Another name added to Tracy War Memorial 11.13.07

Tracy observed another solemn Veterans Day at the city’s war memorial today as a sixth name was added under
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Tung Nguyen’s name was carved into the stone monument last week and was unveiled as more
than 200 people showed up in respect of military veterans.

“It’s an honor,” said James Cracraft, Nguyen’s foster brother, who represented the family during the unveiling.

Nguyen came to the U.S. from Vietnam at age 15 and joined the U.S. Army right after he graduated from Tracy
High School in 1986. He made the Army his career and was a member of the elite Green Berets.

“It’s all he ever wanted to do,” Cracraft said. Nguyen, 38, was in the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces
Group, when he was killed while fighting in Baghdad on Nov. 14, 2006.

Others added to the memorial since the war in Iraq began in 2003 include U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt.
Joseph Menusa, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Bridges, U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl.
Brandon Dewey and U.S. Army Pfc. Jesse Martinez.

“To see another name is always heartbreaking to me,” said Nadia McCaffrey, one of four Gold Star Mothers from
Tracy at today’s event. Also in attendance were Loretta Bridges, Dewey’s mother Julia Conover and her
husband, Scott, and Jan Martinez.

“Now that it’s done, we have to heal our wounds and support each other,” McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey’s effort to create a transitional home for returning war veterans has gained national attention. The local
memorial, where she regularly brings supporters of her project, exemplifies the city’s recognition of fallen
service members’ sacrifices.

“I want them to know about what Tracy does for its veterans,” she said.

Today’s ceremony included a speech by Sgt. 1st Class Valentino Vaughn, who works at Defense Distribution
Center San Joaquin on Chrisman Road, and has served in Iraq, Israel, Bosnia, Germany and Somalia. Vaughn
told the crowd how addition of Nguyen’s name to the memorial defined the meaning of a day dedicated to all
military veterans.

“We know that the defense of freedom is worth the sacrifice,” Vaughn said. “Every day is a bonus, but no one
knows that better than the veterans and their families. I feel that every day is a blessing.”

veterans
Veterans representing all military branches, from left, Bill Figone (Coast Guard), Richard Green (Navy), Martin
Sasser (Air Force), Charles Norton (Marines Corps) and Valentino Vaughn (Army) lay a wreath at the war
memorial. Photo by Enrique Gutierrez/Tracy Press
He added that those who make it home bring back the memories of lost comrades.

“We have these images, sounds and feelings embedded in our hearts and souls,” he said.

He added that veterans appreciate that a day is set aside to honor them and also that people will thank them
individually for their service.

“In most cases, that will mean more than any medal they could have been awarded.”

Sgt. John Ruiz of Tracy, who served with the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq, said he didn’t pay particular attention to
Veterans Day before he joined the Army four years ago. Since then he has led other soldiers in combat in
Fallujah and also has served in Germany and Kosovo.

“A lot of the country’s traditions mean a lot more after you’ve served,” he said, adding that he has more respect
than ever for the older veterans he meets who fought in Vietnam, Korea and World War II.  

• To reach reporter Bob Brownne call 830-4227 or e-mail brownne@tracypress.com

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Another name added to Tracy War Memorial