KiiiTV's Barbi Leo, Cecilia Garcia Akers and Jim Akers talk about the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Legacy Luncheon, January 30th at the Omni Hotel. 

 Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Nelly Blow.

Click The 2026 Legacy Luncheon tab for details.

Watch the interview here: 

Jan 18, 2026 KiiiTV Domingo LIVE interview

Most history books talk about battles fought overseas.
Few talk about the battles fought after soldiers came home.
After World War II, thousands of Mexican American veterans returned wearing uniforms, medals, and scars—only to face segregation, denial of benefits, and discrimination in their own communities.
One man refused to accept that silence.
Dr. Héctor Pérez García was a physician and a U.S. Army medical officer who served during World War II. He treated wounded soldiers abroad, believing that service to country meant shared dignity when the war was over.
But back home in Texas, he saw a different reality:
Veterans denied medical care.
Families shut out of education and housing.
Communities told to wait their turn.
So Dr. García acted.
In 1948, he founded the American GI Forum, an organization created to defend the rights of Mexican American veterans—and soon, entire communities. What began as a fight for fair treatment became a broader movement for civil rights, equal opportunity, and justice.
Through organized advocacy, legal challenges, and public awareness, Dr. García helped expose inequalities that many preferred to ignore. His leadership opened doors in education, employment, health care, and civic life—laying groundwork that future generations would build upon.
His message was simple, but powerful:
Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
And equality isn’t a favor—it’s a right.
Decades later, his impact is still felt. His work reminds us that progress is often driven not by loud moments, but by steady courage, persistence, and a refusal to accept injustice as normal.
📚 Remembering Dr. Héctor P. García isn’t just about honoring the past.
It’s about understanding how change is made—one voice, one stand, one community at a time.

                                                            ***

#BeLikeHector

Channel 3's Barbi Leo talks to Foundation President and daughter of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Cecilia Garcia Akers about the upcoming Legacy Luncheon. KiiiTV has always been a strong supporter of not only our annual luncheon, but also of our Foundation and Dr. Hector's Legacy. We appreciate everything Channel 3 does for our South Texas community!  Please click the video link below to view the interview.               

#BeLikeHector

CLICK

3News interview

The 2026 Legacy Luncheon PSA

CLICK TO VIEW OUR PSA

2026 Legacy Luncheon PSA

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation is honored to announce the CITGO Refining will be our Presenting Sponsor, and Wyatt Ranches Foundation will be our Underwriting Sponsor for our 2026 Signature Luncheon. CITGO has been our Presenting Sponsor since 2013, and has totally supported our efforts every year since. We are honored that the Wyatt Ranches Foundation will be assisting us with our Mission for the first time. #BeLikeHector

If this image could speak, it would tell the story of years of dedication and hard work...not only of what Dr. Hector P. Garcia did to better our lives, but also of the tenacity of his daughter, Cecilia Garcia Akers and her husband Jim. It's truly inspiring to witness their dedication to ensuring that Dr. Garcia's legacy remains accessible for future generations through the TAMUCC Special Collections and Archives located in downtown Corpus Christi (233 N. Chaparral). Dreams do come true!  #WhenLegendsBecomeLandmarks #BeLikeHector                                                                                                

eg