Houston Lions Help Honor Ailing War Veteran
Korean War veteran and former prisoner of war (POW) retired Army Master Sergeant Joe Ramirez was looking forward to celebrating his 89th birthday when the Houston resident was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
photo of POW Army Veteran Joe E. Ramirez
This American hero’s story is a testament that freedom is never free…
His family wanted to celebrate his upcoming birthday in a very special way involving the community, so they contacted a local radio show host named Sam Malone. Malone then reached out to Wendell Champion, who is the veteran and community liaison of the Harris County Sheriff’s department, and he got in touch with Lion Lucy Gonzales of the Houston Lady Lions Club to get the ball rolling. Champion and Lion Lucy had worked together in the past on a host of veterans’ projects.
Lion Lucy is the daughter of a World War II veteran whose motto, “Together we can do more,” was key to igniting her passion to serve. Her club’s focus is on families and veterans, especially helping wounded veterans. There are currently 16 women Lions who are veterans themselves representing all branches of the service in the Houston Lady Lions Club.
Things came together quickly. Lion Lucy put out the call to all Lions in the Houston area to help organize a birthday party like none other for Master Sergeant Ramirez. They enthusiastically rallied together to support this ailing veteran. The word got out to the greater Houston community, and neighbors and friends from all over the area helped organize a celebration befitting of the hero that he is.
Cars were decorated with festive signs, and there were shout-outs of “happy birthday” and “thank you for your service” as horns honked and music played in the 100-car procession heading to the home of Mr. Ramirez. There was red, white and blue everywhere.
The celebration culminated with the singing of the national anthem, and when it was finished, Master Sergeant Ramirez—accompanied by his family under a large tent—spoke to the crowd listening from their cars. “At that moment, you could almost hear a pin drop,” recalled Lion Lucy.
Sergeant Ramirez thanked everyone for coming out and for all the good wishes. He pointed out that while the COVID-19 pandemic might have locked us down in our homes, he had been a prisoner of war for 33 months and one day, with no freedom to move about whatsoever. This American hero’s story is a testament that freedom is never free, and that the men and women who serve in the armed forces must never be forgotten.
Ten days after the grand celebration and parade, Master Sergeant Ramirez passed away. His daughter relayed the news to Lion Lucy in a call, thanking everyone for their love and show of support for her father. The community was saddened to learn of his passing, but they were so honored to have shown their love and support for him and his family with this very special birthday celebration.
The Houston community, comprised of Lions, law enforcement, veterans, a color guard and politicians, created a special proclamation marking that day as Master Sergeant Joe Ramirez Day.
It was a celebration of life and of bravery that will be remembered by all.
Consider inviting a veteran to your club and see how your club will benefit from their wealth of knowledge, experience and heart. Visit the Lions veterans page for complete information.
Lion Corina Castillo is a member of the Chicago Windy City Lions Club and a field specialist for the Global Action Team at Lions Clubs International.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
