On Sunday, Sgt. Vic Thibeault, vice commander of VFW Post 10789 of Brentwood had the honor to proudly carry the colors through the tunnel at the Oakland Raiders game.
Sgt. Thibeault, of Pittsburg, (US Army Retired) carried the flag after receiving a call from First Sergeant Washburn, a solider he served with 12-years ago, who was unable to attended due to his family having a baby. Sgt. Washburn is currently stationed in Washington at Ft. Lewis.
The flag carried by Thibeault was a flag that was carried in Afghanistan.
“I got lucky, he called me after this many years and asked me to do it for him so I couldn’t say no,” said Thibeault. “It’s exciting; I thought it’s an honor to be able to do it for all the guys out here. It’s a special honor for me. I don’t know how I always get picked to do this stuff, but it had to do with my service on duty and other soldiers respecting me and wanting me to have those duties. It’s an honor to represent other soldiers.”
Thibeault explained that they wanted him to wear a uniform while carrying the flag, but since he is retired, he didn’t think that was appropriate, instead, he wanted to represent the VFW.
“It wasn’t set up by the VFW, but I wanted to give them credit since they do so much in the local community,” explained Thibeault. “I was representing the 10th Mountain Division, VFW Post 10789 as I am the senior vice chair. We do a lot of stuff in the community that gets overlooked. A lot of people don’t see the good things we do because we don’t go run around telling everyone. We try and do good things for good people.”
Thibeault further highlighted that the VFW tries to help veterans of all ages and they just want to do their part in the community. As a wounded warrior Thibeault says he always try and represent them veterans and the military right way and honor the sacrifice who came before us and paid the price.
“I did this for other veterans; I want the veterans to know I respect them and everything they have given who even allowed me to do this. A lot veterans do not get the recognition they deserve,” explained Thibeault.
Thibeault was given two tickets which he ended up inviting Josh Hollensworth who served in Iraq. He wanted to take an older veteran, but was limited in choices because they could not all run onto the field.
For more on the VFW Post 10789 of Brentwood click here.
Dec. 12: Wreaths Across America
For the first time the Union Cemetery in Brentwood will be participating in Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony on Saturday, December 12 at 9AM. This ceremony is coordinated by Anne Loucks Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution with support of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 10789 and the Union Cemetery. The event is open to the public.
They are currently looking for folks who want to participate to ensure wreaths are placed on all 300 veteran’s graves. Wreaths are ordered from Wreaths Across America located in Maine and are delivered the day before the ceremony. The last day to purchase a wreath is on November 30.
Wreaths can be purchased directly through wreathsacrossamerica.org and VFW Post 10789 (www.vfw10789.org), Commander Steve Todd (415) 722-0923. You can also contact location coordinator Diane McLean at (925) 858-9075 for more information.
All photographs provided by Sgt. Vic Thibeault
