Ethan T. Maldonado 
Ethan Maldonado | THE RIDER
The Edinburg City Council honored two veterans by recognizing them for their service and dedication to the city and the country during Tuesday night’s meeting.
Gilberto Gustavo Medina Jr., who served in the U.S. Army before beginning a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, received a city proclamation recognizing his decades of service to the community, joined by State Rep. Terry Canales (D-Edinburg), who presented a resolution from the Texas House.
“Mr. Medina’s years of dedication reflect the very best of Edinburg,” Canales read. “He has been a leader through service and sacrifice, and tonight we celebrate the impact he has had not only on his family but on this entire community.”
Medina thanked the council and his family for the recognition.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this distinguished recognition,” he said. “Thank you very much.”
His son, Noe Medina, also addressed the council on behalf of the family.
“This honor is deeply meaningful not only to him, but to all of us,” Noe Medina said. “This recognition is something our families will cherish for years to come.”
Earlier in the meeting, the council recognized the late John Henry Olivarez, a longtime Edinburg police officer who served more than two decades in law enforcement after a four-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Olivarez’s family accepted the proclamation on his behalf with his son Alexander Olivarez speaking through tears.
“When I lost my dad, it was really hard,” Olivarez said. “… I felt like I lost my protector, my hero, but the support from this city and community has meant so much.”
Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. responded by assuring the Olivarez family that John Henry will never be forgotten.
“We are a better city because of your father and what he did,” Garza said. “He gave to this community in ways that can never be repaid, and we will honor that legacy.”
Ethan Maldonado| THE RIDER
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