SAMC members strive for
good community relations

Virginia Reza
Monitor Staff

PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA REZA

Members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club along with family members remove trash to clear a path that leads to the “Old Glory Memorial” site located at the Community College Transmountain Campus at the corner of Gateway North and Diana.

Virginia Reza
Monitor Staff

Members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, their families and the El Paso Chapter of the National Flag Foundation teamed up Saturday to remove debris and clear a path which will lead the way to the “Old Glory Memorial” site located at the corner of Diana and Gateway North.

“The Audie Murphy Club is here helping us today and hopefully in the near future we can create a long-term relationship and fulfill other goals,” said Tony Lewis, chairman of the Flag Committee.

Bob Soltis, president of the El Paso Chapter of the National Flag Foundation, a non-profit organization, said the “Old Glory Memorial” honors all those who served the U.S. and those who gave their lives for the freedoms Americans enjoy everyday. When completed, the memorial will include benches, pavilions, trees, a paved road and walkway.

The project started three years ago, but lack of funds delayed the process. One of the fundraisers that will help finish the memorial is the brick program, where engraved bricks can be purchased in memory of someone.

“For example, my wife’s aunt just died and we bought a brick instead of buying flowers and it will be here forever,” said Soltis.

Bricks in the inner ring of the circle can be purchased by companies, organizations, individuals and anyone who would like to sponsor the memorial. The outer brick ring is the Ring of Honor and it is free of charge to the families of those who were killed in action, prisoners of war, missing in action and for Metal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross recipients from any war and are El Pasoans.

“We would like to see the El Paso and Fort Bliss communities become a city of one,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bryon Mulligan, SAMC president. “The philosophy of the club is to bond with the communities in our current duty stations, nationwide and to create a friendly atmosphere.”

Mulligan said gaining trust from the community is very important because in the past, members of the military were viewed as detrimental. He wants people to know their job is not just going to war, but also includes helping people and getting involved in organizations such as the adult protective services, the child crisis center and many other programs.

“That’s what the Army is all about,” said Mulligan. “We don’t just walk around blowing things up.”

Families who have or know members that fall under the aforementioned categories can contact Soltis at 821-0622 or 276-4682.