At the Silent Wings Museum on Wednesday, Texas State Representative Randy Nagabower helped honor two South Plains veterans for their service in World War II and the Vietnam War.
“Basically, I was standing next to heroes,” Nagabower said. “People that had served in the Vietnam War and World War II and that they just didn’t serve, you know, as you saw they did acts of valor and heroism and you know it’s such a great honor to get to be a part of that. It’s nice to be able to help recognize service to our country.”
Sergeant First Class Jessie Rendon was awarded the Bronze Star in honor of his service in ground operations in Vietnam against enemy fire. He said he has been waiting for this moment for over 40 years. He served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry in the U.S. Army.
ARM2C Navy veteran Andy Winnegar received service medals for his service in multiple tours during World War II.
“To be rewarded for something you did as a teenager, that you didn’t think a whole lot of at the time, you know, and to get that reward at, near the end of your life is very humbling,” Winnegar said.
Nagabower said ceremonies like this help remind the public of where our freedom came from.
“Some of them paid the ultimate sacrifice, some of them put themselves in harms way and saved lives,” Nagabower said. “So I think it’s important for us to remember as a country is that we have to make sure that we honor that commitment and also to be an inspiration for those to come in the future as well.”
