Somos Primos

NOVEMBER 2009
119th Issue Online

Editor: Mimi Lozano ©2000-9

Dedicated to Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues
 Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research

  Letters to the Editor : 

UNITED STATES

A New Manifesto for the Future  
by 
Armando Rendón, Esq.

San Francisco , California – October 15, 2009

Thirty eight years ago, a book was published by Macmillan Company titled, Chicano Manifesto. I believe it was the first book written about Chicanos by a Chicano. Prior to 
that event, “Mexican Americans” had mostly been the subject but not the authors of books; typically, they were Anglo historians or sociologists.

Prior to the 1960s, of the many Mexican Americans who served in WWII, a large number had taken advantage of the GI Bill and obtained advanced degrees. These early Chicano scholars laid the groundwork for a later generation of scholarship and literary endeavors. However, most returning veteranos, of course, came back to start families and start making a living for them.

A few more books trickled out during the 1970s written by Chicanos and some novels and poetry began to appear, but the bookstore and library shelves on Chicano literature, let alone sociological and historical works, remained r at her slim. As in the case of Chicano Manifesto, many major publishers had committed to issuing one book on Chicanos or by a Chicano; they didn’t follow up with other authors or themes. It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that a significant batch of Latino scholarly works began to emerge. Due largely to the Chicano Movement, more and more raza got into higher educat ion, many were mentored by that first wave of educators from WWII and Korea, and graduated with the skills to research and write about ourselves. I believe a similar pattern evolved among Puerto Ricans.

Today, one can browse through some bookstore or library collections about Chicano and 
L at ino communities that display a virtual writing boom among Americans of L at ino heritage. L at ino are publishing books in every genre of literature and much in the social sciences, biography and autobiography. Nearly every week, I receive email notices promoting yet another book about the history of Tejanos, or a novel about growing up in the barrio, or—one of the latest—about curanderismo.

This represents a resurgence, not merely a birth, of literary endeavors. What we see today is the continuation of a long heritage of Hispanic American writing going back to the early days of an Hispanic presence in the Southwest, continuing into the early 20th century. Look, for example, at the topics for the Conference on “Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage” held in Houston, Texas, in 2008, and the six volumes that have been published  by Arte Público Press containing reams of historic material.

And yet, we as a people who before too long will represent about one in every four Americans—if we can get all of us to answer the census—have not really come into our own as a literary force. Few of our people are writing literary works which “cross-over” into popular and general awareness.

No “Latino” literary school has evolved which conveys a unique experience of living and coping as an American of “non-white Hispanic origin” as the Census Bureau labels us. Barely a handful of L at inos, from what I can tell, are writing about other than the Hispanic experience. An old friend, Roberto Haro , is among the few who has written novels that have virtually no identity with Latino history or culture, except the author’s own Chicano roots.

It’s too easy to answer the question as to why no strong and broad-based L at ino literary fervor exists? For me, the more important question is, When, When will such an era arise?

Of course, inventing a school of  literature, much like a school of thought, can take 
generations to evolve. The current language of writers builds on the experience and successes of past writers. Very readily, a new generation of writers can sort out “wh at works” for the moment and discard the traditions of the past. That  generation, I believe, is “standing in the wings,” as they say, ready to take the stage.

One of the most influential poets of the first half of the 20th century, William Carlos Williams, didn’t have a Hispanic middle name for show; his mother was Puerto Rican and his f at her, although British-born, was raised as an hispanohablante in the Caribbean. Spanish and English were Williams’ mother tongues. Building on his bilingual and bicultural n at ure, Williams was inspired to invent a new poetic form based on the American idiom, which derived from but rejected the European romanticist poets and even conflicted with the modernist American poets such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.

For the Chicano and L at ino communities in this country, the emergence of a recognized literary persona is vital to the progression of the social movement th at began in the mid-1960s because it manifests a coming of age. We have successes in music, business, sports, the sciences. As of this writing, eight astronauts hail from Latino roots; the latest one literally rose out of the migrant worker camps to scale the stars. Social revolutions are either driven by ideas or rebellion evokes them. The French revolution derived much of its impetus from what we call the Renaissance or the Age of Reason: novels, essays and poetry glorified the common man, exposed the abuse of workers, and the tyranny of monarchy, so in general France already thrived on a rich body of opposition literature. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense sparked the American Revolution, but America had barely begun to foster a literary age, let alone its own idiom, but we know the results.

Nearly forty years after the Chicano Movement became recognizable as a distinct people’s rising up, we have yet to evolve such an idea, an identifiable genre of American Chicano and Latino literature. Only the first inklings exist. For the time being, we are writing mostly for ourselves. This may be a uniquely U.S. phenomenon, because we are a nation within a nation that is impelled by the force of numbers— population growth and immigration —and socio-political dynamics eventually to play a greater role in the future of the U.S. and the Americas . The Chicana nation, as I wrote in 1971, is the prototype for what the Americas will be like, even by mid-century.

Now and then the stereotype cliché about the Sleeping Giant awakening crops up, when referring to the broad Latino community. The Sleeping Giant woke up long ago; however, it has yet to take pen in hand or keyboard on desk to turn out novels, poems, short stories, children’s tales and so on that appeal to all Americans and the world. For the present, the bulk of renowned Hispanic literature on those bookstore shelves is dedicated to translations of Latin American writers, but name one person of Mexican or Latin American heritage of equal stature; that at has to change.

This is one reason that I am launching an online magazine that will promote and publish literary works by Americans of Chicano, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and other Hispanic origin living in the United States. The e-zine site is www.ollin.com/somos. I invite everyone to visit it and consider submitting their new literature to its cyber-pages.

We need a new generation of American writers of Hispanic origin to fashion from our unique confluence of language and culture, the next American discovery of a new world of la palabra. I suspect they’re already out there, honing their skills, looking for publishers perhaps—all the pieces just have to fall together. Then we’ll have truly fulfilled our destiny, that is, as our antepasados would put it, que somos gente culta.

Address prepared for an Hispanic Heritage Forum in San Francisco City Hall, October 15, 2009 . Armando B. Rendón, J.D., is author of Chicano Manifesto, a human rights lawyer, and a professor at St. Mary’s College, California.  http://www.ollin.com/somos

Editor:  For more on SOMOS ezine . .  click. 

Dear Mimi,

Something unexpected happened to me on October 5, 2009. That day I found a package in my mailbox from Joint Task Force at Guantanamo, Cuba. When I opened the package, I received an unexpected surprise. I had been awarded the “Joint Task Force Commander’s Coin for Excellence” with a certificate by Brigadier General Rafael O‘Ferrall, the Deputy Commanding General.  

Now, last year when I was in Puerto Rico during the Memorial Day Ceremonies, Brigadier General Hector Pagan, the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, surprised me when he presented me with the “USAJFKSWCS Medal of Excellence“. It was a true honor.  

                                               USAJFKSWCS Medal of Excellence

When I returned home I framed and hung the medal on my living room home. But I really had no idea why I was awarded the medal nor what it meant.  

Then this year I received an e-mail from Brigadier General Rafael O‘Ferrall, the Deputy Commanding General of the Joint Task Force at Guantanamo, Cuba. Which read as follows:  

“While surfing through the web I found your “site” which contains valuable information for us Puerto Ricans”.  

I then sent him some of my work and he responded as follow:  

“It is amazing that we find persons (not too many) like you making contributions that get into place historical data, maintain today’s day relevance and look at our legacy, yes Puerto Rico is tall and has made global contributions, I just jumped onto the Irish notes…what a great reading’ today I’ll go over the other articles.”  

“Don Tony, I definitely know very well that there are people with a unique gift and you are one of them…You are “GREAT!!! And you are doing a great job”  

When I receive comments like that, I love it because it makes me feel good, however I never expect any honors or anything. Therefore, when I received the package and found out that I was awarded the “Joint Task Force Commander’s Coin for Excellence”. I asked myself “What does this mean?”  I did some research and found out that the Commander's Coin for Excellence is an impact award given by the Joint Task Force Commander to those soldiers and civilians he deems worthy of immediate recognition. What an honor. The certificate that accompanied the Coin for Excellence reads as follows: ''Tony the Marine, Thank you for your watch of Puerto Rico's values and history, it is people like you who maintain alive our customs and traditions.”  

                         Joint Task Force Commander’s Coin for Excellence  

                                                           
 The certificate  

I hung the Commander’s Coin for Excellence together with the other one. At least now I know the importance of these awards. It really feels great when you are honored for your work especially when you do not expect to receive anything for doing something that you do out of love. Take care, Tony (The Marine) Santiago.  

Editor:  Warmest congratulations to Tony, who has been generously sending articles to Somos Primos to share with all of you. We are proud of you and applaud Brigadier General Rafael O‘Ferrall for giving public recognition for your dedication to honor our military, and especially the contributions of Latinos.  

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           September 23, 2009

 President Obama Appoints Members of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced the appointment of several individuals to the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino.

The following individuals were appointed by President Obama to sit on the Commission: Emilio Estefan, Jr., Andrés W. López, Cindy Peña, Abigail M. Pollak, and Cid Wilson.  Their bios are below.  The President also announced that Gilberto Cárdenas and José B. Fernández, currently Members of the Commission, will continue their service on the Commission.

"I am pleased to appoint these outstanding men and women to the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino – a museum that would be dedicated to celebrating the history and achievements of Latinos in America," said President Obama. "It is fitting that, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, these individuals will reinvigorate the efforts of this commission to honor the contributions of Latinos and Latinas to our country."

On May 8, 2008 the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Act was signed into law. It created a 23 member commission, made up of appointees of the President and House and Senate leadership, tasked with studying over a two year period the feasibility of and plan for a new national museum in the nation’s capital that is dedicated to portraying the art, history, and culture of the Latino population of the United States.

President Obama appointed the following individuals to the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino:

Emilio Estefan, Jr., Member of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino
Emilio Estefan, Jr. is a 19-time Grammy Award Winning music producer and songwriter. He was a founding member of Miami Sound Machine along with his wife Gloria Estefan.  In addition, he has discovered, written and produced for successful artists including Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jon Secada, and Jennifer López, among many other acclaimed artists.  He has also produced high profile television events such as the Latin Grammy’s on CBS, The Hispanic Heritage Awards for NBC, large-scale concert events for HBO as well as on-going productions for Univision and Telemundo. In 2002 President George W. Bush appointed Mr. Estefan to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and to the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts.

Andrés W. López, Member of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino
Andrés W. López is the founder of The Law Offices of Andrés W. López in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he focuses his practice on civil and commercial litigation. Before founding his firm, Mr. López served in San Juan as a Senior Associate at Fiddler González & Rodríguez and in Boston as an Associate at Hill & Barlow, P.C. He clerked for the Honorable George O’Toole, Jr. on the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts and for the Honorable Jay García-Gregory on the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico. Mr. López currently serves as the Latino Alumni Chair at Harvard Law School and as President of the Harvard Club of Puerto Rico.  He also serves as Co-Chair of the Harvard College Schools and Scholarships Committee in Puerto Rico, in charge of college interviewing.  Mr. López recently served on the Steering Committee that successfully brought about the first-ever Latino Alumni Reunion at Harvard Law.  He also served on the Advisory Board of the Harvard Latino Law Review, a publication he helped found during his law school tenure.  Mr. López sits on the Board of Directors of the Federal Bar Association’s Puerto Rico Chapter, and he has held various leadership roles in the Hispanic National Bar Association.  In 2007 he served as Co-Chair of the HNBA’s 32nd Annual Convention.

Cindy Peña, Member of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino
Cindy Peña has spent more than thirty years in business and community service in Denver.  She enjoyed a broadcast career that spanned four decades as she rose through the ranks from college intern to station manager at one of the country’s most successful television stations, the Gannett owned KUSA TV. McGraw-Hill, owner of a competing television station, recognized Ms. Peña’s accomplishments and recruited her to engineer a turnaround at their Denver ABC affiliate, KMGH TV.  Ms. Peña’s appointment made her the first Hispanic named to the position of General Manager at a major market network affiliate. In addition, Ms. Peña  serves as Chair of El Centro Su Teatro’s Corazon de la Ciudad. In that role, she is leading the Capital Campaign Committee’s efforts in fund raising for a multi-million dollar cultural center to be built in Denver.

Abigail M. Pollak, Member of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino
Abigail Pollak began her career working at Estudio Grau Abogados, one of the largest law firms in Peru, in the areas of mining and petroleum. She then returned to school, studying at the University Of Miami School Of Law, where she obtained her L.L.M. in comparative law, and later at Nova Southeastern University, where she was awarded her second law degree. After graduating, Ms. Pollak concentrated in the area of employment and immigration law. Additionally, Ms. Pollak served as a legal consultant for Plural Productions, a Spanish production company working with Univision’s Spanish-language television show "Al Filo de la Ley." Ms. Pollak is involved in fundraising for many charities, including Cancer Schmancer, Mission International Rescue, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, South Florida Youth Foundation and the Mirabel Foundation.

Cid Wilson, Member of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino
Cid Wilson serves on the board of directors of LatinoJustice PRLDEF and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). He is the former national president of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR). In addition, he is a "gold life member" of the NAACP and a member of the Latino-Jewish Working Group advisory committee of the American Jewish Committee. In February 2004, he made the cover page of Black Enterprise Magazine for his activism and national leadership. Mr. Wilson is also an accomplished Wall Street financial analyst. He was recognized by Forbes in 2006 as the #1 Wall Street financial analyst in his field and is a founding board member of Dominicans On Wall Street (DOWS). He was also appointed to the board of trustees for Bergen Community College and to Governor Jon Corzine’s Property Tax Policy Reform Transition Committee.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS116756+28-Sep-2009+BW20090928

Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
OCT 20 2009

With thanks for your many contributions, 

Michael R. Strayer

Associate Director the Office of Science for the
Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research
cc: A. Paul Alivisatos, Horst Simon, LBNL 

HISPANICS BREAKING BARRIERS

Part XI  

By
Mercy Bautista-Olvera 

In the coming months this series “Hispanics Breaking Barriers” will present the   contributions of Hispanics in United States government and leadership. Their contributions have improved not only the local community but the country as well.    Their struggles, stories, and accomplishments will by example, illustrate to our youth and to future generations that everything and anything is possible.  

Carmen Nazario:  Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in the
Department of Health and Human Resources (Confirmed)    

Edward M. Avalos:  Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs in the Agriculture Department (Confirmed)    

Arturo Valenzuela:  Assistant Secretary of State-Designate for Western Hemisphere Affairs for the State Department (Nominee)   

Ignacia Moreno:  Assistant Attorney General for Environmental and Natural Resources in the Justice Department (Nominee)  

Michael F. Mundaca:  Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in the Treasury Department (Nominee)

 Carmen Nazario  

Carmen Nazario has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Agency in the Department of Health and Human Resources.  

Carmen Nazario was born in Boyanón, Puerto Rico ; she is married to Alexis    Nazario a former U.S. Air Force pilot.  

In 1967, Carmen Nazario received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology from the University of Puerto Rico and in 1973; she earned a Master of Social Work Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.  

Nazario served for the Department of Social Services as Regional Licensing Supervisor and Chief of Locally Administered Programs for the Northern Virginia region. In her tenure as Director of Social Service, Nazario initiatives gained state and national recognition in the areas of foster care services and teenage pregnancy prevention.  

In 1989, Nazario became Deputy Secretary for the Puerto Rico Department of Social Services. She earned praise and recognition from the Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA), during the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. 

From 1993-1997 Nazario served as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Social Services for the state of Delaware, overseeing Welfare Reform and Medicaid Managed Care, the creation of a new division of aging and services to persons with physical disabilities. For her accomplishments she was awarded the “Order of the First State ,” the highest honor the governor of Delaware .  

Nazario has served as the Senior Resident Investigator for the Jordan Poverty Alleviation Program, where she developed and implemented a national poverty reduction strategy for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and advised leaders in the nation on the delivery of social services.  

From January 2003-2008, Nazario served as Administrator for the administration for Children and Families for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico .  

During the Clinton Administration, Nazario served as Associate Commissioner for Child Care, in the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. She later became the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families.   

Nazario served as Assistant Professor at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, where she taught Social Policy, she also coordinated the Social Work Practicum at the School of Social Work .  

Nazario has held a number of national leadership roles, including Vice President of the Board of Directors of the American Public Welfare Association, President of the National Council of Local Public Welfare Administrators and Secretary of the National Council of State Human Service Administrators.   

She was a recipient of the “State Meritorious Service” award for the leadership in planning and directing the implementation of repatriation efforts during Operation Desert Storm. 

Carmen Nazario has a distinguished record of more than 40 years working in human services at every level of government, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors," said Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. "She has devoted her career to developing and implementing programs that promote the well-being of children and families, and she will build on that important work as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families."

 Edward M. Avalos  

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Edward M. Avalos to serve Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs in the Agriculture Department.

Edward M. Avalos was raised on a family farm in the Mesilla Valley of Southern New Mexico. He is married to Vivian E. Avalos. He has spent a lifetime in agriculture.  

Edward M. Avalos received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and Master of Science Degree in Agriculture from New Mexico State University .  

Avalos established the New Mexico Specialty crops Program, which provided matching funds to companies, individuals, agricultural organizations, commodity groups, and non-profits, which have the commitment of improving the economic viability of rural economies. He has also implemented trade missions. The Agri-tourism was introduced and developed, which created an alternative source of income for faming and ranching operations, through funding and educational programs.  

Avalos has worked in Mexico , Japan , China , Canada , and Latin America . In the mid 1980’s a successful and functional livestock trade mechanism established for sheep, goats, dairy cattle, and beef cattle with Mexico .  

Avalos is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, New Mexico Wool Growers Association, New Mexico Chile Commission, New Mexico dry Onion Commission, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, and the New Mexico Pecan Growers association. He has lot of knowledge and capability in both domestic and international marketing.   

“I think Edward is a perfect fit for this position. The work experience, knowledge of the issues and commitment to the agricultural community he brings to the USDA will make him an advocate for out country’s agricultural products,” said New Mexico ’s Congressman Harry Teague. “I am proud to have worked with the Obama Administration to identify a qualified candidate to fill this important role. I think both our country and the state of New Mexico will be well served by having Edward at the United States Department of Agriculture.”  

 Dr. Arturo Valenzuela  

Dr. Arturo Valenzuela is a Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Latin American Studies in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign service at Georgetown University . He is currently a nominee for Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.  

Arturo Valenzuela was born in Concepcion , Chile to American Methodist missionaries Raimundo Arms Valenzuela and Dorothy Bowie Valenzuela. He is married to Katy Mudge. He has two grown children Jennifer and Mark with his former wife Marilyn Stoner-Sepulveda.  

In 1965, Arturo Valenzuela earned a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and Religion from Drew University . In the early 1970’s he earned a Masters and PhD in Political Science from Columbia University .  

He has been a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University , the University of Sussex , the University of Florence, Italy and the Catholic University of Chile.  

In 1992, the then President Clinton appointed Dr. Valenzuela to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs in the United States Department of State. He served for the United States foreign policy towards Mexico . During President Clinton’s second term in office, he served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House.  

Dr. Arturo Valenzuela is Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Latin American Studies in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University . He is a specialist on the Origins and Consolidation of Democracy; the Institutional Dimensions of Democratic Governance; Latin American Politics; and U.S.-Latin American Relations. Prior to joining the Georgetown faculty, he was a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Council on Latin American Studies at Duke University .    

Dr. Valenzuela has been honored with the National Order of the Southern Cross by the government of Brazil and the Order of Boyacá by the government of Colombia . Valenzuela has served on the board of directors of Drew University , the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, and the National Council of La Raza.  

Ignacia S. Moreno  

Ignacia S. Moreno served as General Electric, counsel for Corporate Environmental programs, she is  currently serving as Assistant Attorney General-designate for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (since June 2009), waiting for the U.S. Senate confirmation.  

Ignacia Moreno was born on May 8, 1961 in Cartagena , Colombia and raised in Washington Heights , New York .  

In 1986, Moreno earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from New York University in after working at Berkeley Publishing Group in New York , and her Jurist Degree in

1990. During Law School , she interned for then Senator Joseph R. Biden (D-Delaware) on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Moreno served as an Associate in the Environmental and Litigation practice groups at the Washington , D.C. , law firm Hogan & Hartson.  

During President Clinton Administration, she served as a Special Assistant in the Department of Justice, Counsel and then Principal Counsel for the Assistant Attorney General Lois Schiffer for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. She served as an adviser to the Assistant Attorney General. She participated in both provided management decisions and counsel on enforcement initiatives.  

Moreno went back to a law firm after leaving the Justice Department, working as of counsel and then partner at Spriggs & Hollingsworth in Washington , D.C. ; she specialized in environmental and mass tort litigation with an emphasis on

science-based advocacy,” she said. In 2006, Moreno left the firm to work as Counsel at General Electric; she oversaw the company’s compliance with state and federal regulations.  

Moreno has over 18 years of experience in the federal governmental and in private and corporate practice.    

Ignacia S. Moreno

Ignacia S. Moreno served as General Electric, counsel for Corporate Environmental programs, she is  currently serving as Assistant Attorney General-designate for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (since June 2009), waiting for the U.S. Senate confirmation.  

Ignacia Moreno was born on May 8, 1961 in Cartagena , Colombia and raised in Washington Heights , New York .  

In 1986, Moreno earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from New York University in after working at Berkeley Publishing Group in New York , and her Jurist Degree in

1990. During Law School , she interned for then Senator Joseph R. Biden (D-Delaware) on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Moreno served as an Associate in the Environmental and Litigation practice groups at the Washington , D.C. , law firm Hogan & Hartson.  

During President Clinton Administration, she served as a Special Assistant in the Department of Justice, Counsel and then Principal Counsel for the Assistant Attorney General Lois Schiffer for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. She served as an adviser to the Assistant Attorney General. She participated in both provided management decisions and counsel on enforcement initiatives.  

Moreno went back to a law firm after leaving the Justice Department, working as of counsel and then partner at Spriggs & Hollingsworth in Washington , D.C. ; she specialized in environmental and mass tort litigation with an emphasis on

science-based advocacy,” she said. In 2006, Moreno left the firm to work as Counsel at General Electric; she oversaw the company’s compliance with state and federal regulations.  

Moreno has over 18 years of experience in the federal governmental and in private and corporate practice. 

 Michael F. Mundaca

 Michael F. Mundaca, is the Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary for International Tax Affairs, and is currently a nominee for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in the Treasury Department.    

Michael Fred Mundaca is 46 years old; he is the son of Fred I. Mundaca and Irene L. Mundaca.  

Mundaca is currently involved in the formulation of U.S. international tax policy, as well as tax treaty negotiations, and the production of regulatory guidance and legislative proposals.  

In 1986, Michael F. Mundaca earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Physics from Columbia University and a Master in Philosophy Degree from the University of Chicago in 1988. He received a Jurist Degree from the University of California , Berkeley , School of Las (Boalt Hall), in 1992, and an LL.M. in taxation (International Tax Specialization) from the University of Miami , in 1997.  

Mundaca served as an Associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, a law firm in New York , and as a partner in the International Tax Services group of Ernst & Young’s National Tax Department in Washington , D.C. His focused on cross-border planning and structuring, including especially Tax Treaty issues, and on international Legislative and regulatory monitoring and consulting.  

During the Clinton Administration Mundaca served at Treasury, and returned in 2007 to serve as Deputy International Counsel in the Treasury Departments’ Office of Tax Policy.  

Mundaca has also been an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center , teaching a seminar on Tax Treaties.

 *Updates from Previous Articles*  

John R. Fernandez:  Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development in the Commerce Department (Confirmed September 10, 2009) (See September 2009 issue of “Somos Primos” for complete biography)   

Juan M. Garcia III:  Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the Defense Department (Confirmed September 16, 2009)
(See September 2009 issue of “Somos Primos” for complete biography)   

Alejandro Mayorkas:  Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services   (Confirmed August 7, 2009)  
(See April 2009 issue of “Somos Primos” for complete biography)   

Tom Perez:  Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Justice Department (Confirmed October 5, 2009)
(See March 2009 issue of “Somos Primos” for complete biography)  

Hector P. Garcia Family THANKSGIVING DAY 1980s

By daughter

Daisy Wanda Garcia 

His destiny was all in a name. 

"Judge Justice."

U.S. Judge William Wayne Justice

WILLIAM WAYNE JUSTICE 1920-2009

Judge Justice dies at 89

By Denise Gamino
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

His destiny was all in a name. 

"Judge Justice."

.........................................................................

The Farmworker Movement Documentation Project, founded in 2003 by LeRoy Chatfield, is a labor of love. The project seeks to compile and publish primary source accounts from the volunteers who worked with Cesar Chavez to build his farmworker movement during the period, 1962-1993.

The first publication of the Project's publishing arm, Si Se Puede Press, is a Multimedia Presentation of the documents collected by the Documentation Project during the first two years of its existence. Future publications include an Internet Website, and a limited edition book of essays written by farmworker movement volunteers. As the need arises, and the opportunity presents itself, additional publications will occur.

All primary source accounts have been included, and none, except the discussion and the slide show have been edited for content, length, voice, or tone. The discussion was edited for readability purposes only, and the slide show was limited by the need to choose representative photographs covering the thirty-one year period. The essays have been professionally copyedited and proofread.

For a more detailed discussion of the origins, and the development of the Documentation Project, please consult the essay of LeRoy Chatfield, 1963-1973.
 Also see Mr. Chatfield's other essays by clicking here.
(email LeRoy Chatfield)  nfwaleroy@hotmail.com

Sent by Carlos Munoz, Ph.D.
cmjr@berkeley.eduhttp://www.farmworkermovement.us/

Our fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association provides us with non-profit status, and allows us to receive donations that are tax deductible to you, our supporters. 
A percentage of our fundraising will also go directly to the IDA. Since 1982, the International Documentary Association has worked to promote nonfiction film and video, support the efforts of documentary film and video makers around the world and increase public appreciation for the documentary form.

Make checks and money orders payable to: International Documentary Association
c/o Monkey Mind Media, 1607 Redesdale Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
For more information:  Molly O’Brien, Producer mollyobrien@mac.com

WITNESS TO HERITAGE

Legacy of Valor Exhibited at the Veterans Medical Center in Palo Alto

At the invitation of Thomas M. Turréy, Program Manager, Hispanic Heritage at the Veterans Medical Center in Palo Alto, Legacy of Valor was viewed by patients, visitors and Boy Scouts at the Veterans Medical Center in  October, between the 7th-9th.  

Mr. Turréy had viewed the Legacy of Valor display in Chicago at the NCLR national conference this year in July.   With considerable speed, Mr. Turréy cleared the way for it to happen.

Rick Leal wanted a color guard for an evening presentation.  I knew that the LDS Church includes the Boy Scouts of America, as part of its youth program.  I have three grandsons who are Eagle Scouts and I have a lot of respect for what the boys learned along the way of achieving that goal.    




I quickly made contact with the Church in Palo Alto and was directed to Scoutmaster Todd Miner.  Todd Miner and Assistant Scoutmaster Bruce Wright, Scoutmasters for Troop 66, who provided the color guard.  They are chartered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Pacific Skyline Council.  

It pleased me.  Judging by the surnames, 
the troup was very multi-cultural and it surely was an experience being there with the veterans that those young men will never forget.

Oral History Project Turns Focus on Latinos in the USA
By Lesley Clark (McClatchy Newspapers)
Miami Herald, September 24, 2009

NATIONAL ISSUES

Commentary: 
Confronting Hispanic under-representation in government 
By JORGE E. PONCE 
September 28, 2009 

October 29th, Hate Crimes Bill Signed Into Law

Chapman University Archive dedicated to
Mendez v. Westminster documents and artifacts

Premier of  "A Forgotten Injustice" Documentary  

Protecting families from domestic violence

S: When we look at the studies, the first ones to be let go at jobs are usually minorities
and women. Hispanics tend to lose their jobs sooner, more widely and they begin with lower income anyway, so they are probably stretched even farther at this point. Many of our Hispanics families, especially new immigrant families, face even bigger stress factors. For example, they might have a family member who does not have the right documentation
and is forced to leave the country. 

G: Is there anything in the immigrant culture, maybe something in their home countries, that may make domestic violence more acceptable?

S: It’s not that it makes it more acceptable, but it is less talked about, so when it happens less help is available. Why would you go and say my husband is beating me if you don’t have the resources to get a restraining order against him or to Weekly Report editor Erick Galindo’s questions:

G: What is the most common trigger for domestic violence?

S: We know that when people have financial problems, that’s when domestic violence increases. Seventy percent of the reasons people fight within a marriage has to do with financial reasons.

G: How do these factors play out in the Hispanic community?

S: When we look at the studies, the first ones to be let go at jobs are usually minorities
and women. Hispanics tend to lose their jobs sooner, more widely and they begin with lower income anyway, so they are probably stretched even farther at this point. Many of our Hispanics families, especially new immigrant families, face even bigger stress factors. For example, they might have a family member who does not have the right documentation
and is forced to leave the country.

G: Is there anything in the immigrant culture, maybe something in their home countries, that may make domestic violence more acceptable?

S: It’s not that it makes it more acceptable, but it is less talked about, so when it happens less help is available. Why would you go and say my husband is beating me if you don’t have the resources to get a restraining order against him. We need to have the tools available to those women who are strong enough to move out of that situation and want to change.

G: Do you think children who go through this, especially in the Hispanic community,
grow up to find it more acceptable to be in those types of relationships?

S: Just from personal experience, when I see it in the neighborhoods among Hispanics,
I think you learn from what you see. If your dad is beating up your mom, then probably you will beat up your girlfriend. That's what we must change.

G: What in particular do you believe can be done to address such issues as lack of communication or fear?

S: The biggest thing is educating the community. Violence, domestic violence, is allowed to happen because people don't speak up and say "Stop it already!" Women are afraid to say something because it's quote "part of the Hispanic culture."

G: You have been fighting this issue for a long time. Was there something in your personal life that connected you to it?

S: Certainly. I will say that my father beat my mother. When I was a child I saw it happen.

G: How did it affect you psychologically?

S: It's incredibly damaging to a person to see that happening. There were a couple
of times when I was in the first grade that my mother left the house. Ultimately she
was there, but my dad would wipe the walls with my mom once in a while.

G: Did he ever seek help?
S: No. He never did. I think, you know, in later years it stopped.

ACTION ITEMS

This column is part of an ongoing series, "America's Hidden Hispanic Heritage." To read previous columns in the series, go to http://www.MiguelPerez.com .

When he discovered the huge landmass now known as the United States, Juan Ponce de Leon decided to call it Florida. It was April 2, 1513, during the "Pascua Florida" season ---- Spanish for "Flowery Easter" ---- and that name seemed appropriate as the conquistador and his 200 explorers contemplated the lush vegetation along the shoreline.

They became the first Europeans to set foot on the American mainland, landing somewhere on the east coast of the peninsula now known as the state of Florida.  Yet their historic achievement is mostly ignored in the United States. April 2 is not an American holiday.

When American history books tell us that Ponce de Leon discovered Florida, they usually fail to explain that the Florida territory of the 16th century covered the entire American mainland, and they undermine the importance of his great discovery.

We know the main reason is The Black Legend, that infamous Anglo-Saxon campaign to demonize the Spanish explorers and minimize their accomplishments, a legend that has distorted American history and that still is promoted by both anti-Hispanic zealots and Latinos who reject their Spanish heritage.

But why are the rest of us Americans, of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, depriving ourselves of celebrating our national "American Discovery Day"? (That's what I would call it!) Why aren't we planning a huge series of celebrations to commemorate our quincentennial in April 2013?

This is Hispanic Heritage Month, mostly dedicated to commemorating Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World on Oct. 12, 1492. It is a time for ethnic parades and other wonderful festivities, as well as for some conflict between those Latinos who celebrate the accomplishments of their Spanish ancestors and those who reject them as ruthless invaders.

Unfortunately, because Columbus never set foot in North America, even among those Latinos who do celebrate their Spanish heritage, the month's festivities seldom are used to recognize the great feats of those conquistadors who really did discover, explore and settle huge portions of North America long before any other Europeans.

Hernando de Soto, Francisco Coronado, Pedro Menendez de Aviles and many other 16th-century Spanish explorers are the original American pioneers, the heroes who should be recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month.

But it all began with the one who sailed north from Puerto Rico on March 4, 1513, and almost one month later found the land that was to become our country: Our quincentennial is coming!

In 1976, when the U.S. celebrated its bicentennial, and in 1992, when the entire Western Hemisphere celebrated its quincentennial, there were wonderful re-enactments of historic moments, great history lessons, tall ship flotillas and plenty of fireworks.

Doesn't April 2, 2013, deserve similar attention?

When Jamestown, Va., celebrated its 400th anniversary as the "first permanent British settlement" in the United States, in May 2007, both President George W. Bush and the queen of England attended the festivities. St. Augustine, Fla., the country's first settlement of any kind, doesn't get as much attention when it celebrates its anniversary 42 years ahead of Jamestown, every Sept. 8.

Of course, what St. Augustine celebrates is the anniversary of its 1565 foundation by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who came to settle there 52 years after Ponce de Leon discovered our country. In fact, on the Internet, there is already a group planning a special celebration for St. Augustine's 450th birthday, in 2015!

But what about April 2, 2013, the 500th anniversary of our country's discovery? Shouldn't we be planning our 500th birthday party? Seeing as St. Augustine also claims to be the site of Ponce de Leon's first landing (and of his discovery of the legendary Fountain of Youth), in 1513, shouldn't that be the site of our biggest quincentennial celebration? Will there be fireworks and flotillas? Will the president of the United States go to St. Augustine to greet the king of Spain?

Mind you, in 2004, the Florida Legislature passed a law calling on the Florida Department of State to create a "Discovery of Florida Quincentennial Commemoration Commission," which was to "develop and lead a statewide master plan" for celebrations in 2013. Yet adequate funding for that project never was allocated by that same Legislature; the commission never was fully established; and the law was repealed in 2008.

And mind you, also in 2004, the two U.S. senators from Florida, Bob Graham and Bill Nelson, both Democrats, introduced federal legislation that would have established a "National Commission on the Quincentennial of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon" ---- with offices in St. Augustine ---- to "encourage, coordinate and conduct" celebrations that would "enhance public understanding of the impact of the discovery of Florida on the history of the United States." However, although it was passed by the U.S. Senate, the bill never cleared the House and never became law.

So the clock keeps ticking toward 2013, and perhaps I'm just not looking in the right places, but I see "nada" ---- no plans at all!

Since I started raising these questions some time ago, some readers have reacted very positively, urging me to go ahead and "make it happen" ---- as if one columnist could have the power to do it all alone.

The 500th anniversary of our homeland's discovery surely deserves a huge national celebration. But it would be up to all of us to make it happen.

I only have planted a seed, and this is a garden that belongs to all of us. By the way, I plan to be in St. Augustine for "Pascua Florida" April 2, 2013. Will you join me?

MIGUEL PEREZ is a print and broadcast journalist. Comment at nctimes.com or contact him at www.MiguelPerez.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Readers who want to join in Miguel Perez' quest can ask their elected officials to issue proclamations recognizing April 2 as the nation's American Discovery Day and to start planning for our 2013 quincentennial celebrations. Readers with other ideas on how to achieve this goal, are urged to send comments at miguelperez@optonline.net comments may be quoted in Perez' column in the future.

Commentary: 
Spanish Language Under Attack, As CSUB Faculty Take Stand Against Possible Phase-out Of Modern Language, Chicano Studies Programs.

Students wait before meeting.  

Students sign petitions 
Get Face News updates on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbelardes

Dorinda Moreno
fuerzamundial@gmail.net 

BUSINESS

Nov 19: 4th Annual National Latina Business Women Association

National Latina Business Women Association
http://www.nlbwa.com 
655 S. Main Street, Suite 200-308, Orange, CA 92868 
nlbwapresident@gmail.com

CONTACT: 
Linda Caballero Sotelo lsotelo@toltecmedia.net (818)326-5344 (415) 640-1447
Cecilia Mota (619)602-7932 nlbwapresident@gmail.com 
Augustine Ruiz augustine.ruiz.jr@usps 

Mexican taco cart wins NYC's street vendor award

Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together 
Micro-lending Assistance Program,  
An initiative designed to help individuals establish their new small enterprise.
 

EDUCATION

Abby Jean Larson, daughter of Patricia A. Navarrette
Democrats and Schools, Op-Ed Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof 
CNN’s Latinos in America documentary in October 
The new untouchables, byline by Thomas L. Friedman

Extract: Democrats and Schools 
Op-Ed Columnist By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
The New York Times, October 14, 2009

CNN’s Latinos in America documentary in October 
Published  SEPTEMBER, 2009 
By Dr. Neo Gutierrez  Neodance@aol.com 

Sent by Walter Herbeck wlherbeck@sbcglobal.net

The new untouchables
byline: Thomas L. Friedman, 10/23/09

BILINGUAL/BICULTURAL EDUCATION

Latino teens happier, healthier if families embrace biculturalism

Handbook of Latinos and Education
Theory, Research, and Practice

Sent by Rafael Ojeda  RSNOJEDA@aol.com 

Abstract: Amid lagging scores of Latino students, 
San Jose High Academy models success 
By Sharon Noguchi
snoguchi@mercurynews.com, 09/28/2009
http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_13439242?source=email# 

BOOKS

Who writes:  "I think many of our primos will treasure this book."

CULTURE

Dia de Los Muertos Festival held in Whittier, CA, Sunday October 18th

A Day of the Dead Festival was held in Whittier, CA, Sunday October 18th from 11am to 7 pm.  It was organized under the direction of Yolanda Garcia, gallery owner of Casita del Pueblo Gallery. Vendors, food booths, Day of the dead costume contest and about 6 super bands played all day. A local Mortuary donated the use of it's parking lot for the affair...how appropriate!

It was a great crowd and everyone had fun.................Serg

Blind Musician by Sergio Hernandez

The Rose, A Sense of Place, 
Trailer of documentary, Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth 

Sent by Roberto R. Calderón, Ph.D.  
beto@unt.edu

October UNVEILING OF CHICANO HISTORY MURAL

"Festival de Teatro Chicano: Nine Original Short Plays,"

Sent by Roberto R. Calderón, Ph.D.  beto@unt.edu

Sent by Dorinda Moreno
fuerzamundial@gmail.com

City of Berkeley Honors Poet & Artist Rafael Jesús González

LITERATURE

 Somos en escrito
New online magazine, opens its pages to Latino writers

ANTI-SPANISH LEGENDS

Comments by Dan Arellano concerning the "Battle of Medina"

Dear Mimi,  

I would like to thank Mr. Tom Green for his contribution on the “Battle of Medina,” in the October 2009 issue, however I would like to point out the fact that he forgets to mention the Tejano contribution. As we all know the “Black Legend” continues to this day and Mr. Green contributes to it by pointing to the cruelty of the Spanish army and that there were body parts hung on trees. This was a bloody battle but as you know history has been written by the victors and eliminates the part of the vanquished. I first heard of this story some 25 years ago from my uncle that lived 8 miles from the battle site and it was he that told me a different story. His version tells of the heroic part of the Tejanos and how they stood and fought to the last man.  

Mr. Green fails to mention that out of the 100 survivors 90 were Americans, and that in itself proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the ones with the most to lose would fight the hardest and that the Tejanos and their Native American allies stood and fought to the last man. His only mention of a Tejano is a negative portrayal of the “turncoat” Musquiz. What about the hero Colonel Miguel Menchaca!  It is reported that it was he that said “Tejanos do not withdraw” as he plunges back in to the thick of the fight.  

The surviving Americans, once they were safe in Louisiana started rumors. One survivor says that they fought against 5 thousand Mexicans another raised the number to 10 thousand and then another to the point of ridiculous of 15 thousand. We all agree now that Arredondo had only 1830 combatants at the “ Battle of Medina.” Robert Thonhoff says in his book “ The Forgotten Battlefield of the Battle of Medina,” that the surviving Americans needed to “ temper the truth” which means that they lied. In order to justify the defeat they blamed it on the Mexicans, so what else is new.  

Julia Kathryn Garrett in her book “Green Flag Over Texas” written in the 1930’s says about this previous victorious army, that the “Mexicans held back while the Americans rushed like madmen in to the battle.”  James Crisp Ph.D, professor of history at North Carolina and the authority on the battle of the Alamo says that Americans have always glorified the part of their ancestors while omitting or down playing those of other races.    

Andres Tijerina Ph.D, author and historian and professor of Texas History says about the Alamo movie with Billy Bob Thornton, that he was hired as a consultant and that they had to fight like hell with the Daughters of the Republic, to insure that the part Tejanos played was more accurately portrayed. And sure enough it was. In the movie there was no line in the sand, the flag of 1824 was not there and Davy Crockett surrenders and then is executed, which was the true story. Perhaps this explains why it bombed and that Anglo Americans would rather live with myth than with reality.  

Jane Long, an illegal immigrant had a child at Bolivar Point , Texas in 1821 and she is considered the  “Mother of Texas.” This , according to “The Sword Was Their Passport,” written by Harris Gaylord Warren calls this “ a preposterous notion that reveals ignorance of the events  that have been the subject of this book.” She may be the Mother of Anglo Americans but she is certainly not the “ Mother of Texas.” Especially when you consider the births of Tejano children to Tejano mothers since 1716-1718.  

I remember a movie as I was growing up in Austin , Texas about this 19 year old Marine in the battle in the Philippines called “ From Hell to Eternity” starring tall , blond, blue-eyed, Jeffery Hunter and thinking these Anglos were very brave and heroic.  It shows how Hunter, single-handedly captured over 1500 Japanese soldiers. It was only 50 years later that I discovered that this hero was not a blond blue-eyed Anglo after all, but a short Chicano from East L.A. named Guy Gabaldon. He was one of us, but Holly Wood chose to distort the truth. Again, like the “ Battle of Medina,” the truth will eventually be revealed.  

As a minority and for fear of retaliation we were once afraid to speak up, but now as we have grown in numbers we must no longer accept the lies and prejudice that exists to this day. With the growing number of hate crimes against Hispanics it is more important than ever to educate, not only our children, but all children about the part our ancestors have played in the development of this great nation.  

Now you know why we celebrate our own events in Texas at the reenactment of the “Tejano Declaration of Independence” in April, and the “ Tejano Battle of Medina ,” in August. And why some of us can proudly say that “We did not come to the United States , the United States came to us.”  

Dan Arellano Author/Historian
www.tejanoroots.org
darellano@austin.rr.com
512-826-7569

THE MUCH MISUNDERSTOOD OCTOBER 12th DAY OF THE PEOPLE

By Richard G. Santos
richardgsantos@yahoo.com

There is only one comment that I would offer about his excellent historical report.... that is.., the terrible "Leyenda Negra"... AKA "Black Legend"....  Anyone who is learned about the history of that literary attack on early Spaniards, knows that it was contrived and heavily publicized by the then English and Protestant world... At that time, there was great hatred between the "Anglo" world and the Spanish... and although they both engaged in the same terrible practices that the English accused the Spanish of engaging, the "bad press" fell on the Spanish, especially when "Don de las Casas", a Spaniard, joined in the accusations...!  Hence the Spanish got stuck with the very bad press for centuries to come..! 

I feel that it is not wise for Hispanos to deny or minimize the terrible events that did happen in that time... and were, for the most part, true of the Spaniards...!!!  Just as it was true of the English, the Dutch, Portugese, Italians, and others who dealt in the "Black Slavery" trade and other atrocities...!!!  It is true that terrible things were done by all these Europeans, but it was typical of that time and place...!!!  That does not condone what happened, it is to say that it was part of the socio-economic activity of the time...!  So for Hispanos to deny that it hapened only serves to paint us Hispanos as liars as well as mercilous killers.... and THAT is what propogates the Black Legend.... the fact that Hispanos are in denial of it..... When it raises it's ugley head, the Leyenda Negra should be explained for what it was....  a historical fact of that early time in history in which ALL Europeans were involved..., not just the Spanish...!  This is just my opinion.....

Any comments or contradictions are welcome..... Louis F. Serna
Visit me at www.CimarronPublishing.net

Sent by Juan Marinez marinezj@anr.msu.edu

Comments by Joe Lopez, webmaster of www.tejanosunidos.org

Comments by Joe Lopez, webmaster of www.tejanosunidos.org

Mimi, thanks a million.  Your comments are right on target.   

It’s funny, but many of the realities (and nuances) you refer to (double-standard for “minority” groups in this country, for example), I have included in TejanosUnidos.  

Also, I couldn’t agree with you more as to the implication of the word “Spanish” to many of us Spanish-surnamed U.S. citizens.  That is probably the first question I had when I became consciously involved in our identity “struggle” of the 1960s.   

Let me offer the following personal perspective.  I happen to be proud of both my Spanish and my Native American bloodlines.  My two nicknames as I was growing up may explain the situation in a humorous way.  My first nickname was “guero” due to my physical appearance.  As I turned 10 or 11, I was given the name of “Indio” by the neighborhood kids because of the pride I had on being descended from the First Americans (more on my dad’s side; Coahuilteca and Kickapoo).  So, by being a “guero” Indio, I personified a special and unique dilemma – being proud of both sides.      

Clearly understanding the historical role of the European Spanish in colonial America, I was nevertheless perplexed why so many young “Mexican Americans” who just found out about and promoted their Native American roots would do so at the expense of their Spanish roots.  That is very regrettable.  To me, it represents a form of “self-hate” that has been fed by generations of being set as a “class apart” by the larger majority.   

The answer is of course that that they (as many Anglos) consider Spain in American history as the boogeyman.  For example, in mainstream history books, the English colonists are referred to respectfully as “pioneers” and “settlers” who “civilized” the “savages” in America.  On the other hand, the Spanish are depicted as “conquistadores” who slashed the throats of the savages and tortured them just because they wouldn’t tell them where the gold was hidden nor would they convert to Catholicism.  Another example, the move west by the Anglos was “Manifest Destiny”.   However, when describing the Spanish colonizing, most history books speak only about the “missions” forced on the natives.  They totally leave out the existence of Spanish pioneers and settlers (our ancestors) living in pueblos, villas, and ranchos.  Those are the attitudes that we must change.        

It is important to consider that at no time was there more than 15% “Peninsulares” in Tejas (and Northern Mexico).  As a result, both Spanish and Native American bloodlines run through most of our veins today, for example.   

I’m sorry I got long-winded.  Anyway, let me blend in your input into the paper and we’ll try it again.  As to the next step, I’m leaning toward writing a cover letter and sending it to LULAC.  Chema, comments?  

Warm Regards to both of you, 
Your Primo
Joe Lopez

Editor: Joe has mounted a fantastic website on Texas history and the historical contributions of key figures.  www.tejanosunidos.org

MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROES

Benjamin E. Martinez, 1916-2009

Rafael:  I have an update….In May, I sent out a request for my grandfathers records (U.S. government archives) and received information.  Regarding the medals he earned were various WWII service medals; however, the medal (s) that was shocking is the bronze star.  In fact, he earned 5 bronze stars, but the military archives stated a silver star will sent (in lieu of 5 bronze stars).  Also, a fragmented military record will be sent within a month (fragmented due to the 1972 fire in St. Louis). 

 I’ll will begin my research when I receive his division and unit location. 
 Thanks again, Vince



Sent by Rafael Ojeda RSNOJEDA@aol.com
whittiercollege2000@hotmail.com

PFC. Abel B. Mendez Wounded in WWII;

His Purple Heart Has Never Been Awarded

By: Irene Mendez-Tello[1]

This story is about Abel B. Mendez, my father, and my mother Maxine Salinas Rios. They were a most decisive and resourceful couple.  Married after only 4 days of meeting each other, they had 8 children, were married for 65 years, and lived to a ripe golden age. Together, they were an absolutely fantastic couple; they were giving, caring, loving and exceptional parents. However, the lives of the family was not always easy, particularly during the time my father --- although having a family of seven children --- was drafted into the army, fought in the European Theatre during World War II in many German locations, captured German prisoners, and was seriously wounded. Yet, to this day, his war wounds have never been recognized and the Purple Heart has never been awarded.  Even after nearly losing his life for our country, he and his family were the victims of the most egregious discrimination existing at that time against Mexican -Americans.  As I write the details of my story in the ensuing pages, I do so reminiscing the good and bad times my parents experienced.  I am also sending a request to President Barack Obama to issue the required orders giving due recognition – and awarding the Purple Heart -- that my father truly deserves.  

Born on January 8, 19 07 , Abel B. Mendez was the sixth child (of eight children) that Gabino Mendez and Carolina Barrera Mendez had.  They lived in the community of Kyle Texas, which is twenty-two miles south of Austin .   My father attended Elementary School in Kyle, but quit at an early age to help his family work the fields in the community.  This was what most children of that time had to do – help parents with the hard labor in order to survive.   

On September 16, 19 27 , while attending a fiesta in Kyle, my father met a beautiful sixteen year old young lady from Prairie Lea Texas .  Four days later on September 20, 19 27 he married Maxine Salinas Rios -- it was one of those strong and exceptional marriages that lasted 65 years.  

They settle in Austin where Abel worked as a porter for the Stephen F. Austin Hotel in downtown Austin ; Maxine was a stay at home Mom. From this union eight children were born; their first child, Abel Jr., was born April 1, 19 29 , then Lee, Raul, Irene (the author), Margie, Stella, Connie and Rachel.  

My paternal grandparents ( Merced and Narcisa Rios) had given my parents a lot so they could build a house.  The house was built on the East side of town, where most Hispanic young married couples were building homes. This area was called El Barrio de la Buena Vista ; it had an Elementary School within walking distance from our house.  My father was an exceptional provider; we had everything we needed, love, food, shelter and loving parents.   My mother was able to stay at home; therefore, kept a beautiful clean house, food on the table and washed and ironed our clothes. There was love, laughter and joy. It was a different time and although – by 1941 -- our country was at war, we grew up as very happy children.  

My mother did not speak English nor did she drive a car; we were her translators and her voice.  Since she did not drive, we rode the City bus downtown to pay bills, to shop, or to visit my paternal grandparents.  My mother knew the importance of an education.  Since she had not had one, she made certain we went to school everyday and to attend church on Sundays and study our Catholic Doctrine and receive our Sacraments.  

Then came the bad news; my father was being drafted to serve his country.  When he was called for duty, he was 36 years old and the father of seven children.  The oldest child was thirteen years old, the youngest was one year old, and one was on the way.  He was inducted on December 23, 19 43 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas .  He received his Basic Training at Camp Fanning Texas ten miles northeast of Tyler Texas.  To this day I will never understand why my father was drafted, given his age and having such a big family.  My little sister Rachel was born after my dad left for war.  

Before leaving for overseas; my father came home on furlough.  During the time he was home, he and I would walk to visit his parents (Gabino and Carolina Mendez). Let me tell you about my grandparents, although, they did not have much money, they were hard-working and deeply religious people.  My grandmother ( Carolina ) was very proud to be a descendant of Jose Antonio Navarro, one of the Texas Patriot and one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence for Texas .  My grandmother often talked about him.  That is the reason why I knew about my famous grandparent before I studied about him in the eighth grade social studies class;  

As my father and I walked to my grandmother’s house, I was all dressed in my Sunday best and pink straw hat with little pink roses on the side of the hat.   I recall thinking how handsome my father looked in his uniform and cap.  He was strong, tall and good-looking; I was so proud of him. I remember laughing and talking to my dad as he held to my hand tightly as if to protect me.  It was such a beautiful and special time of bonding with my dad.  

The day my father left to war is still ever so vivid in my mind. It was late afternoon; I was seven years old; my sister Margie was four; Stella was three and Connie the baby was one year old. The boys were older and they were not at home on that specific day.  My brothers held part-time jobs after school shining shoes downtown to supplement our income.  They continued shoe shining until my father returned from the war.  

I recall the neighbor (a lady) coming over to our house with her two daughters Irma (12) and Isabel (5).  My father was on his knees; his arms around Margie, Stella and me telling us he loved us and to be good while he was gone.  He then kissed us goodbye. Irma held our hand as we walked out the door to their house. Their mother stayed at our house with my mom who had my little sister in her arms.   My little sisters and I were sitting on a swing on the front porch when I a Taxi drove up to the front of our house and my father left.  That was the last time I saw my dad for the next two years.  After a while Irma and Isabel walked us home. I did not know then what my beautiful neighbors were doing for us or why they wanted to save us the pain and suffering of seeing my dad go off to war; but, I do now and when I think of them I say a prayer for them; I believe there are angels in the world and these people were certainly our angels because at that particular time we really needed all the love and compassion we could get.  

We lived in a neighborhood where the train would go by twice daily three blocks from our house.  We could hear the wheels of the train on the tracks as it went by carrying soldiers from South Texas and San Antonio to their destination.   My father was one of those soldiers on the train the day he left to war.  I can still remember my mother by the kitchen window holding my little sister Connie in her arms and tears rolling down her cheeks as she heard the train carrying my father away from us; I was too young to comprehend that my father might not come back alive to us.  

He departed from the United States on the Queen Mary on August 29, 19 44 to England -- the destination of European African Middle Eastern Camp (EAME).  During the next 8 months, he fought along side many brave and heroic men, who had also left their families to serve their country.  My father considered it an honor to serve his country, although according to his medical records he appeared to be very concerned for the family back at home.   He was particularly apprehensive because my mother was expecting their eighth child.  

While my father was away, my mother assumed the responsibility of both father and mother as most wives did during the time their husbands were serving our country.   With eight of us, I often wondered how my mother managed to keep us all together.  It must have been hard on her; however, I do not recall her ever being angry or upset at us.  Sometime my mom’s sister would come and stay with us because her husband was also in the army overseas.  

Times were hard for all the country; I remember the ration of food stamps. My mother would send us to the store down the street with stamps she had carefully counted for sugar and flour and other things.  

We were blessed in many ways in that my maternal grandparents ( Merced and Narcisa Rios) owned a large spread of land 15 miles south of Austin in the Go-Forth Community between Buda and Kyle.  During week-ends, they would come to visit us and bring meat, bacon, ham, sausage, eggs, milk, butter, vegetables and fruits.  In the fall, my uncles would slaughter a pig or two and all the family would get together to make tamales and chicharrones (pork rinds).  While the adults worked, the children roamed and played in the barn or on the tractors or played hide and seek in the corn fields. It took our minds off the fact that my father was away.  Although times were hard we were well taken care of.  Often I saw my grandmother give money to my mother.   I have to appreciate the fact that my mother was very resourceful and frugal with our money. While my father was away, my mother extended our house by adding 2 extra rooms.  

In Northern Europe , my father was placed under the command of General Alexander M. Patch, the commander of the United States Seventh Army.  When the Third Army -- which was under the command of General George S. Patton -- was combined with the Seventh Army, my father served for a time under those two great generals.   I often heard my father mention how proud he felt to have served under the command of those two fine Generals.  Many times I sat with my dad as he reminisced about his war experiences.  I recall the names of those far away places as he walked north to the German border through Belgium , France , Luxembourg , and into Germany .   As my father entered the different German towns, he was deeply affected to see the beautiful churches and statues of the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the ground and in shambles.  

My father fought in the Battle of the Bulge -- the greatest pitched battle on the western front in World War II.  It was here that the commanders committed Quartermaster troops (my father served in the Quartermaster troops) Engineer Units, cooks and bakers to the front lines.  My father spent forty-nine days and forty-nine nights in the war zone.    

It was during this battle that my father captured five young German soldiers who were no older than fourteen or fifteen year old.  Having run out of bullets, he captured the prisoners with an empty rifle.  These boys reminded my dad of his own boys back at home and he could not bring himself to hurt them.  For this brave action, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  

My father was unfortunately wounded in his left shoulder while fighting from a foxhole.  He was sent to a hospital in France .  This is the reason why he deserves the Purple Heart – but it has never been awarded.   

While in the hospital, a Catholic Chaplain came to his bedside and asked him “if he was ready to go back?”  Thinking that he meant back to the front lines, my father shook his head yes.  The Chaplain smiled at him and said:”I mean back to the States; you are going home.”  I can only imagine how elated and exuberant my father must have felt to know he was going home to his family.  

He departed from Europe on November 19, 19 45 ; arriving on U S soil on November 25, 19 45 . He was separated in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas on December 2, 19 45 . Oh Happy Days.  

I remember the day that he came back.  It was a Sunday afternoon and I was rocking my baby sister for a nap.   I looked out the window and saw a yellow cab stop across the street and a young man in an Army Uniform step out of the Taxi, paid the cab driver, threw his duffle bag on his shoulder, and started to walk across the street towards our house.   I knew my dad was home.  I laid my sister on her crib and ran to the door and into my father arms, both of us crying.  My father was home for good. That Christmas was the best ever.  He had served his country proudly as a courageous, heroic, fearless, brave soldier and a fighting warrior.  

My father settled down after the war to work and study under the G I Bill.  He learned a trade as an auto upholster.  He was the best in Austin ; people trusted him and came to him to have their car re-upholstered.  He also had a small shop in our back yard to supplement our income.  

After he had been home for a couple of years, my parents decided to purchase a bigger home in an all white neighborhood.   Although we were excited about moving to another house, I was reluctant to leave the old neighborhood and my friends.  Most of all, however, I would miss the trains that would go by carrying the soldiers from South Texas and San Antonio .  I remember that the soldiers would throw quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies at us as the trains rolled by.   It was so much fun. I learned to save by putting my little change in a piggy bank.  

Our joy did not last long.  My father told us we may not be able to move because a German woman – obviously a racist -- had a problem with Mexicans living next door to her.  This seemed ridiculous.  The whole family had suffered tremendously from the separation.  And, my father had suffered great hardship, fought battles in the war, had been wounded, helped defeat this lady’s mother land, helped keep our country free and here we were encountering prejudice and discrimination from this unreasonable person.  Perhaps she did not know the war was over and that discrimination was supposed to be on the way out.  

The Realtor --T W Wiley -- was very helpful and my parents were able to acquire the disputed house.  After we moved in, the woman sold her house and moved out.  This was my first encounter with discrimination.   It was not very pretty.   However, we certainly felt proud of being the children of Abel Barrera Mendez – a kind, compassionate, gentle father who loved his family and country and was a respected citizen of the community.  

My father earned many medals, including the Bronze Star, Sharpshooter, EAME Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Ribbon.  Yet, although he was wounded in battle, someone goofed and neglected to award him the Purple Heart.    This is unconscionable.  My father was in a battle; he was wounded; and, as a wounded soldiers, he deserves to be awarded the Purple Heart.  

Over the years, we – his family – have tried to obtain his records and get that recognition for him that he truly deserves.  However, we have been told that his records are no longer available for verification.  We were told that the St. Louis Missouri warehouse which held the alphabetical records -- from H thru Z – was destroyed by a fire.   This is pure bureaucratic nonsense.  His disabled status can be easily confirmed by examination of his retirement pension.  Until his death, he received payments for his disabling World War II wounds.  

I miss my father very much – his gentle spirit, his humorous way of telling jokes, his jovial manner, his love for my mother, his dedication to family, and his unyielding optimism for life. He left this world on February 23, 1992 at the age of eight-four; my mother joined him on September 8, 2007 at the age of ninety-six years old, they had enjoyed sixty-five years together.  

As I sat at the grave site, where they were burying my father, and listened to the 21 gun-salute and cried on hearing the soulful sounds of the final taps, I recall thinking of the many sacrifices that we had made while my father served our country and how much we suffered when we found out that he had been wounded and in the hospital.  It is true we were not physically there; yet, we were always present with him in spirit.  As I end this article, let me reiterate that my father was wounded during World War II and deserves to be awarded, even posthumously, the high recognition that wounded soldiers normally get.  He was wounded in battle and deserves the Purple Heart.  

I am asking President Barack Obama to issue the required Executive Order and/or for the U.S. Congress to issue the required Legislation or proclamation to award my father – PFC Abel B. Mendez – the Purple Heart on a posthumous basis.   I can be contacted as follows: Irene Mendez-Tello at 3302 Locke Lane , Austin , Texas 78704 or call me collect at 512-445-5974 or E- Mail me at Irenetello36@gmail.com

Link to the original article in Spanish: http://www.impre.com/laopinion/opinion/2009/9/24/autenticos-heroes-de-guerra-
150112-1.html 

Not all Europeans are ungrateful

Sent by Jose M. Pena JMPENA@aol.com

Medal of Honor Recipient Burial Sites

Sent by Joan De Soto  Casa San Miguel@aol.com

Fallen Heroes by State.

PATRIOTS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Paul Bergeron, Pelican Festival portraying Bernardo de Galvez 

The theme of the festival was MBS travels through time and Paul gave a brief talk on the accomplishments of Governor Galvez to the crowd.

ann70821@mac.com

Day of the Hispanic World Celebration
Institute of Hispanic Culture 

Daughters of the American Revolution
Spanish Task Force
Author: Sylvia Carvajal  Sutton

There continues to be a discussion on whom or why a Spanish National descendent can become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The guidelines set for the Spanish Nationals who qualify are very clear. To serve as a Presidual  Soldado in and of itself does not qualify the individual as a Patriot.  

In order for a Spanish Soldado to qualify for the Daughters of the American Revolution he has to have served in a campaign against the British in battles of the American Revolution. He/She also will qualify if he has rendered some type of aid to the colonists. As an example, he might have given a donation of pesos or other type of materials goods. There must be documentation that proves that this type of action happened. Spanish Records on the Soldados can be requested from the records in Spain.  

Civilians who lived in Nueva Espana can also qualify if they donated pesos or if they rendered aid to the colonists in some way. But always remember that proof of their deed must be presented when the application is submitted.  

Robert H. Thonhoff’s book ‘The Texas Connection with the American Revolution’ makes the case for the Texas Cattlemen. 

They rendered aid to the American Revolution by trail driving ten thousand head of cattle and several hundred head of horses for the cause.  This was no easy task, all one has to do is look at the distance from San Antonio and La Bajia to New Orleans . If you know anything about the terrain, you will know that it included thick Forests, Swamps,Rivers, all types of weather conditions and Indians who were set to kill the Military Escorts, Cattlemen and Mission Indian Vaqueros who were driving the Cattle. The warring Indians purpose was to steal the Cattle and the Horses.  

Recent research is showing that many of the Indian Tribes who were into this type of Warfare were being instigated by some of the Northern Tribes who in turn were being courted by the British.  

This past year the Spanish Task Force was successful in changing the rules concerning Naval Service. The ruling had been that only battles that occurred along the Eastern Seaboard would allow the Naval Personnel to qualify as a Patriot but with the work of the Task force under the Chairmanship of Molly Long Fernandez de Mesa we were able to have the ruling changed. It now stands that any Spanish National who has fought in a Battle at Sea in support of the Colonists will possibly qualify as a American Revolutionary Patriot.  

My advice to anyone wanting to apply for membership is of course to begin the first step. This first step is to do your research. You must do your family Genealogy.  

In July of this year the number of Spanish Patriots approved west of the Mississippi and a little to the east (namely Alabama ) were around twenty. Since July when I attended the 118^th Continental Congress and the Spanish Task Force Meeting in Washington D.C. the number may have changed a little.  

When I list an approved Spanish Patriot it means that some woman did their research, found who they thought was their Spanish Patriot, and submitted their application for approval to the Daughters of the American Revolution. These are the Daughters of the American Revolution Approved Spanish America Patriots.
 

                       DAR APPROVED SPANISH AMERICA PATRIOTS  

·       Beitia, Jose Antonio (1750-1823), Santa Fe

·       Calve, Joseph (1752-1792), Upper Louisiana

·       Campos Redondo, Jose (1753-1811), Santa Fe/Santa Cruz

·       Curbello, Jose Antonio (1746-1789),San Antonio

·       De Herrera, Juan Luis (1734-1789),Santa Fe

·       Flores, Leonor Delgado (1726-1795),San Antonio

·       Flores, Vincente (1757-1813),San Antonio,Bexar

·       Garcia de Noriega, Jose Vincente (do not have all information on him)

·       Gil Ybarbo, Antonio, (do not have all information on him)

·       Griego, Jose Antonio (1719-1785),Santa Fe

·       Juzan, Pierre (1736-1802), Mobile

·       Madrid Antonio Xavier (1743-1813) Santa Fe

·       Madrid, Ignacio (1750-1797,Santa Fe

·       Mares, Manuel  (1741-1804), Santa Fe

·       Miera y Pacheco, Bernardo (1719-1785),Santa Fe

·       Ortiz, Antonio Jose (1734-1806, Santa Fe

·       Riviera, Jose Viterbo (1752-1826), Santa Fe

·       Salinas Francisco (1752-1820),San Antonio

·       Salinas, Pedro Xavier, San Antonio

·       Vallejo, Ignacio Vicento F. (1748-1832), Monterey, Upper California

The Spanish Task Force is working diligently to find more Patriots. Out of all of Spanish America it is difficult to believe that only twenty Spanish Patriots existed between the years of 1779 -1783

We are currently researching Archives throughout the United States, Mexico, and Spain. We are searching for Original Documents (written in Spanish) that show proof of Spanish Soldados, Civilians, and Indians who contributed to the winning of the American Revolution.  

If you wish to contact me: ssutton5@satx.rr.com  

Author: Sylvia  Carvajal Sutton                                                           
October 2009
San Antonio, Texas
(Copyright 2009)

The first ever Descendants of Tucson Presidio 
will be inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution 
Ten Generation Genealogy Chart prepared by Monica Dunbar Smith

SURNAMES

Un apellido: Colaert
Publicado en Odiel Información el 13 de octubre de 2009

Hace unos días y estudiando documentación para un articulo que escribí sobre los apellidos extranjeros que se transformaban al afincarse en nuestros pagos, me llamó la atención uno que llegó a Andalucía en el siglo XVII procedente de los Países Bajos.

Se llamaba Pedro Colaert y procedía de Dunquerque, que era el más importante puerto militar de Flandes. El apellido Colaert lo tenían una autentica raza de marinos en aquella zona, como fueron Eloy Colaert que formó parte de la Armada Invencible al mando del navío “Fortuna”, o el Almirante Jaime Colaert, que era Caballero de la Orden de Santiago y al que se le reconocían durante sus treinta años al servicio de la marina,  mas de cien actos heroicos de guerra, apresamientos de barcos enemigos, aunque eso le produjo diecisiete heridas de importancia. Murió Jaime Colaert en España en 1639.

Cuando Pedro Colaert llegó a España, se afincó en Sanlucar de Barrameda y españolizó su apellido pasando de Colaert a Colarte. Se casó en 1649 con Maria de Lila, dama noble también procedente de Flandes.

Al llegar a Andalucía, venía con el firme propósito, dado sus conocimientos marineros, de establecer negocios con las Indias y para ello, alternó sus permanencias entre Sanlucar, Cádiz y Sevilla, estableciendo un trafico de mercancías de ida y vuelta con lo que obtuvo importantes beneficios y logró  amasar una gran fortuna que hizo de él, una de las mas reconocidas familias de su época.

En el año 1690, sus merecimientos fueron premiados por su Majestad el Rey Carlos II concediéndole el titulo de Marqués del Pedroso, dominios de Sevilla,  que Pedro Colarte y Dowers adquirió, favoreciendo con ello a la prosperidad andaluza y la suya propia.

Cuando Pedro Colarte llegó a Sanlucar, él procedía de la nobleza de Flandes, había el criterio que los nobles no debían trabajar como mercaderes, ya que se consideraba que esto lo hacían personas de menor categoría social.  Sin embargo cuando vieron que un noble hacía fortuna con esa profesión, muchos se decidieron a dejar a un lado los prejuicios y dedicarse al oficio.

                              Custodio Rebollo        

CUENTOS

Aging

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

6th Annual Olive Street Reunion, 
Another Great Success Again
Westminster, California

Our 6th Annual Olive Street Reunion was a great success again this year. As you know the event takes place at Sigler Park in the City of Westminster, California on the last Saturday of September.  People from the old neighborhood known as West or the Olive Street Barrio are invited to attend. We had over a hundred and fifty people young and old participate. Some came from great distances to join the crowd. All of us shared food, photos, stories, memories,  listened to music, karaoked and rekindled old friendships. We announced upcoming events and introduced several well know members of the community. We even had raffles and gave away a lot of prizes! The honorable Mayor Margie Rice spent most of the day with us and won big in the raffles. Dr. Al Vela also announced he is working on a book called “Memorias del Barrio” It is a work in progress and he is collecting data on the Olive Street Barrio to complete his research. Anyone with photos or information please e-mail and I will forward.

I would personally like to thank the members of the reunion committee for all their hard work and perseverance in planning the yearly event. The people who attend look forward to each year’s reunion and we are already working on what to do to make next year bigger and better. It was a wonderful event and due to a lot of planning it went on without a
glitch.           

 Olive Street Reunion - Red Shirt planning committee.

Thanks to all for attending, 
Ricardo Valverde
West13rifa@aol.com

Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research

November 7, 2009  
"History and Heritage of Indigenous Mexico"  
by John P. Schmal

Orange Family History Center

674 S. Yorba St .
Orange , California
 OFHC (714) 997-7710 

Meeting information: (714) 894-8161

Join historian, genealogist and lecturer John Schmal as he discusses the history and heritage of indigenous México.  

If your family comes from México and you have always wondered what tribes lived where your ancestors lived, this presentation will enlighten, educate and entertain. In addition, there will be a detailed discussion of the process of mestizaje and assimilation as it occurred in colonial Mexico.  

John Schmal is a Board member of SHHAR and has published several books on Mexican history and culture, including the recently published “The Journey to Latino Political Representation,” which chronicles the story of Latinos and their struggle for political representation from the Nineteenth Century to 2004. 

13^th ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

A TRIBUTE TO 
MEXICAN AMERICAN VETERANS

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Posting of Colors – 10:00 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: Lt. General Ricardo S. Sanchez (Ret.)
California State University , Fullerton  
Titan Student Union
800 N. State College Blvd.  

Sponsored by  Latino Advocates for Education, Inc. and
California State University , Fullerton
For information  call (714) 225 2499
www.latinoadvocates.org

LATINO ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION, INC
P.O. Box 5846
Orange, CA 92863
(714) 225-2499
www.latinoadvocates.org

October 6, 2009  

Dear Friend,  

Dr. Eddie Hernandez, Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, State Senator Lou Correa and Frederick P. Aguirre, President of Latino Advocates for Education, Inc. cordially invite you to attend a reception in honor of Lt. General Ricardo S. Sanchez (Ret.) on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rancho Santiago Community College District operations center, 2323 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA.  

General Sanchez was Commander of all coalition forces in Iraq from 2003-2004.  During Operation Red Dawn his forces captured Saddam Hussein.  The 3-star general was born in 1951 in Rio Grande City, Texas.  He graduated from Texas A & M University in Kingsville, Texas in 1973 with a degree in mathematics and he holds a Masters in Science in Research and Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.  He was the highest ranking Latino in the U.S. Army at the time he retired in 2006 after 33 years of military service.  In his recently published autobiography entitled Wiser in Battle – A Soldier’s Story, he details the story of his poverty- stricken youth and describes leading our forces in Kosovo, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He will also sign his book at the reception.

Please RSVP before November 3, 2009 by calling (714) 225-2499.

Sincerely, Frederick P. Aguirre
President

LULAC # 147 Awards Banquet
November 7
Eight women recipients of  
2009 Orange County Hispanic Women Recognition Awards of the Year 

United Mexican American Veterans Association, Orange County

UMAVA (United Mexican American Veterans Association) was very privileged to kick-off the annual and national Hispanic Heritage Month by having two young yet very mature and amazing guest Speakers at our monthly General Meeting and Potluck at the American Legion in Orange, CA this past Saturday September 19.  

US Marine Corps Corporal Miguel Vázquez and Corporal Sherman Watson, served 2 and 3 combat tours together in Iraq, respectively.  

The article below appeared in its original in Spanish in La Opinion on page 9A on 9/24/2009, a Spanish daily newspaper, published in Los Angeles, CA and distributed in the six counties of Southern California.  La Opinion is the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the US and second most read newspaper in Los Angeles (after ‘The Los Angeles Times’).

Maria Luisa Arredondo, a talented and consummate professional columnist for La Opinion wrote this article in Spanish after her participation with UMAVA. 

The attached translation into English below was conducted and submitted by Francisco J. Barragán CPA, CIA – Board Member and newly elected Vice-Commander for UMAVA.  Any errors in translations are Francisco’s alone.

714.605.2544 cell
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/francisco-j-barragan-cpa-cia/5/278/42