Veterans picnic held Aug. 6

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

Hosted by the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 and American Legion Post 18, a picnic for veterans took place at Gomez Peak pavilion Saturday. All veterans were invited.

Among those attending was Law Enforcement Explorer Post 883, brought to the picnic by Border Patrol Agent Lionel Reyes, post advisor.

Reyes explained the Explorer post was a career track, hands-on experience for 14-20 year-olds.

The Border Patrol has posts all over the nation, Reyes said. "Ours is in Lordsburg." He said posts also exist in Silver and Cobre school districts.

"The students are trained in law enforcement techniques "almost to the point of a basic trained officer. They are here today to provide community service, which they do for any organization. It exposes them to other career ideas, too. It's an unpaid position and falls under the Boy Scouts of America as a small branch."

Reyes said the American Legion Post 18 has helped tremendously with the post," including teaching flag etiquette and sponsoring a trip to California for the six days where the six students, who went this year, were immersed in boot camp-like stuff. The kids fundraise for everything. The Border Patrol gives them nothing. The Explorers are self-funded."