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Veterans of War Curated Collection

The Veterans of War Curated Collection is comprised of photographs, videos, interviews, conference proceedings, and presentations relating to military service veterans in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

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Veterans describe their lived experiences including but not limited to combat, war, violence, trauma, and injury. Sometimes these descriptions can be graphic in their detail..
The experiences, viewpoints, and time periods reflected in these interviews vary widely.

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12th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

University of Texas at Brownsville

Every year the Veterans Upward Bound Program hosts the Veterans Day Celebration on campus. Let's honor the service of our veterans. Join UTB and celebrate Veterans Day, Thursday November 10th Mary Rose Cardenas Hall South Lawn 12pm - 1pm
13th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College held the 13th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Thursday, November 8.
14th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

The campus community took time out to honor those who have served in our nation's military on this Veterans Day. Enjoy this musical photo essay of some of the highlights from the ceremony.
15th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

UT Brownsville's Veterans Upward Bound program hosted the 15th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Main Lawn.
Expert of the Month: Dr. William L. Adams

University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

Dr. William Adams joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Brownsville in 1987 as a professor of history. He holds degrees from The University of Central Oklahoma, the State College of Victoria, Australia, the State University of New York at Binghamton, and the University of North Dakota. After receiving his bachelor's degree, he served as a naval officer aboard the aircraft carrier Forrestal and as officer-in-charge of the message center at a NATO headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal. After receiving his advanced degrees, he spent 12 years working for the Marist monks, mainly in their schools in Australia and the Solomon Islands. From 1979-83 he was deputy headmaster of Sale Catholic College in Australia. Dr. Adams has been a summer fellow at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a visiting professor at Henan Normal University in China. In 2002 he was awarded an honorary professorship by China's Anyang University. Dr. Adams' books include "Portrait of a Border City: Brownsville, Texas," "Valley Vets: An Oral History of World War II Veterans of the Lower Rio Grande Valley," "Valley Vets II," "Remembering Xinxiang" and "Night Song and Other True Tales of the Orient." He is married to the former Roselyn Grantham of Glasgow, Scotland, and the couple have a son and two daughters.
Gary L. Villereal Photo Album

Gary L. Villereal, Alonzo Cavazos, and Mary Jane Coder

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry Division; II Field Forces
- Location of Service: Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; III Corps, Vietnam; Phouc Vinh, Vietnam; Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam; Fire Support Base Buttons, Vietnam; Special Forces Camp Bu Dop, Vietnam; Song Be, Vietnam; Phuoc Luu, Vietnam; Duc Hue, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Specialist Five
- Dates of Service: 1968-1970
- Entrance into Service: Drafted
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Agustin "Gus" Garcia

Agustin Garcia, Charles J. Ellard, and Jaime Cardoz

Agustin Garcia (b. 1942) was interviewed by Charles J. Ellard for the "Veterans History Project 2009" on October 9, 2009 at the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library. The interview was video recorded by Jaime Cardoza. This interview has been archived at the Library of Congress.

Mr. Cantu speaks about his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1960s.
Interview with Angélica González García

Angélica González García, Maritza De La Trinidad, Margaret E. Dorsey, and Ana Sarazua

Mrs. Angélica González García, born in La Joya, Texas in 1923 is the mother of Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García. She talks about her work as a machinist in the air base in Marfa, TX during WWII.

Interviewed on 13 February 2017 by Dr. Maritza de La Trinidad and Ana Sarazua.
Interview with Antonio L. Ayala

Antonio L. Ayala and Ricardo Alfredo Villarreal

Antonio Luis Ayala, born on 22 August 1918, talks about his service (1942-46) and achievements in World War II. Mr. Ayala served in 9th Armor Division, fought in the Battle of Bastogne, was held as a prisoner of war and interrogated by the German SS. He also discusses his family and life growing up in McAllen, Texas, as well as his readjustment to civilian life following the war. Antonio passed away on 15 November 1994.
Interview with Arnaldo Ramirez

Arnaldo Ramirez, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: Company B, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Division
- Location of Service: Chu Chi, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1963-1966
- Military Status: Veteran
- Service History Note: The veteran was wounded on May 12, 1966.
Interview with Augustin Santos, Jr.

Augustin Santos Jr., Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 116th Assault Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion
- Location of Service: Cu Chi, Vietnam; Long Binh, Vietnam; Vung Tau, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1969-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Carlos Suarez

Carlos Suarez, Sandra Trevino, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
- Location of Service: Dian, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Dates of Service: 1967-1969
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Eddie Howell

Eddie Howell and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Air Force
- Unit of Service: 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron
- Location of Service: Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Senior Airman
- Dates of Service: 1969-1973
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Eduardo Galvan

Eduardo Galvan, Sandra Trevino, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Unit of Service: Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Division
- Location of Service: Demilitarized Zone
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1968-1975
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Elmer Charles Gates

Elmer Charles Gates and Robert Everett Norton

Elmer Charles Gates (1900 - 1994) was born 20 April 1900 in Clarks, Nebraska. Mr. Gates served with the U.S. Army's 91st Division as a sergeant in charge of World War I infirmary. Subjects include family and farm life in Nebraska, war, the depression and working as a U.S. mail carrier.
Interview with Eluterio "Tello" Morales

Eluterio Morales, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
- Location of Service: Cu Chi, Vietnam; Ben Hoa, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: E-5
- Dates of Service: 1967-1969
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Faustino Garcia

Faustino Garcia, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry Division
- Location of Service: Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Dates of Service: 1969-1971
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Felipe de Jesus Nava

Felipe de Jesus Nava, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry Division
- Location of Service: Mekong Delta, Vietnam; Cambodia
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Frank S. Plummer

Frank Slater Plummer, Ashley Leal, and Reynaldo Leal Jr.

"Success: Rio Grande Valley Veterans," an exhibit by Ashley Leal and Reynaldo Leal Jr. was on display from April 13 - September 15, 2012.
Interview with Gary L. Villereal

Gary L. Villereal, Alonzo Cavazos, and Mary Jane Coder

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry Division; II Field Forces
- Location of Service: Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; III Corps, Vietnam; Phouc Vinh, Vietnam; Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam; Fire Support Base Buttons, Vietnam; Special Forces Camp Bu Dop, Vietnam; Song Be, Vietnam; Phuoc Luu, Vietnam; Duc Hue, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Specialist Five
- Dates of Service: 1968-1970
- Entrance into Service: Drafted
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Gerald Huldreich Nickel

Gerald Huldreich Nickel, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 198th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal)
- Location of Service: Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Private First Class
- Dates of Service: 1968-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Harvey Jack Ferguson - Part 01

Harvey Jack Ferguson and Robert Everett Norton

Harvey Jack Ferguson talks about his experiences in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and his career with Upper Valley Aviation in McAllen, including the avionic advancement, instrumentation, design and manufacture. He was born April 9, 1919. Mr. Ferguson also describes his early life, parents
Interview with Harvey Jack Ferguson - Part 02

Harvey Jack Ferguson and Robert Everett Norton

Harvey Jack Ferguson talks about his experiences in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and his career with Upper Valley Aviation in McAllen. He was born April 9, 1919.
Interview with Ignacio Mendoza

Ignacio Mendoza, Charles J. Ellard, and Jaime Cardoza

Ignacio Mendoza (b. 1978) was interviewed by Charles J. Ellard for the "Veterans History Project 2009" on September 25, 2009 at the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library. The interview was video recorded by Jaime Cardoza. This interview has been archived at the Library of Congress.

Mr. Mendoza, a native of Edinburg, TX, describes his recruitment and military service in the U.S. Army, including his deployment to Iraq. Mr. Mendoza and his two brothers all served in the US Armed Forces and were sent to Iraq independently and at one point simultaneously.
Interview with Isidro "Sid" Quintero

Isidro Quintero, Ashley Leal, and Reynaldo Leal Jr.

"Success: Rio Grande Valley Veterans," an exhibit by Ashley Leal and Reynaldo Leal Jr. was on display from April 13 - September 15, 2012.
Interview with Jesus Chavana

Jesus Chavana and Oralia Betancourt

Jesus Chavana relates his experiences in World War II in 1942.
Interview with Jimmy K. Beresty - Part 01

Jimmy K. Beresty and Tony G. Hyba

Jimmy K. Beresty relates the drilling of oil wells and specifications in the Rio Grande Valley. He also talks about Raycon oil field, Davenport Ranch, roads in McAllen, sewer systems in the Rio Grande Valley, outhouses, water treatment and storage, rain water, fans, air conditioners, wood stoves, the coming of electricity, employment, enlisting in the Air Force Reserve in Fort Sam Houston, Kelly Air Base, maintaining planes, work at Randall Air Force Base, then at Love Air Field, flying around the world as a result of World War II, A. Y. Baker corruption, Bentsen family, McColl Clubhouse Syndicate, effect of Great Depression, WPA (Works Progress Administration), and opinions on presidents.
Interview with Johnathan A. Ciurana

Johnathan A. Ciurana, Ashley Leal, and Reynaldo Leal Jr.

"Success: Rio Grande Valley Veterans," an exhibit by Ashley Leal and Reynaldo Leal Jr. was on display from April 13 - September 15, 2012.
Interview with Jose C. Gomez

Jose C. Gomez and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 196th and 199th Light Infantry Brigade
- Location of Service: Chu Lai, Bien Hoa, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Specialist Four
- Dates of Service: 1967-1968
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Jose H. De Santos

Jose H. De Santos, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 25th Division
- Location of Service: Tay Ninh Base Camp, Cu Chi, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Dates of Service: 1968-1974
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Jose J. Herrera

Jose J. Herrera, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Unit of Service: Echo Company, 1st Marine Division
- Location of Service: Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Lance Corporal
- Dates of Service: 1969-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Jose L. Rodriguez

Jose L. Rodriguez, Alonzo Cavazos, and Gary L. Villereal

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: A Company, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
- Location of Service: Vietnam
- Highest Rank: E-4
- Dates of Service: 1968-1971
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Jose R. Closner

Jose R. Closner and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1968-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

Juan Hinojosa, Ashley Leal, and Reynaldo Ramirez Jr.

"Success: Rio Grande Valley Veterans," an exhibit by Ashley Leal and Reynaldo Leal Jr. was on display from April 13 - September 15, 2012.
Interview with Juan De Lara

Juan De Lara, Mary Jane Coder, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry, Bravo Company
- Location of Service: Tay Ninh, Vietnam; LZ Grant (near Cambodian border)
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1969-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Juan Lopez

Juan Lopez, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Unit of Service: 9th Amphibious Brigade, 1st Division, 26th Marines
- Location of Service: Demilitarized Zone
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Military Status: Veteran
- Service History Note: The veteran was a US Navy Corpsman with the Marines.
Interview with Juan Villarreal

Juan Villarreal, Sandra Trevino, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Cavalry Division
- Location of Service: Vinh Phuc, Bien Hoa, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Specialist Four
- Dates of Service: 1970-1971
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Julian G. Ramos

Julian G. Ramos, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Unit of Service: 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
- Location of Service: Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Dates of Service: 1965-1967
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Kenneth E. White

Kenneth E. White and Robert Everett Norton

Mr. White discusses growing up in Raymondville, elementary education, home and family life. Work in oilfields, WWII US Army service in Europe, higher education. Teaching Raymondville schools, school tenure in Mission, numerous observations on education and family.
- 00:00 - (second half of interview) Has education changed for the better since the 1960's
- 06:47 - Single parent families and the fate of the United States
- 11:19 - Religion in public schools
- 14:43 - The changes in the Mission school district
- 23:37 - Athletics
- 27:23 - No pass, no play
- 29:50 - The value of encouraging post-graduate degrees
- 35:57 - Conclusion
- 37:21 - First half of interview begins
- 38:28 - When White was born and details about his parents
- 45:28 - Land clearing
- 47:28 - White's farm
- 48:16 - What White's home was like
- 51:47 - What school was like for White
- 54:57 - World War II
- 59:53 - Post-war experiences and university
- 1:08:06 - How White managed discipline when he started teaching
- 1:10:26 - Time spent in San Benito
- 1:14:06 - Rumor involving White being a gold miner
- 1:18:25 - The 1960's and Mission Texas
- 1:22:25 - Raymondville
Interview with Larry D. Matthews

Larry D. Matthews, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 11th & 198th Brigade, Americal Division
- Location of Service: Chu Lai, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Dates of Service: 1966-1971
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Lewis Callis

Lewis Callis and Diana Barrientes

Lewis Callis talks about his childhood, hobbies and time served in World War II.
Interview with Lionel Del Bosque

Lionel Del Bosque, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery
- Location of Service: Long Bien, Vietnam; Cu Chi, Vietnam; Phu Loi, Vietnam; Bear Cat, Vietnam; Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam; Na Trang, Vietnam; Tay Ninh, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
- Dates of Service: 1964-1988
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Lionel D. Robles

Lionel D. Robles and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Infantry Division
- Location of Service: Phu Vinh, An Loc, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1966-1972
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Lloyd Bentsen Sr. - Part 01

Lloyd Bentsen Sr., Denice Leslie Kemp, and Richard Kemp

Side 1 - Life as a boy in the Dakota's and war years. Side 2 - Dolly and War Years

Major General Lloyd Bentsen, Sr. was a pioneer of military aviation. He enlisted in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, United States Army during WWI, flew missions as a fighter pilot, commanded the Military Forces of Texas during WWII, and was appointed Commanding General, Texas State Guard Reserve.
Interview with Manuel Cantu, Jr.

Manuel Cantu Jr, Charles J. Ellard, and Jaime Cardoza

Manuel Cantu (b. 1952) was interviewed by Charles J. Ellard for the "Veterans History Project 2009" on September 22, 2009 at the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library. The interview was video recorded by Jaime Cardoza.

Mr. Cantu speaks about his military service in the U.S. Army with the Signal Corps, including enlistment, training, and assignments. He also discusses the mentoring and service opportunities for veterans and offers words of encouragement for young people.

This interview has been archived at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project
Interview with Manuel G. Peña

Manuel G. Peña, Mary Jane Coder, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 93rd Combat Engineer
- Location of Service: Dong Tam, Tan An, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1968-1970
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with María del Carmen Solís

María del Carmen Solís, Maritza De La Trinidad, Margaret E. Dorsey, Ana Sarazua, and Lupe Flores

Ms. María del Carmen Solís, born in Pharr, Texas in 1919, talks about her upbringing and her career in nursing. She served for 26 years in the US Army Air Corps as Chief Flight Nurse during WWII and the Korean War and completed assignments abroad in Spain, India, and Burma (now Myanmar).

Interviewed on 02 February 2017 by Dr. Maritza de La Trinidad and Ana Sarazua. The interview was recorded by Lupe Flores for Border Studies Archive.
Interview with Marie Edna Nickel

Maria Edna Nickel, Sandra Trevino, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Military Status: Civilian
Interview with Maximo Belmarez

Maximo Belmarez, Gary L. Villereal, and Alonzo Cavazos

Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (mechanized), 2nd Brigade, 25 Infantry Division
- Location of Service: Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Mammoth, New Jersey
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1965-1968
- Military Status: Veteran
Interview with Minnie Whitzel

Herminia Castillo Whitzel, Ashley Leal, and Reynaldo Leal Jr.

"Success: Rio Grande Valley Veterans," an exhibit by Ashley Leal and Reynaldo Leal Jr. was on display from April 13 - September 15, 2012.

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