VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend HCS Honors 100-Year-Old Marine Corps Veteran
By Anaia Funtanilla, Public Affairs Specialist
On January 14, 2026, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System honored Marine Corps Veteran Manuel Serna at the Laredo VA Clinic for his service and recent 100th birthday.
Mr. Serna served from December 1951 to December 1953 during the Korean War era as a truck driver, transporting troops and supplies safely to support critical missions.
To recognize his courage, service, and milestone, Homero S. Martinez III, Director of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, presented Mr. Serna with a commemorative coin and certificate on behalf of VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins. Mr. Serna’s PACT Team and Dr. Jorge Zamora-Legoff, the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Primary Care Associate Chief of Staff, were also among those who joined the celebration, showing their support and appreciation for his service.
A VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) is a group of health professionals, including a primary care provider, nurse care manager, clinical associate, social worker, pharmacist, and administrative clerk, who work together to provide Veterans with coordinated, personalized care. PACT teams help Veterans manage their health by offering preventative care, chronic disease management, and easy access to VA services.
“We are honored and privileged to provide health care and service for one of our country’s heroes,” said Homero S. Martinez III. “We hope his story inspires Veterans and families to learn more about VA benefits and programs designed to support them.”
Veterans can learn more about local VA health care services, eligibility, and VA health benefits, including primary care, mental health, and prescriptions, by visiting VA.gov or calling 1-