The Garcia family gathered in front of the sign dedicating the 10th Street bridge to patriarch and WWII combat medic Ernest “Ernie” Garcia during Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 29 in Meeker. Garcia, was born May 13, 1923, and passed away on Oct. 14, 2021. He was drafted into the Army during WWII where he served as a private in the 2nd Infantry Division (known as the Indianhead Division), as a medic, from July 2, 1943, until Oct. 7, 1945, in Europe. Garcia was a conscientious objector and didn’t carry a weapon. As a medic he earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star for Valor, a World War II Victory medal, a Combat Medical badge, and an Honorable Service lapel button. He was an embedded fixture in Meeker and a faithful and proud member of VFW Post 5843 and American Legion Post 74. For many years he participated in Memorial Day ceremonies, Fourth of July parades, sporting events and color guard for fallen Veterans. At the 2021 Fourth of July parade in Meeker, he was recognized as the oldest living member of both organizations with 70-plus years of dedicated service. Niki Turner Photo The youngest and oldest members of VFW Post 5843, Bobbie Schmidt and Joe Goedert, place a wreath made by Meeker High School Class of 2023 graduate Gracie Blagg at the veterans memorial at Highland Cemetery in Meeker as part of Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 29. Cathie Dolan Courtesy PhotoThe youngest and oldest members of VFW Post 5843, Bobbie Schmidt and Joe Goedert, place a wreath made by Meeker High School Class of 2023 graduate Gracie Blagg at the veterans memorial at Highland Cemetery in Meeker as part of Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 29. Veterans Joe Goedert and Bobbie Schmidt, the oldest and youngest members of the local VFW, dropped a wreath into the high-flowing waters of the White River on Memorial Day, an observance honoring those who lost their lives serving in the militaryNiki Turner PhotosThe VFW Post 5843 Honor Guard fired as part of the Memorial Day ceremonies.Members of the Goedert family representing multiple generations of military service, from the Korean War to Desert Storm to current active duty.
