Many local residents remember Charles “Charlie” Castulo Cisneros, who died in the Vietnam conflict. The Cerro VFW Post 9516 was named after the late soldier. Photos and mementos of his life and service adorn the walls at the post.
This year, in honor of Veterans Day, Cisneros will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, November 13, at noon. A monument stone, plaque, and photograph of the him is being added to the Senator Carlos R. Cisneros Veterans Memorial Park in Questa. There will be guest speakers, dignitaries, and music in honor of the event. The public is invited.

The late Dr. Westphall II, founder of the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial, penned a letter in memoriam of the late soldier, which is on display at the Cerro VFW Post, along with other awards and photographs. According to this document, Charlie was born to Meliton and Margaret Cisneros in Cerro, New Mexico on April 8, 1950. He entered the US Army in September of 1969 and died on June 22, 1970, during a search and sweep mission in Cambodia. PVC Cisneros was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal. Prior to his death, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

David Cisneros, Commander of the Cerro VFW Post, said that his cousin Charlie Cisneros was like a brother to him; they grew up together. At one time, there were five Cisneros brothers in Vietnam at the same time, including David and Charlie.

Please join us at Questa’s Senator Carlos R. Cisneros Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, November 13 at noon to honor the late Charlie Castulo Cisneros, and all veterans. In the event of bad weather, the event will move next door to El Monte Carlo. For information, please call Larry Sanchez at (575) 779-0995.