Newest Military Banner Honors Vietnam Vet by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Newest Military Banner Honors Vietnam Vet

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
December 23, 2013 at 04:08pm. Views: 81

The newest military banner to fly high in Colton honors a Vietnam veteran and longtime Colton resident. Gilbert Arrieta served in the United States Army from May 1970 to Nov. 1971, where for 13 months he fought in Vietnam. Though he's always been proud of his service, the veteran felt a burst of pride on Monday when he was joined by family and friends as they watched city workers install the banner on La Cadena Ave., near City Hall. "I was proud that my family was proud of me, and my pastor, Jonathan Florez of Colton First Assembly, and church members were there," Arrieta said. Arrieta's military service has in recent years become a tangible thing as he now suffers the affects of exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant composed of weed-killing chemicals used by the U.S. military during Vietnam. He struggles with fibromyalgia, diabetes and heart trouble caused by the chemical weapon. "With his health, it's a reminder of what he had to go through in the military and the challenges he faced," his wife Josie said, fighting back tears. "He takes such pride in the military and serving his country. Having his banner put up there meant a lot to me, his girls, his sister and his niece." Arrieta, who was born in El Paso, voluntarily joined the military. "A lot of people were against the war back then but I was proud to go and serve my country," Arrieta, who served as an ammunition specialist, said. "I regretted that I didn't re-enlist." He spent just eight weeks in training and 11 in school before being sent overseas at 19. "I got religious when I came out of the military," he said. "When I came back from [Vietnam] I was lost. There were no special programs for veterans then. You know, you go through dramatic stress there. I found God when I came back from overseas." He started going to church with his wife and after attending seminary school in Los Angeles, became a pastor. Arrieta spent 25 years spreading the word of God and was a member and a pastor of the Latin American Council of Christian Churches. In 1989, the family moved to Colton and he spent 10 years ministering in a church off M Street before health troubles forced him to retire 10 years ago. He said religion changed his life in dramatic ways. "Religion cleared up my life," he said. "I stopped drinking and I straightened my life out. It made my marriage better. My wife and I have been married for 40 years this year." The couple have two daughters, Yolanda, 39, and Valerie, 35, and one grandchild, 7-month-old Jai, all of whom were present to celebrate the hanging of the banner. As for the military, he believes it's a route he would recommend to anyone. Arrieta said, "The military taught me honor, respect and responsibility. It taught me to love my country more than before."

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 1018

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 760

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 315

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 917

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 685

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 822

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 492

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 784

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 831

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 895

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 792

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 815

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->