http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_arti...4cbb8fbb8b155cb

Who exactly is a Latino? Hispanics have been serving in the U.S. military in
significant numbers and increasing their presence within the Armed Forces
since World War I. During the Korean War an entire Infantry Regiment composed
of Puerto Ricans fought in Korea with distinction. Puerto Rican and Mexican boys
and girls fought in Vietnam and served during this conflict in increasing numbers.
They now represent a disproportionate per capita presence in all of the Armed
Forces. During and before the Vietnam period they were largely grunts in the
Infantry but have subsequently been integrated into all the Armed Forces. I
personally consider them all Americans of distinction. Heroes all!!! I'm saddened
by the continuous misuse of these warriors in this epoch.

McAllen tx is near Brownville tx 5 miles from the mx.border


The Urge to Enlist -- Valley is a hotbed for recruitment
November 06,2004
James Osborne
The Monitor

McALLEN — His dad served 13 years in the U.S. Army, a tour in Iraq. He’s heard the stories from Operation Desert Storm, the wild dogs ripping at the dead, the blood of his father’s buddies pumping out of gaping gunshot wounds. Leroy Myers, 19, didn’t sign up for transport detail or the supply line; he wanted infantry — just like his dad.

"My dad’s company were the first ones into Baghdad. He was a specialist," Myers said.

http://tinyurl.com/5jqjl

Although academia will tell you that latino and hispanic are not synonymous, with which I agree from an academic perspective, they are in fact synonymous. I recall when serving in far away lands that spanish speaking members congregated in
their off time no matter what country they descended from. Our groups consisted
mostly of PR's, Chicanos, and the once in a while other which gravitated towards
our group pulled in by the common language and cultural aspects. We treated one
another as more than 1st cousins. We were in fact brothers and close ones at that.
But above all things we were proud American Warriors and considered ourselves
as American as anyone else. I grieve and mourn all my American Warrior comrades in arms from that generation as well as the ones now dying in Iraq. To
me they are child warriors with the idealistic notions that I held once upon a time
and I celebrate their innocence and willingness to die for what they perceive as
their duty no matter what. I would never denigrate their service or drag them
down in any manner. They are the true heroes of this hemisphere and we have
in too many instances wasted this wonderful raw talent. I applaud the recruiters who go after this wonderful resource in America. It's very simple, if the warrior
survives, he has an even chance of an unparalleled life in that blessed place where all mankind wishes to be. America. Les saluda un viejo que los quiere y
los admira a todos. Que los dioses los bendiga a todos los guerreros Americanos.
May the Gods bless all American Warriors......

Hector Varela