FEATURED: Serenity Alamia awaits with anticipation with her father, Dr. Luis “Louie” G. Alamia, PT, DPT, for the announcement at Edinburg City Hall on Thursday, February 15, 2024, that her late paternal grandfather, Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., was one of 13 Edinburg residents who were being honored for their “extraordinary public service or exemplary contribution.” The videotape of the ceremony is available online at:
http://www.facebook.com/CityOfEdinburgGovernment/videos/1925701347832603
Photograph By CAMERON ALSTON
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Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., and 12 other Edinburg residents, are honored by citizens and Mayor/City Council as Hometown Heroes for “extraordinary public service or exemplary contribution”
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]
As a member of the Edinburg school board, Dr. Luis “Louie” G. Alamia, PT, DPT, takes great pleasure and experiences hometown pride when he and his fellow trustees publicly honor citizens and/or families – often students, teachers, staff and administrators – for their impressive achievements and accomplishments.
(In general, the difference between “achievement” and “accomplishment” is that an achievement is a goal that has been reached, and an accomplishment is an initiative, task, project, job, etc. that has been completed.)
But on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Alamia – a seasoned public speaker – was almost at a loss for words when he appeared before the Edinburg City Council to receive an honor on behalf of his late father, Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., who was nominated by citizens as one of 13 “Hometown Heroes” for 2024.
A “Hometown Hero” is an Edinburg resident who has gone above and beyond for the community – someone who, even when no one is watching, serves tirelessly, shows kindness, and has a servant’s heart that always put their neighbors before themselves, according to city leaders.
“Good evening. My name is Luis Gabriel Alamia, (Luis Antonio) Louie Alamia’s son. The first thing I did when I got in here was to tell Coach (Javier) Garza (Director of Parks & Recreation, and Master of Ceremonies for the event), ‘Don’t put me first,’” said Dr. Alamia. “I don’t know what to say. I just picked up my daughter. So I’lll make it as brief and simple as I can.”
But since the names of the 13 “Hometown Heroes” were beingrevealed in alphabetical order during a special meeting of the Edinburg City Council, Dr. Alamia was first in line to come to the podium, on behalf of Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., before the packed Council Chamber at Edinburg City Hall.
“Dad said it best: ‘…never forget your roots, never forget where you come from, and always be thankful each and every day that God has placed you here in the memory and in the presence of your family and friends, and always be good. Always do good. No matter what happens, always do good,’” Dr. Alamia recalled his father’s advice.
“We want to thank you, City of Edinburg, city councilmembers, for this tremendous honor,” Dr. Alamia continued. “Thank God for keeping us safe and free from harm, to continue to work and do good for our community.”
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According to the biography provided by the city:
• “Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., is remembered as a leader in the City of Edinburg. A born and raised member of the community, Mr. Alamia served as a St. Joseph Catholic Church member and an educator at the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. He consistently put the needs of others before his own, and his devotion to his family and the community are exemplified by that dedication.
• “Mr. Alamia graduated from Edinburg High School with athletic honors and attended New Mexico Highlands University and Pan American University. He would later earn the title of ‘Prince of Thieves’ as a baseball player after having set a national NAIA record for stolen bases at New Mexico Highlands.
(NAIA stands for The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.)
• “At Highlands, he continued to break several records before returning home to finish his career in baseball at Pan American. Mr. Alamia went on to play semi-pro ball for number of years, and was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
• “Mr. Alamia continued his career at ECISD as a social studies teacher and later as head baseball coach. After leaving Edinburg for a few years, he became an administrator and returned to Edinburg High School as Assistant Principal. He would later transfer to Edinburg North High School in 1991 as an Assistant Principal, where he retired in 2013.
• “Mr. Alamia’s legacy lies through the Luis A. Alamia, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, set up for student athletes in the Edinburg School District.”
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The annual recognition, first begun by then-Mayor Richard Molina in 2021, comes from the fact that Edinburg is rich in history with hometown heroes [and] congressional award winners,” said then-City Manager Ron Garza. “We think of traditional heroes, but we also have many, many community heroes.”
During the Thursday, February 15, 2024 unveiling of Edinburg’s 2024 class of “Hometown Heroes”, Mayor Ramiro Garza said that all of the individuals who have been so praised during the past four years brought great honor to the city.
“Each person who is being recognized has something to do with not just putting Edinburg on the map, but with making Edinburg a better place. I know this is often said that ‘not all heroes wear capes’,” the mayor said. “It can be a teacher, it can be a coach, it can be a president of a university, it can be a resident who is making a difference in peoples’ lives in our community.”
The ceremony is available online at:
http://www.facebook.com/CityOfEdinburgGovernment/videos/1925701347832603
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The “Hometown Heroes” for 2024, in alphabetic order, are:
Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr.
Luis Antonio Alamia, Jr., is remembered as a leader in the City of Edinburg. A born and raised member of the community, Mr. Alamia served as a St. Joseph Catholic Church member and an educator at the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. He consistently put the needs of others before his own, and his devotion to his family and the community are exemplified by that dedication.
Mr. Alamia graduated from Edinburg High School with athletic honors and attended New Mexico Highlands University and Pan American University. He would later earn the title of “Prince of Thieves” as a baseball player after having set a national NAIA record for stolen bases at New Mexico Highlands.
(NAIA stands for The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.)
At Highlands, he continued to break several records before returning home to finish his career in baseball at Pan American. Mr. Alamia went on to play semi-pro ball for number of years, and was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mr. Alamia continued his career at ECISD as a social studies teacher and later as head baseball coach. After leaving Edinburg for a few years, he became an administrator and returned to Edinburg High School as Assistant Principal. He would later transfer to Edinburg North High School in 1991 as an Assistant Principal, where he retired in 2013.
Mr. Alamia’s legacy lies through the Luis A. Alamia, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, set up for student athletes in the Edinburg School District.
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Dan “The Man” Cárdenas
Coaching was Dan Cárdenas’ calling. Sports were his passion, and passing on his knowledge and expertise was a natural fit.
A longtime native of Edinburg, Coach Cárdenas proudly led our children to many victories as an educator and mentor dedicated to teaching teamwork and humility. Not only did he coach at all three of Edinburg’s middle schools in a span of 23 years, he also volunteered his time and energy to serve our community as a City of Edinburg Little League Baseball coach.
Coach Cárdenas encouraged everyone he came in contact with to do their best in life, stressing education above all else. His former athletes remember him fondly, from his sense of humor to his easy-going demeanor. Coach Cárdenas refused to give up on his students and encouraged them to believe in themselves, creating an environment where they knew they could rely on his advice and understanding.
Those who knew Dan “The Man” Cárdenas remember him as a lighthearted man. His immense love for his family, friends and calling was felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Now, as adults, his children follow in his footsteps – serving the City of Edinburg as educators as well.
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Master Sgt. José M. Charles
Master Sgt. José M. Charles is a true Edinburg hometown hero. He dedicated 24 years of service to the U.S. Army Airborne, undertaking two tours of Vietnam in 1964 and 1971.
Additionally, Mr. Charles served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army and the US Strike Command, contributing to the Space Program. His remarkable commitment to public service extended beyond the military. Following his military tenure he transitioned to a 25-year career as the ROTC instructor at the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District from 1982 to 2007. As ROTC instructor, he continued to impact his community by mentoring and preparing the next generation for military service.
Some of his former students have gone to become ROTC instructors, reflecting the enduring legacy of Mr. Charles’ dedication ad leadership.
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Carlos Guerra
Committed to a lifetime of community involvement, Carlos Guerra has consistently demonstrated compassion and selfless dedication to the needs of others as a leading member of the 4-H and FFA community.
(Texas 4-H is a club for young people ages eight to 18 in grades three to 12. As the largest youth development program in the Lone Star State, reaching more than 550,000 public-school age students. FFA is the Future Farmers of America, an American non-profit career and technical student organization, which offers middle and high school classes that promote and support agricultural education.)
Mr. Guerra’s family founded the “La Muñeca” brand in 1873, and he began his own career in the registered cattle business with his first 4-H project: a Red Angus bull named Pancho. His involvement in registered cattle, 4-H, and FFA has helped Rio Grande Valley youths in their own journeys in the industry ever since.
Mr. Guerra and his wife, whose name is Sister, created La Muñeca Cattle Company, a family-owned and operated cattle ranch. For 30 years, Mr. Guerra and his family have hosted the La Muñeca Field Day, an annual event held on the first Saturday of October, that allows children from all over South Texas to compete in various livestock contests.
Mr. and Mrs. Guerra assisted with the inception of the Linn-San Manuel Community Improvement Corporation, raising funds to support Brewster School, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and the Linn-San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department Both were instrumental in the formation of the South Texas Agricultural Roundup and first hosted the Star Gala at La MuñecaRanch.
In memory of his late brother Víctor, Mr. Carlos Guerra created a scholarship fund for graduating seniors from Edinburg and San Isidro to assist with the financing of their college careers. Mr. Guerra remains a pillar in the agricultural community to this day.
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Lewis Lodico
Lewis Lodico’s selfless dedication to the Edinburg Fire Department has impacted the entire community.
A longtime Edinburg resident, Mr. Lodico began his service with the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department on September 8, 1952. Over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, he has served as lieutenant, a captain, and an assistant chief. Those who come in contact with Mr. Lodico says he is the epitome of a “Hometown Hero”, and he currently serves as Chief Emeritus, the highest honor in the department. Lewis continues to make history by serving longer than any other volunteer firefighter in the State of Texas.
Mr. Lodico also serves the community as a a local business owner. Lodico Electronics, an Edinburg staple for more than 60 years, assists local law enforcement entities in servicing their emergency vehicles with dependable two-way radio communications equipment. His business has proven valuable to local organizations, businesses and more.
Lewis Lodico has positively reflected and exemplified the city’s mission, vision, and ideals throughout his life. He is a role model and a leader to Edinburg citizens – young and old. The safety of the community remains a priority, and his dedication is a testament to his hard work.
Mr. Lodico is a member of St. Joseph Church, where he married Sharon Raders in 1960. He has raised four children through Edinburg schools and Pan American University.
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Homer Martínez, Sr.
HomerMartínez, Sr., a fierce advocate for cross country athletes, is in his 52nd year of mentoring state-level UIL student-athletes in Cross Country and Track and Field.
A state gold medalist member of the 1964 and 1965 back-t0-back UIL state championship Cross Country teams for Falfurrias High School, Mr. Martínez’ 1600 personal record of 4.10.0 ranked 6th in the United States. He would later join Texas A&I University in Kingsville as a scholarship athlete, and was recently inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame Texas A&I Athletic Hall of Fame at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
After become Head Boys Cross Country and Track coach for the Edinburg High School Bobcats, Mr. Martínez coached seven consecutive state-qualifying boys’ cross-country teams, including the 1977 5A Cross Country State Champions and 1980-81 state runners-up.
During his career he has coached 18 district team titles, eight regional team championships and one state champion, as well as six UIL State 5A-6A individual boys and girls champions. Mr. Martínez has been the head Cross Country coach at Edinburg North High School since 1991.
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Martiniano Martínez, Jr.
Martiniano Martínez, Jr. has worked for the City of Edinburg’s Parks and Recreation Department since 1984. As Family Recreation Supervisor and Chief Instructor of Fighting Arts, Mr. Martínez has mentored, coached, and instructed thousands of children throughout the city.
Mr. Martínez has been recognized by the National Hispanic Martial Arts Association, Inc., for his tireless contributions to Martial Arts, and is a Grand Master, holding theInternational Rank of Black Belt 8th Dan in the art of Karate. He is also the founder and creator of the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Rogue Boxing and Mixed Martial Artsteams.
However, Mr. Martínez’ impact on the community runs far deeper than martial arts. In 2009, he and his staff donated one turkey to a recreation member in need. A few years later, the number of turkeys that Mr. Martínez’ staff handed out on Thanksgiving grew, creating what is now known as the Edinburg Cares Food Drive. This program has since grown to become one of the largest Thanksgiving food charity events in South Texas.
Mr. Martínez also contributed to the development of the Edinburg 10K, and the creation of the Miracle Mile and Fun Run. MartinianoMartínez’ efforts and contribution within the Parks and Recreation Department has shined a bright light on the community throughout his 40 years of public service for the City of Edinburg.
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Dr. Miguel A. Nevárez
Dr. Miguel A. Nevárez served as President of the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) for more than two decades, from 1981 to his retirement in 2004. Dr. Nevárez was responsible for substantial progress at the university and earned the high regard of his colleagues and community for the institution’s numerous education gains throughout his tenure. Dr. Nevárez became the first Hispanic president of UTPA, and is the longest-seated Hispanic president in any college or university in the United States.
Dr. Nevárez oversaw the merger of Pan American University into the UT System in 1989. His work at the institution increased enrollment by a remarkable 75 percent, and added more than 30 new degree programs, including baccalaureate programs in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering.
In addition, his leadership led to the inclusion of the first doctoral programs available to university students in international business and education. His tenure catapulted the University of Texas-Pan American, now known as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, into the position that it now hold as one of the nation’s major universities.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan honored Dr. Nevárez at the White House Rose Garden for his educational leadership. In 2013, the U.S. Congress followed suit by naming a federal building in his honor. His contributions continue to change the lives of South Texas students.
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Federico “Fred” Palacios
Fred Palacios, a well-known Rio Grande Valley businessman, started his first business in agriculture in 1961, employing more than 200 employees daily. His work ethic stood out to those who knew him. His colleagues often recall working alongside the Palacios family in the fields throughout the sixties, seventies and eighties.
Mr. Palacios opened Palacios Brothers Contractors alongside his siblings, creating an everlasting business structure. He would later open South-Tex Concrete in 1979, becoming the Valley’s largest concrete company with six plants and a home base in Edinburg. His venture would continue with the opening of Palacios Brothers Contractors Construction in 1990, where they began residential development and home building.
Mr. Palacios has not only built and acquired a number of businesses in Edinburg, he has also given back to his community in various ways. He was a member of the first class of Leadership Edinburg, the first Mexican-American president of the Edinburg Golf Association, and he helped found the first industrial park in Edinburg, where he built his first concrete plant.
His services extended to the City of Edinburg Planning and Zoning Board for more than 15 years, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, which is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.
Fred Palacios is a board of trustee member at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, planning and contributing to the building of its new facility. He is also an active member of the ACTS community.
(ACTS stands for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service in the Roman Catholic Church This community strives to become fully integrated with parish ministries to help foster an energetic congregation engaged in the daily and spiritual needs of our greater communities in service to the Lord.)
Mr. Palacios continues to guide the next generations in Edinburg.
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Miriam Ríos
Miriam Ríos touched countless lives as a teacher with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, and her work continues to impact her student and colleagues.
For 18 years, Mrs. Ríosdedicated her time to the classroom. She is remembered as a kind, positive, and generous person, and in 2012, was named “Teacher of the Year” at Anita Villarreal Elementary. She loved mentoring new teachers and went above and beyond the call of duty for her 4th-grade students.
Mrs. Ríos’ effort brought the community together. As a public servant, Mrs. Ríos volunteered at a number of City of Edinburg events and ACTS retreats. She committed her time to the youth as a youth minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg.
Mrs. Ríos passed away on December 9, 2023, but her legacy lives on. She ignited a passion for learning, integrity, and honesty. Mrs. Ríos’ selfless service and passion prove that her efforts will remain crucial to her students’ lives.
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Tim Smith
Chief Meteorologist Tim Smith has been an integral part of the KRGV Channel 5 News team for more than 35 years. Though he is a native of Indiana, Mr. Smith has called Texas home since 1981. He began his career at KRGV as a Weekend Weathercaster and quickly fell in love with the Valley’s weather. In 1983, Mr. Smith was promoted to Chief Forecaster. In August 2004, he completed Mississippi State’s Broadcast Meteorology Program.
That diploma changed Mr. Smith’s title from Chief Forecaster to Chief Meteorologist. In the Rio Grande Valley, Tim Smith is a household name. He has led KRGV’s weather coverage through hurricanes, tornadoes, freezes, even two snowstorms. His leadership has ensured that residents across the region are able to prepare for anything.
Furthermore, Mr. Smith is an active member of the community. He visits with thousands of school children each year, making presentations about the weather, and is a regular on the civic organization speaking circuit. His project, “Tim’s Coats”, has helped bring in more than 100,000 coats for those in need for more than three decades.
With the Channel 5 Toy Drive, Mr. Smith and several other news team members deliver Christmas gifts to every child in every hospital in the Valley during the Christmas season.
Mr. Smith’s honors include the Silver Apple Award from the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, the Texas Media Award from the National Association of Social Workers, and the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Texas-Pan American. He is a proud Rotarian and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
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René H. Vela
Raised in a family of educators, René H. Vela began his teaching career as a Vocational Agriculture Teacher at Mission High School in 1971. A graduate of Edinburg High School and Texas A&M University, Mr. Vela has long valued the power of education. In 1977, he had the opportunity to return to his high school alma mater, and later moved to Edinburg North High School until his retirement in 2001.
Mr. Vela recalls his 30-year teaching career as the most rewarding years of his life. His work with outstanding teachers and coworkers in the Agriculture Department left an amazing mark on the lives of his students.
The children in his classes were taught leadership skills that would lead them to success in adulthood, and a few went on to receive the American Farmer Award, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Association.
Mr. Vela served as President of the Hidalgo County Youth Show, President of the Rio Grande Valley Agriculture Teachers Association, President of the Area X Agriculture Teachers Association, President of the Edinburg Beef Club, President of the St. Joseph Catholic School Board, Treasurer of the Edinburg Evening Lions Club, and Treasurer of the Rio Grande Valley Simbrah Association.
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Robert Vela
Coach Robert Vela’s impact on the City of Edinburg remains an undoubted force throughout the community. As a young migrant worker, Coach Vela was determined to receive an education and expand opportunities available to him in an effort to break the poverty cycle. Unbeknownst to Coach Vela, his commitment to knowledge would touch the lives of the hundreds of students he worked with by propelling them into their own success.
After graduating from Edinburg High School in 1964, Coach Vela joined the U.S. Air Force just three years later and was honorably discharged in 1971. He then attended Pan American University and later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Texas A&I. Coach Vela began his football coaching career in 1988 when he became the athletic director and head football coach at Edcouch-Elsa. In 1997, Coach Vela returned to his alma mater as head coach of the Edinburg Bobcats. His influence set the football program into motion, and the Bobcats became one of the top teams in the Rio Grande Valley.
Coach Vela spent 10 seasons at the helm of the Bobcats program, and his teams made it to the playoffs seven times, including a trip to the state semifinals in 1999. In his 19 years as a head coach, Coach Vela made the playoffs 14 times. He was named Coach of the Year three times – in 1989, 1990, and 1999.
Though he passed away in 2007, Coach Vela’s legacy lives on. The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District unveiled a brand new high school in 2012 and named it Robert Vela High School in his honor.
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“Hometown Heroes” were recommended by the public earlier this year, with the request form for nominations – which were posted on the city’s website – submitted to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The guidelines for nominees were:
• The person can be living or deceased.
• A business and its owners can be honored that have contributed to the City of Edinburg and its history.
• The person should be a citizen of Edinburg, worked in the City of Edinburg, with the school district, business or city, or been associated (Volunteer, Public Servant) with the City of Edinburg.
• Individuals must have provided “extraordinary public serve or some exemplary contribution” to the public and be associated with the community of Edinburg.
• Individuals selected shall have broad acceptance in multicultural society and have a unique association with the City of Edinburg.
• The naming or didactic (teaching method)may honor a person whose valued contributions to Edinburg have been substantial and sustained over time.
• Did thenominatedperson positively reflect and exemplify the mission, vision, and ideals of Edinburg?
• Did the person make an extraordinary contribution within the fields of education, science, art, business, or philanthropy and/or serve an extraordinary role in the history or as a leader in the community?
• Has the person consistently exhibited exemplary moral character?
• Will the reason for the naming proposal retain significance to the citizens of Edinburg now and in the future?
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