SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 20, 2025) – Prior to the start of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 hosted its annual MLK Day Veterans Coffee Social at the post.
Veterans and active-duty personnel from all services visited for coffee and pastries courtesy of the post and TJ Caters and Events.
According to Post Commander Burrell Parmer, the purpose of the event was to enhance communication and foster bonds among veterans, active-duty servicemembers and Guard/ Reserve personnel within the city.
“The start of the MLK March is exactly one block from our post,” said Parmer, who serves as the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission representative for District 2. “As this is Military City USA™, we wanted to host an activity that brings together all parts of the military family.”
Special guests included U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35) and staff from U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s office (TX-28); Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Randy Oakland and JBSA Command Chief Master Sgt. Gilda Alexander; city Military and Veterans Affairs director Ret. Marine Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, chairman of the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission Richard Delgado, and JBSA Military Ambassadors.
Special guests from the Department of Texas were Vice Commander (3rd Division) Danny Muth and 20th District Commander Eric Mayer.
A guest appearance was made by Travis Williams, founder and CEO of HBCU All-Stars, LLC., who promoted the 4th Annual Men’s HBCU All-Star Game and inaugural Women’s HBCU All-Star Game to be held at the Freeman Coliseum April 6.
After the coffee social, attendees walked to the start of the MLK March, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and ended at Pittman-Sullivan Park.
The MLK Commemorative Program included a main stage with multicultural performances, a health and wellness area, a youth area, food and merchandise vendors, and information booths.
The commemorative speaker was Arndrea Waters King, civil rights activist and wife of Martin Luther King III, whose remarks centered on the march’s theme: "We Are the Dream ... It Takes All of Us.”
According to San Antonio MLK Commission Chairman Dwayne Robinson, the annual MLK March brings together people for all walks of life with the purpose of promoting human equality, principles of nonviolence, understanding and acceptance of racial harmony, and respect and goodwill, which builds community among all citizens of San Antonio.
The mission of Fred Brock Post 828 is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.
