Francoeur for providing all the photos and much of the detailed content in this report.
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Local area Vietnam veteran, Master Sergeant Raul (Roy) Perez Benavidez (August 5, 1935 – November 29, 1998) was a former member of the United States Army Special Forces (Studies and Observations Group) and retired United States Army master sergeant who received the Medal of Honor (1981) for his valorous actions in combat near Loc Ninh, South Vietnam, May 2, 1968. |
NOTE: CLICK ON ANY PHOTO BELOW TO VIEW A LARGER PHOTO!
Above photo shows the Colonel From the El Campo, Texas National Guard, at the podeum. They presented the Gideon Flag to the NG Company in El Campo
Above photo shows Wo & Msgt from the 5th Group - CW5 Tony Goble (far left) and Msgt Juan Barocio (far right). Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tony Goble and Msgt Juan Barocio represented the active Army 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, stationed at Ft. Campbell Kentucky. Chapter member Paul Francoeur is shown in center of photo.
Above photo shows Sgm Foisner (cousin of Roy Benavidez) with chapter member Paul Francoeur.
Above photo shows two Reps from the Special Forces Association out of San Antonio with chapter member Paul Francoeur (center).
Above photo shows chapter member Augie Limas on the motorcycle, and chapter member Philip Castro (black vest, 2nd from right) participating in the Honor Guard.
