Celebrating and saying thanks – Odessa American

Cinco de Mayo is noticed to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Struggle of Puebla in 1862.

This yr, another fight was the theme as those who do the job in healthcare and fought COVID were being honored with Pandemic Warriors Awards in the course of the Cinco de Mayo 26th Annual Unity Luncheon Wednesday afternoon at La Margarita Pageant Grounds.

The party was set on by the Hispanic Heritage of Odessa.

Health care personnel which include CEO of Professional medical Middle Hospital Russell Tippin, Odessa Regional Professional medical Middle president Stacey Brown and Aracely Romero of Salcido Clinic were being amid those who obtained the Pandemic Warriors Award.

Talking to the crowd at the park, Tippin thanked the group for currently being there with them in the course of the pandemic and urged everyone that the battle towards COVID is not over.

“Let me persuade you that this fight is still heading on each working day,” Tippin mentioned. “If you know somebody that desires a vaccine, we have to have to persuade them that this battle is not over. (The virus) helps make no discrimination so make sure you inform your neighbors and your close friends to make sure you get vaccinated and be done with it.”

He acknowledged all the personnel at MCH who have worked infinite hours during this previous yr.

“This award is focused to all of the workers and nurses who have worked tirelessly and stood by people’s beds as they handed from this world into the following,” Tippin mentioned. “We enjoy them and give them all the praise for this.”

Brown echoed Tippin’s feelings.

“The real credit history goes to all of our frontline personnel who were being at the bedside for working day just after working day, thirty day period just after thirty day period and cried over our patients,” Brown mentioned. “We also value the aid from our group. We couldn’t do it without having you. The credit history goes to everyone else.”

Romero was also grateful to be named amid the Pandemic Warriors.

“Thank you for enabling me to be amid these honorable recipients,” she mentioned in the course of her speech. “I want to thank the committee for enabling us to serve patients in the course of this pandemic.”

Other persons who were being awarded the Pandemic Warrior’s Award were being Luz Amparo Costa and Jacob Chavez of Andrews 4-H.

Chavez served make encounter masks for those who essential them which include medical personnel.

“Last yr, in the course of the international quarantine, we stored the news turned on about the pandemic,” Chavez mentioned. “One of the newscasts mentioned that masks were being running low for medical workers. I made the decision to use my excess cloth and sewing equipment to make masks. My loved ones took turns driving me to produce the masks. I required to do my element to support and if we traveled, and somebody essential 1, I generally experienced spare (masks) to hand out.”

District Choose Sara Kate Billingsley and Odessa Mayor Javier Joven sent proclamations in the course of the software.

“It’s a stunning working day,” Joven mentioned prior to the ceremony. “It’s good weather conditions. It provides us an prospect to spend some time with each other in this neighborhood. It is a good prospect to fulfill persons, network and have some good foods.”

Ector County Commissioner of Precinct 4 Armando Rodriguez sent the historical remarks on the Struggle of Puebla.

Other awards were being specified out which include the LULAC Estrella Award, which was offered to Dr. Shanti Thangam. Amusement was offered by Viva Mexico Folklorico Dancers with catering by La Margarita cafe.

The day’s activities also involved a fiesta at Odessa Marriott Resort afterwards in the working day.