Lions Club commemorates Pearl Harbor
Col. Mark H. Landes, far right, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, speaks with members of the Downtown El Paso Lions Club at the annual Pearl Harbor Day luncheon honoring America’s past and present service members. Photo by Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.
Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez,
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs:
Honoring service members’ commitment to duty, personal sacrifice and courage, both past and present, are some things most people take for granted. However, for members of the El Paso Lions Club, honoring the military every Dec. 7 is always a significant event.
This year, more than 50 members of the local Lions Club gathered for a ceremony Friday to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Guest speaker for the event was Col. Mark H. Landes, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and a seasoned field commander of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Landes’ presentation included a short video he acquired while deployed in Afghanistan. Through the video he shared not only words, but graphic combat experiences with the club members.
“Although America continues to contribute resources, there are still many places without electricity and modern infrastructure in Afghanistan,” said Landes.
Club members asked numerous questions about Afghanistan and said they were very impressed with Landes’ profound and informative remarks of Afghanistan.
“It is so hard to imagine that much of the world is still so primitive,” said Sandy Gibson, member of the El Paso Downtown Lions Club.
During his presentation Landes praised past and present service members.
“Rest assured there are still young men and women within America’s Nintendo generation, who are willing to step forward and serve this nation just as their predecessors. Don’t be misled by what you hear about today’s American youth. Trust me when I say there are many eighteen to twenty two year olds ready to serve,” said Landes.
Club members said they were appreciative of those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who serve the nation.
“We are amazingly grateful to Col. Landes for entertaining our questions and being straight forward about our military. This luncheon was very meaningful and gratifying to our organization as this helps sustain a positive relationship with the U.S. Army, Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community,” said Wilder “Mac” Snodgrass, program co-chairman, El Paso Downtown Lions Club.
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