Wounds of War My fourth and final tour took me to Afghanistan in 2012 with the 414th Transportation Company. On September 28 of that year, our convoy was hit by multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One blast struck my gun truck, and as I moved to direct the recovery of the damaged vehicle, a secondary explosion hit. It threw me unconscious. I came under enemy gunfire just as a third blast went off. That day left me with a traumatic brain injury, torn muscles, hearing loss, and permanent damage to my neck and back. For my actions and wounds, I was awarded the Purple Heart and was medically retired in 2015 after 15 years of service. My awards also include two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and multiple campaign medals.
Plaques for Warriors
Among those we seek to honor with community support: U.S. Army Captain Jennifer Moreno 2013 Afghanistan – killed in action saving lives U.S. Marine Corps 1 st Lt. Oscar Jimenez 2004 Iraq – killed in action saving lives
U.S. Army Sgt. Albert A. Bañuelos, Jr. 1968 Vietnam – killed in action saving lives U.S. Army PVT Manuel “ Nay ” Hernandez 1945 WWII – killed in action saving lives
U.S. Navy EM3 Rudolph “ Rudy ” Machado Martinez 1941 WWII – USS Utah Pearl Harbor, first Latino killed in action
Warrior Plaques are not only awarded to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but also to living warriors. My own plaque was unveiled at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial on February 17, 2024. I proudly stood there with my parents, wife, children, and those I served with. I felt something changed in me. I felt humble. I felt proud. I felt a deep sense of peace. Every veteran and their families deserve that moment.
Plaques for Warriors Fundraiser – May 2025 (Photo courtesy©Miguel Alatorre)
From the Battlefield to Home After leaving the Army, I found healing in family, community, and the lowrider culture. I founded La Vuelta, a biweekly lowrider cruise that celebrates tradition through art, music, and culture. I also spent three years as Post Commander of Don Diego VFW Post 7420, mentoring veterans and opening the post as a place of outreach and connection. From the barrio to the battlefield and back again, every step of my journey has led me here, making sure that every plaque we place carries a promise: that a veteran’s service, sacrifice, and story will live forever.
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 9 – Proudly We Serve
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