Local veterans rally to change Somerton school name

FOX 9's Adam Klepp attended the school board meeting where the name of the new elementary school was debated

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Many veterans show their support for one who never came home at a Somerton school board meeting.

Bravie T. Soto was a member of the Cocopah tribe and a resident of Somerton.

According to the Yuma Proving Ground, he was the first from the Yuma area and the first Native American to die in the Vietnam War.

“I’m here to speak for those soldiers, airmen, and marines that can’t speak today,” Yuma VFW Commander Mark Martinez said.

Local veterans had hoped Somerton's new elementary school would be named in Soto's honor.

“Sergeant Soto, a Vietnam veteran killed. The first person from this area, and also went to Somerton here. This is a legacy we honor,” Veteran Dominic Lopez said.

Members of the Somerton School Board said the name chosen, “The Raptors”, was likely picked based on what mascot students liked best.

Many veterans took issue with the process of picking a name, mostly voted for by students. The veterans argued students were not properly instructed about Sergeant Soto's life and legacy.

Some school board members said they were not comfortable changing the name as they’d be overturning the majority vote.

“By naming the Somerton school Bravie T. Soto, we feel we’d be ignoring the majority vote,” board President Juan Castillo said.

Other board members agreed with the veterans, saying this was a chance to honor an important member of the community.

“This person gave his life for our freedom, for our community,” Daniel Paz said.

Ultimately, a motion was made to rename the school after Bravie T. Soto.

"The motion carries, 3-2," Castillo announced.

After the meeting, the veterans gathered outside to celebrate the decision.