Clarence Robinson of Goliad shares a photo of his graduation from Navy boot camp in 1984. He is shown here with his late father, Johnnie, an Army veteran who served in Europe during World War II. (Bill Miller/Victoria Advocate) GOLIAD — More than two decades after joining the U.S. Navy, Clarence Robinson still lives by a lesson he learned while standing watch aboard a warship: Never let technology replace vigilance. Robinson, a retired gunner’s mate who served 22 years in the Navy, recalled an officer checking on him during a nighttime watch and offering advice that has stayed with him long after his military career ended. The officer explained that while the ship’s radar was sophisticated enough to detect enemy aircraft and vessels, it could overlook something as simple as a small wooden boat. “He said, ‘Don’t let the constant twirl of the antenna lure you into a false state of security,’” Robinson recalled.
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Lunenburg County residents will soon have another option for filling prescriptions without traveling outside the area as Southern Dominion Health System (SDHS) prepares to open a new community pharmacy later this month. The nonprofit health care organization celebrated the addition of SDHS Community Pharmacy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 6 at its new location at 1807 Main St. in Victoria. The pharmacy is intended to address a shortage of local prescription services following the closure of several pharmacies in the area, which has left some residents traveling outside their communities to obtain medications. April King, chief executive officer of Southern Dominion Health System, said the new facility will help address a need for accessible pharmacy services in rural Lunenburg County. “The addition of this pharmacy in Lunenburg County is about improving access to essential services and meeting a demonstrated need in our community,” King said.
Despite overcast skies, the streets of downtown Victoria filled with marching bands, veterans and community members Wednesday as residents gathered to honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces. The annual Veterans Day parade, a Victoria tradition dating back to 1949, featured 58 entries, bringing together generations of residents to celebrate military service, sacrifice and remembrance. The parade began at 10 a.m. on Main Street, turned near St. Mary’s Church and continued onto Bridge Street. Veterans organizations marched alongside Victoria Independent School District high school bands, cheerleaders, dance teams and junior high student groups. Car and motorcycle clubs, emergency medical services personnel and the Victoria Fire Department also participated. For many veterans, the parade was more than an annual celebration. It was an opportunity to reconnect with fellow service members, reflect on their experiences and see the community’s appreciation firsthand.
The Victoria West Lady Warriors (1-1) defeated the La Grange Leopards 46–36 at home Tuesday evening. It was the first win of the season for West. They will play host school Bastrop Thursday morning as part of a three-day road tournament at Bastrop High. The Victoria East Lady Titans were defeated at home Tuesday night by the Foster Falcons in non-district play. East will travel to Port Lavaca-Calhoun for a Friday night matchup at 6:30. Boys The Victoria East Titans begin the regular season on the road Friday with a non-district road showdown in Seguin. Start time is slated for 6 p.m. The Victoria West Warriors begin the regular season with a non-district home game Friday against San Antonio Roosevelt. Start time is slated for 6:30 p.m. The Victoria-St. Joseph Flyers begin the regular season with a non-district home game against Nordheim Friday. Start time is slated for 6:15 p.m.
