LOS ALAMOS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT News

The community is invited to the Ribbon Cutting/Rededication of Griffith Gymnasium at 6 p.m. Monday, April 23.

Griffith Gym is named after 1st Lt. Thurston “Turk” Griffith, Jr., a 1958 graduate of Los Alamos High School.

“Turk” was awarded posthumously by General William Westmoreland the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

In December of 1964 “Turk” was assigned to the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam.

He served as an adviser to units of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in Binh Tuy Province.

On Jan. 17, 1965 the Vietnamese unit was ambushed by a Viet Cong force. It was in this battle that 1st Lt. Griffith, Jr., lost his life. 1st Lt. Griffith, Jr., was the first New Mexican killed in the Vietnam War.

Last summer, the Griffith Gym Lobby was remodeled. The remodeling added a Spirit Store, new ticket booth, updated concession stand, storage areas and renovated locker room.

The Los Alamos Athletic Department would like to use this opportunity to both honor 1st Lt. Griffith, Jr. and highlight the improvements made to Griffith Gym.

Robert Sutton, a cousin of 1st Lt. Griffith, Jr., will share thoughts.

A candle ceremony honoring each branch of the Service and a 21 gun salute will follow.

The Ribbon Cutting/Rededication ceremony will conclude with a tour of the facilities.

The Los Alamos Athletic Department would like to issue a special invitation to members of the graduation class of 1958 of Los Alamos High School to join in this celebration and rededication of Griffith Gym.

For more information, contact Los Alamos High School Athletic Director Vicki Nelms at 663-2532.