He’s the World War II veteran that gets things done. He’s there when you need him, helps set up for events and long after it’s over, he’s there to lend a helping hand breaking down.
Gilroy Mayor Don Gage presented World War II veteran Frank Sanchez with the American Legion Post No. 217 Member of the Year Award during a recent sold-out annual fundraiser and member recognition at the Veterans Memorial Building.
“Over the years (Frank Sanchez) been very accommodating and generous to us,” said Ray Sanchez, adjutant, who had those words to say about his sibling, one of seven Sanchez brothers to serve the United States military.
The honor bestowed on the Gilroyan recognizes veterans and their membership contributions to the American Legion Post, according to Sanchez.
Last year’s event honored members with 50 to 75 years of history in the club. The 2014 event paid homage to the 40-to-50 year members, Sanchez said.
Gavilan College students will eventually reap the benefits from the event. Funds raised go toward scholarships to offset the cost of college expenses: an estimated $2,000 administered for nursing, $1,000 for the Raymond Valadez Memorial Science Scholarship for a student majoring in science, $500 for mathematics and other several hundred dollar contributions.
American Legion members have learned to brace for a sold-out crowd comprised of about half members, half general public, according to Sanchez.
“Each time it’s a sold-out crowd,” Sanchez said. “We do our best to help out the students out at Gavilan, and so far so good. The community has supported us.”
Gage has been a big supporter of the American Legion, Sanchez said.
“(Mayor Don Gage) and his wife, Jeanne, are big supporters of the American Legion, and hopefully they’ll be there again next year,” Sanchez said.
State Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, bestowed certificates to the honoree in the past.
More about Frank Sanchez’s military history
Sanchez’s family arrived in Gilroy in 1937 in the area that now houses Kaiser Permanente Gilroy Medical Offices, where he attended local schools at St. Jordan and Wheeler before moving on to work in agriculture. He left for the Army alongside fellow Gilroyans Manuel Aceves, Santos Valdez and Gabriel Chaveda. He was shipped overseas, where he served as a .50 caliber quad machine gun operator during World War II.
Sanchez served the country in England, Omaha Beach and Holland, among others. He was sent home with an honorable discharge with honors including World War II Victory Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon and the American Campaign Medal.
Following World War Ii, Sanchez returned to Gilroy and worked a variety of jobs, landing at onion and garlic dehydrator C.B. Gentry. His involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6309 in Gilroy spans many years, and he has served on the Honor Guard and Color Guard for more than 35 years and a member of American Legion Gilroy Post No. 217 for 25 years.
In addition, Sanchez’s family tradition includes participation in those organizations. His son Jesse served as commander of the VFW, and his brother Ray serves as Adjutant of the American Legion Post No. 217. Frank is one of seven Sanchez brothers to serve the United States military, the latest being his grandson Jason, preparing for a tour of duty with the Army Reserve.
