GarfieldHighSchoolVietnamVets.com

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David M. Valdez ’66 – K.I.A. 08/06/69

My uncle had a huge welcoming smile. My uncle passed away in Vietnam. He died a few years before I was born…he has always been in my life. The family keeps him alive through all the memories. We love him so much. Thank you, Martha 'Marty' Valdez ‘92

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Ray Munoz ‘64 - Deceased

Ray Munoz, graduated from Garfield H. S. Summer Class of 1964 and is deceased now. Ray also served in the Vietnam War. Then he came home and became an L.A.P.D. Security Guard at the L. A. City Hall for Mayor Tom Bradley in 1973. Ray passed away in 2000.

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Gilbert Rodriguez ‘64

“I was on a search and destroy mission with my Army platoon on a suspected Viet-Cong Village.” Gilbert Rodriguez, Vietnam War 1965-1966

Picture B1-004 Cecil Amparan ‘ 61 –

Deceased

“Cecil was one of the youngest friends of our group and he was very intelligent. He was a Colonel in the Marines and an F-4 Phantom Pilot. He also had a Master’s Degree from USC and passed away about four years ago.” Jose Salomon ‘62, Classmate

Picture B1-005 Ruben J. Garcia ’71 –

Committee Founder/President

“Less than one year after graduating from Garfield High School and still only 18, I found myself in the Tonkin Gulf off Quang Tri in MR1 Section of Vietnam. I served with the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines 3rd Marine Division during Operation Song Thanh 6-72 (May 24, 1972) supporting the South Vietnamese Marines (VNMC) in combat operations. Being there at that time along with other Garfielians and guys from East Los Angeles made things a little bit better.” Ruben J. Garcia ‘71

Picture B1-007 Edward L. Ruiz ‘65

“This picture was taken at the base in Chu Chi, Vietnam - the year was 1966-1967 (I served with the 25th Inf. Div.)… no fond memories what so ever, just bad ones and counting and hoping to get home alive.” Edward L. Ruiz ‘65

Picture B1-006 Mario Salomon ’62 -

Committee Member

“This picture is from the summer of 1967 at a base camp on my day off. I transported ordinance for our base camps in the Central Highlands.” Mario Salomon ’62 - Committee Member.

Picture B1-008 Alex Avalos ‘64

Going back to camp from a destroy mission from Chu Lai. Vietnam War 1967-1969

Picture B1-009 Armando Valdez ‘65

“I was in Hotel Co., 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Division and in

Dong Ha the DMZ. I fought many battles, won every one of them

and was wounded in Tam Ky. I met one of my classmates, Robert

Andrade (Corpsman) while listening to the song “Sad Girl”.”

Armando Valdez, Vietnam War 1966-1967

Picture B1-010 Armando Valdez ‘65

In Vietnam, location unknown

Picture B1-011 Pete De La Peña ‘67

Mekong Delta – year unknown. Served in 9th Infantry Division, Second Brigade, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry. Earned the Bronze Star for Valor, three Air Medals, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantry Badge, and recommended for Silver Star.

Picture B1-012 Paul Rodriguez ‘67

“This is my Brother, Paul Rodriguez, when he just got back from

the Vietnam War in 1969 and got married to his girlfriend Janie.

My brother Paul was a tank driver in the Vietnam War and was

with the Army's Old Iron Sides, The 1st Armored Division. I'm

Proud of my two brothers Eddie and Paul who served in the

Vietnam War right after I got back from the war myself.” - Gilbert

Rodriguez, Vietnam Veteran, 1965 - 1966

Picture B1-013 Amauri Rodriguez ‘65

“My husband, Amauri, was loving and wonderful husband, father,

grandfather and a proud Veteran. He is remembered and loved

by all who knew him. Amauri was a caring and successful

educator loved by all his students and teachers…as a parent,

teacher, principal and administrator he was a mentor and friend

to all. Time was never an issue to spend with family, friends, and

co-workers. He will be forever in our hearts and remembered for

all the love and joy he brought to all of us. He went to be with

the Lord on September 13, 2014.” Mary “Marilu” L. Rodriguez

B1 - Roster Vietnam War Era Photos

Individual’s Pictures who will have their names inscribed on Monument

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David M. Valdez ’66 – K.I.A. 08/06/69

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Ray Munoz ‘64 - Deceased

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Gilbert Rodriguez ‘64

Picture B1-004 Cecil Amparan ‘ 61 –

Deceased

Picture B1-005 Ruben J. Garcia ’71 –

Committee Founder/President

Picture B1-007 Edward L. Ruiz ‘65

Picture B1-006 Mario Salomon ’62 -

Committee Member

Picture B1-008 Alex Avalos ‘64

Picture B1-009 Armando Valdez ‘65

“I was in Hotel Co., 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Division and in

Dong Ha the DMZ. I fought many battles, won every one of them

and was wounded in Tam Ky. I met one of my classmates, Robert

Andrade (Corpsman) while listening to the song “Sad Girl”.”

Armando Valdez, Vietnam War 1966-1967

Picture B1-010 Armando Valdez ‘65

In Vietnam, location unknown

Picture B1-011 Pete De La Peña ‘67

Picture B1-012 Paul Rodriguez ‘67

“This is my Brother, Paul Rodriguez, when he just got back from

the Vietnam War in 1969 and got married to his girlfriend Janie.

My brother Paul was a tank driver in the Vietnam War and was

with the Army's Old Iron Sides, The 1st Armored Division. I'm

Proud of my two brothers Eddie and Paul who served in the

Vietnam War right after I got back from the war myself.” - Gilbert

Rodriguez, Vietnam Veteran, 1965 - 1966

Picture B1-013 Amauri Rodriguez ‘65

“My husband, Amauri, was loving and wonderful husband, father,

grandfather and a proud Veteran. He is remembered and loved

by all who knew him. Amauri was a caring and successful

educator loved by all his students and teachers…as a parent,

teacher, principal and administrator he was a mentor and friend

to all. Time was never an issue to spend with family, friends, and

co-workers. He will be forever in our hearts and remembered for

all the love and joy he brought to all of us. He went to be with

the Lord on September 13, 2014.” Mary “Marilu” L. Rodriguez

B1 - Roster Vietnam War Era Photos

Individual’s Pictures who will have their names inscribed on Monument

Other Photos from Vietnam War Era

Picture B1-014 Rudy P. Torres ’67 -

Deceased

Date Unknown

Picture B1-015 Joe S. Torres ‘65

January of 1969 in Cantho Vietnam (on right)

Picture B1-016 Joe S. Torres ‘65

September 1968 in Tent City Long Bien Vietnam

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Anthony Ybarra W ’63

“This is a picture of my brother in his Navy uniform. During the

Vietnam War, Tony was stationed at MACV. Although he was a

“yeoman” he was involved in combat as he volunteered for

several “search and destroy” missions.” Noemi Ybarra King

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Joe Maestas ’63

Born in New Mexico, his family moved to East L.A. in the 50’s

where he was raised attending Eastman grammar school,

Stevenson Jr High, graduating Garfield High School Class of ’63

where he made varsity in Gymnastics. Joe went straight from

Garfield High School to the jungles of Vietnam where he served

in 101st Airborne 502nd Infantry. Photo and write up courtesy of

Norma Rodriguez

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Randy G. Barrio ‘73

1st Squadron 2nd Armored Calvary, Bindlach, West Germany.

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Carlos D. Venegas ‘68

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Victor Facio ‘67

Basic Training Graduation 1968 Camp Pendleton San Diego

County Oceanside CA

Picture provided by Eugene Sesma

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Eugene Sesma ’67

Vietnam 1970, exact location unknown. 2nd from the left.

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