Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 472 unveiled a new memorial in MNC’s Memorial Walk

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 472 recently installed and dedicated a memorial at Miramar National Cemetery that honors the men and women of the Vietnam War. During the sixteen years of combat action, over 2.7 million military men and women served in country, and more than 58,000 personnel were killed, as well as the 300,000 who were wounded. This memorial will remember their service and sacrifice.

From conception in October 2019, it took over two years to design, build, fund, and receive approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs for installation at the cemetery. The memorial is constructed of black granite, the same black granite that was used [Continue Reading]

The Avenue of Flags’ colorful red, white and blue display can beviewed from I-805 and surrounding streets, and when lighted at nightis visible from several miles away.

Avenue of Flags: A Decade as Cemetery Focal Point

Fifty silvery steel flagpoles reach into the sky. 

Fifty red, white and blue flags flutter in the breeze. 

In the distance, an immense American flag commands the heights.

(April 15, 2022) The Avenue of Flags has stood sentinel over Miramar National Cemetery for 10 years, since its dedication on 28 January 2012, inspiring all who enter or pass by the cemetery. At night, the lighted display can be seen for miles, even by aircraft approaching the city.

Sponsored by the Miramar National [Continue Reading]

A U.S. Air Force detail escorts the casket of Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas during a committal service.

General, I Salute You!Support Foundation Chairman Schoville Bids Brig. Gen. Cardenas Farewell

(March 31, 2022) Beneath a sky heavy with dark clouds that mirrored the solemnity of the occasion, a committal service was held at Miramar National Cemetery for retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas.

Some 275 family members, friends, and veterans were on hand to pay their respects to a man whose 34-year career is unmatched in the nation’s military annals. Bomber pilot in World War II, renowned test pilot, commander of the group that broke the sound barrier, jet fighter pilot in Vietnam, leader of Air Force special forces, [Continue Reading]

A contingent of Vietnam veterans gave a patriotic context to the ceremony.

Vietnam War Veterans Day Event at Miramar National Cemetery

(March 29, 2022) The Vietnam War officially ended April 30, 1975, but for Charlie Inot, sights, sounds and smells can still trigger memories of that long-ago conflict. As keynote speaker at a Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration at Miramar National Cemetery, Inot recalled his experience as a young soldier.

“Fifty-four years ago,” he told an audience of veterans, “I was a young 22-year-old Green Beret sergeant serving in Vietnam. That combat experience is seared forever in my memory. I had many good days in-country and some bad times.

Support Foundation Director Charlie Inot recalled Vietnam War experiences for an audience of [Continue Reading]

Cardenas speaks at the dedication of a monument at the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park honoring his military service.

Bob Cardenas

American Hero

Fighter Pilot

Cardenas: Federal, State and Veterans Leadership; Honored for Military Service

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan appointed Robert Cardenas the California coordinator for the Southwest Border Economic Action Group. In 1985, California Governor George Deukmejian named him chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Group.

He also served on the California Council of Criminal Justice, and later as a member of the California Veterans Board, eventually becoming chairman. He served as chairman of the San Diego United Veterans Council, and as a director on the Board of the Veterans Memorial Center & Museum of San Diego, among many [Continue Reading]

Cardenas flew jet aircraft during the Korea and Vietnam wars.

Bob Cardenas

American Hero

Community Leader

Cardenas: Flew Jet Fighters During Korea and Vietnam

During the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Cardenas flight-tested new jet fighters and bombers and then was assigned as commander of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing on Okinawa. On his return to the States, he was named chief of the Aircraft and Missiles Program Division at the Pentagon.

In 1962, Colonel Cardenas led a joint Army-Air Force special command into India to evaluate and improve high-altitude resupply drops in the Himalaya Mountains. The techniques the group developed were used to equip troops and prevent a Chinese incursion through the Himalayas into East Pakistan.

During the early days of the Vietnam War, Cardenas [Continue Reading]

Cardenas flew bombers like this during WWII.

Bob Cardenas

Fighter Pilot

Community Leader

Cardenas: Born in Mexico, He Became an American Hero

Born in 1920 in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, Robert Cardenas and his family moved to San Diego when he was 5 years old. Excelling in math and physics in high school, he attended San Diego State University, then in 1939 enlisted in the California National Guard. In 1940, he was designated an aviation cadet, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corp in July 1941.

In 1944, Captain Cardenas was on his 20th bombing mission over Germany when his aircraft was hit and he sustained a head injury. Bailing out of the crippled plane, he landed on the [Continue Reading]

Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas, USAF

American Hero

Fighter Pilot

Community Leader

Aviation Legend Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas Dies at 102

Air Force combat leader, bomber and fighter pilot, was key figure in securing federal approval for Miramar National Cemetery

By Bill Heard, Public Information Officer

(March 14, 2022) A legendary figure among the nation’s military aviators, and a leader in the San Diego veterans’ community—retired Air Force Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas—died on his 102nd birthday, March 10, 2022, while hospitalized at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Cardenas is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gladys, his sons Michael and Mark, and his daughters Robin, Debra, and Maria. Services and burial at Miramar National Cemetery are pending.

Members of the Miramar National Cemetery Support [Continue Reading]