Poteet vet awarded long-deserved medals

Poteet veteran Rubin Leal was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Korean War Service Medal. LISA LUNA | PLEASANTON EXPRESSDescribed by Congressman Henry Cuellar as “an example of true American patriotism,” lifelong Poteet resident Rubin Leal received two medals for his service in the Korean War. Cuellar made the presentation on Monday, April 21, at the Poteet Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6970.

“It gives me great honor to present two medals to Mr. Leal, which signify his heroic service in the Korean conflict. These medals and stars he is receiving today are an indication that his valiant service to our country has not gone unnoticed. I also thank Mr. Leal for his patience throughout the years to receive the recognition he so rightfully deserves,” said Cuellar.

He acknowledged that as many may know, the Korean War is one of those that has not officially ended and is still going on. Leal comes from a long line of veterans. His father served in World War I and his brother also served in the Korean War.

Rubin Leal (seated) is joined by his loving grandchildren: Celeste Leal Sanchez, Charles Anthony Sanchez and Jay Sanchez.DENISE SANCHEZ | COURTESY PHOTOCuellar explained that when a soldier goes off to war, the family must also make sacrifices.

“You have to take care of the rest of the family, the children, the farm. It takes a team effort for every soldier that goes away.”

Cuellar apologized that sometimes it takes the act of a congressional office to push Veterans Affairs and make sure the medals are awarded.

He later said, “We want to thank you for fighting for all of the values and freedoms we take for granted, like freedom of speech. We thank you for protecting that.”

Leal’s Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star attachment is accompanied by the Korean War Service Medal. This particular service medal was issued on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

Leal, now 83-years-old, served his country in the Army and was in the Reserves for six years.

His daughter, Poteet Councilperson Denise Sanchez was in attendance. She had to quit working in 2000 to take care of him.

Sanchez shared that her father rarely spoke of his war experiences, as doing so made him cry.

“I love my dad. He loved to fish and hunt. He taught his grandchildren a lot. We learned everything from him. He always looked out for them. He is the best grandfather.”

She added that her father was a very active person until about two weeks ago. He calls his scooter his “Cadillac.”

Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista also spoke at the event. She said, “As you know, there are not enough thank yous in the world for what you have been through, what you have seen and what you have had to live with. Only those that have been in the military can understand what you have gone through. Mr. Leal, this is your afternoon, so you enjoy it, sir.”

Other officials on hand were Poteet Mayor Larry Cantu and Poteet City Administrator Scott Moore.

http://www.pleasantonexpress.com/news/2014-04-23/Living/Poteet_vet_awarded_longdeserved_medals.html