MONTE VISTA – Faith Hinkley Veteran’s Memorial Park was officially completed and rededicated on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The event began with an introduction from Phillip Mackey, who announced the Color Guard. The Del Norte choir sang the national anthem. Rio Grande County Commissioner Scott Deacon led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Steve Dunkel gave a prayer.

After the prayer, Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker welcomed the approximately 150 people in attendance to the ceremony.

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, honored Veterans and beloved members of this community, today we gather together to commemorate and dedicate the Faith Hinkley Veteran’s Memorial Park,” he said.

Becker’s voice cracked with emotion as he continued, “Our deep appreciation for the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. The park stands as tribute not only to their sacrifices but also to the enduring spirit of patriotism that unites us all. Each element of this park tells a story of courage, a story of resilience and unwavering dedication. It is a space where we can reflect on the past, celebrate our heroes, and inspire future generations, to uphold the values of which our veterans fought.”

Becker then gave a brief history of the park.

“The concept had been part of the plan, since the Monte Vista Main Street Initiative Program began in the summer of 2010,” he said.

Becker said the idea for the park was initiated from a conversation between the late Ray Skeff and Bob Bryning and involved a land swap between the City of Monte Vista and the Monte Vista School District. The idea was to create an entry-way park that would help boost economic growth in the community.

Skeff and his wife Colette donated $1,000 to the park, and then Bryning reached out to Anna B. Hinkley, which led to the formation of the Faith Hinkley Memorial committee, that consisted of Bryning, the Skeffs, Debbie Garcia, John Glass, Rob Vance, David and Anna B. Hinkley, and Ron and Carol Martinez.  

Becker explained the park was initially aimed at honoring Hinkley, but her mother wanted to honor others as well, transforming the park into a memorial. Three large stones were added to the park by Valley Monument led by Glass honoring fallen local Veterans – U.S. Army Sgt. Hinkley and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Glen E. Martinez.

Becker said the park was officially dedicated on Memorial Day in May of 2014. Bryning promoted the park and engaged community and organization involvement to raise funds to help with construction.

Public Works Director Vance secured a $70,000 Great Outdoors grant, leading to the installation of essential facilities.

Debbie Garcia maintained accounting records for the Monte Vista community fund, until 2018 when Colette Skeff took over. Skeff also assisted Bryning in the finalization of plans for the memorial park.

The City of Monte Vista also held a fundraising event earlier this year, and contacted more sponsors and doners to help complete the park. The city also collaborated with Polar Engraving and created a flyer and website address to help people purchase a brick to honor a Veteran. The bricks have been placed in the park, along with KIA and MIA stones courtesy of Valley Monument.

“The park is not just a memorial, it’s a gathering place where we can come together as a community, families, friends, and neighbors, united in gratitude and respect. Together let us pledge to carry forth the legacy of our Veterans, honoring their service with our actions and our words.”

Becker thanked everyone who was involved in creating the park and rededicated the park.

The Hinkley and Martinez families then came forward and laid wreaths created by Sheila Sanders, in front of the monuments. A moment of silence was held at the ceremony, and an “Armed Forces Medley” was then sung by the Del Norte choir.

SFC US Army Veteran Frank Ortega was a keynote speaker and spoke of how America is a land of plenty. Ortega spoke of the mission that U.S. Army Sgt. Hinkley took.

“Even though she knew the dangers of the journey and path that she was on, she still put it all on the line for her country. I know that we can all honor her sacrifice in the way that we live each day. Let us remember her gold star family doctor and Anna B. Hinkley who also gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for inviting me to speak today. May God bless each of you, and may God bless America,” Ortega said.

State Representative and US Marine Corps Veteran Matthew Martinez was also a keynote speaker. He spoke about the rededication of the park, and about the significance of Dec. 7.

“A day which will live in infamy. This community has always answered a call to defend this nation. This memorial park stands as a tribute and reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of Faith and Glen in defense of this great nation. Twenty-Two of our brothers and sisters in arms lose their final battle every day. I want to thank everyone who made this rededication happen. I want to also ask all of you to remember what the veterans of this community have contributed and sacrificed. Pay your respects, and remember, our freedoms were forged in blood and tears by those who were truly Americas heroes,” he said.

Local businessman Bob Richards gave a tribute to the late Veteran Staff Sgt. George W. Blake, who was a stationed at Pearl Harbor when the attack happened Dec. 7, 1941. Richards spoke of Blake, and the poem Blake wrote entitled “Why Not Me.”

Blake’s two daughters from Illinois and New Jersey were at the ceremony. One of his daughters read his poem to the crowd, in remembrance of her dad, who passed away earlier this year at 103 years old and was a member of the Homelake Veterans Community Living Center.

Blake’s poem is memorialized at the park, on a stone, along with his picture. Richards along with James Pacheco and the Polished Edge created the stone.

The Badge of Military Merit Award was presented by Mackey to Dwayne Padilla.

Balloons were then passed out to everyone in the crowd along with sharpie markers, so that members of the audience could write their loved one’s names on the balloons.

Monte Vista City Manager GiGi Dennis said she was proud of the community.

“Let’s send our balloons to our loved ones in heaven. Thank you,” she said.