American GI Forum Founding Member Fermin G. Sanchez, Died February 11

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Report: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas –Fermin G. Sanchez was a Founding Member of the American GI Forum from Corpus Christi Texas passed away last Saturday. He was also a founding member of the Oakland Chapter in California. The American GI Forum is once again mourning a founding member and a dedicated community leader. Our condolences to his wife Carolina and the rest of his Family on behalf of the American GI Forum the Texas Board of Directors, State Office and the State Commander, John Martinez. Below please read a short history accompanied by an article (From an old AGIF Forumeer) about Fermin being selected Forumeer of the Month by the National GI Forum sent by one of his sons.

"Our dearly beloved father and loving husband, patriarch of our family, Fermin G. Sanchez, has entered his eternal home with our Lord and Savior on February 11, 2017

"Fermin was born in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, on July 7, 1924 to Juan and Adela M. Sanchez.  At age 6, his parents crossed over to US soil with family to seek a better life.   Years later, he was then adopted by his beloved step-father Fernando Palacios Sr.  In 1943, Fermin served in the US Army during WW II, while a Mexican citizen.  In 1944, he served in the 2048th Engineering Aviation Firefighting Platoon in England and then in the 2150th Firefighting Platoon.  He participated in the Battle of Normandy arriving at Omaha Beach.  He was stationed in France, Belgium, and Germany under Lt. Gen. George S. Patton.  After being Honorably Discharged, he had earned the privilege of becoming a proud US citizen.

"In 1946, he met the love of his life, Carolina Oliva Sanchez, and married her on April 27, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church.  He was employed as an Aircraft Mechanic, Overhaul and Repair Facility, NASCC from 1948-1959, then transferred & took his family to the Oakland-SF Bay Area to continue his employment work with Civil Service at Alameda NAS, Calif until 1966.  Missing the hometown, he then transferred back to ARADMAC, retiring after 36 years.  Fermin then began another job as a Security guard at Citgo Refinery and CCISD schools for several years.  Fermin was a founding member of the American GI Forum in Corpus Christi and thereafter Oakland, Calif chapter in the 1960's. He was in the AFGE Local 2142 as a Chief Union Steward for many years.

"All who knew him are aware of his devotion to Jesus Christ and the many blessings he received in his life.  Fermin became a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church.  He also ministered the Holy Eucharistic at Christus-Spohn Memorial and made rosaries for the patients.  He ministered also at Nueces County Jail and Juvenile Justice Center and many other prisons.  He was also in the Puente Choir and taught religious education CCD at Holy Family Parish for many years.  Fermin was a lifetime Knights of Columbus Holy Family Parish.  He volunteered endlessly at CC State School, was an American Boy Scout leader, a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.

"Fermin's happy times included being a wonderful father and provider to his children, attending church, praying together, birthday celebrations, and especially Christmas and Thanksgiving holiday gatherings.  Fermin loved being an avid cattle rancher, camping out, barbecuing, and hunting at his ranch in Freer, TX.  He found great joy in giving of his time, energy, and money to the poor, homeless, sick, incarcerated, and lonely.  This little 6-year-old boy who crossed the border from Mexico had achieved his dreams and accomplishments and his legacy will continue throughout his children.

"He was preceded in death by his father Juan Sanchez, mother Adela G. Palacios, step-father Fernando Palacios Sr, brothers Joseph Sanchez, Arturo Palacios, sister Celia Gomez, daughter-in-law Ana Sanchez, and grandsons Christopher and Damien Sanchez.

"He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carolina O. Sanchez and his children, Fermin O. Sanchez, Guadalupe Roberto Sanchez, John R. Sanchez, Irene S. Amador, Roel O. Sanchez (Janie), and Nancy S. Ramirez (David); his brother Fernando Palacios Jr, (San Diego, Calif), nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

"Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for all their loving care."

National Forumeer Article